What would Chanakya do today? Pavan K Varma asks in new book

classical Indian thinker's

"result oriented military, political and administrative strategy" through a new book.

"Change must be conceived boldly and accurately with a focused approach and audacity of original thinking. There should be a clarity of vision so that there are hopes and no illusions," said Varma at the launch of "Chanakya's New Manifesto - To resolve the crisis within India," here last evening.

If Chanakya were faced with the crisis that beset the country at every turn of the present time, what would he do? asks Varma who focuses on five critical areas - Governance, Democracy, Corruption, Security and the creation of an inclusive society in the book, brought out by Aleph.

"These are of the core of the crisis. Without a doubt India needs

A trajectory of growth. In fact a five per cent growth in India is equivalent to zero per cent growth

Even

with our challenges. But to achieve the target of the high growth rate you need governance. After elections you have 24 members of coalition with a little majority where all energy go to political management and survival," Varma told PTI.

Varma who details a practical and detailed plan modelled on Arthashastra, a treatise on statecraft penned by Chanakya about 2,300 years ago said, "We are full of discontent, angst, anger and alienation. But what is the way forward. What is the path ahead? How do we change India for better?"

"Whether it is laying the foundation for an independent and effective Lokpal, or decriminalising politics and successfully weeding out the corrupt, the solutions should be in constitutional framework but should be able to make differences between intent and action," he said.

The author entreated youngsters to read the book as they are the next citizens of the country. He foresees a proposal to be put forward by the young citizens to the government at the next parliament session in July.

"The youth should propose a change which is concrete, realistic and relevant and then help to generate public opinion so that it is not only an expression of anger, but a constructive movement for the way forward.

"If the young people of India think after reading this book that Parliament must convene an electoral reform, all the proposals are there in the line. The proposals and the content prepared by various government departments for 25 years are there.... A special session of parliament in July should be convened to discuss these proposals and then we go for next elections," he said. MORE