India gained independence from British rule in 1947, a moment celebrated as the nation’s ultimate liberation. Yet, 77 years later, the concept of freedom remains elusive and complex, with varied meanings for each individual.
Pradeep Damodaran’s new book, ‘In Pursuit of Freedom,’ delves into this multifaceted idea. Through his travels across India, from historical sites like Sabarmati, Dandi, and Jhansi to contemporary battlegrounds such as Nandigram, Unnao, and Kudankulam, Damodaran explores what freedom signifies for people from all walks of life. He meets survivors of riots, descendants of freedom fighters, social workers, environmental activists, farmers, and ordinary citizens to uncover their personal definitions of freedom.
The book evolves from a travelogue into a memoir, interweaving history and current affairs to paint a portrait of a nation in flux. It reveals a complex picture of India and its citizens grappling with the true meaning of freedom.
“This journey to understand freedom in India has been transformative,” says Damodaran. “The places I visited and the people I met have profoundly altered my perception of freedom and nationhood. I hope readers will experience a similar shift after reading In Pursuit of Freedom.”
Published by Harper Collins, ‘In Pursuit of Freedom’ will be released on 10 September on SoftCover, ThePrint’s online platform for launching non-fiction books.
Damodaran, also the author of the critically acclaimed ‘Borderlands‘—which was shortlisted for the Raymond Crossword Book Award for Non-fiction in 2017—and ‘The Mullaperiyar Water War’ (2015), continues his exploration of India’s diverse landscapes and narratives.
Rahul Soni, Associate Publisher for the book, remarks, “Pradeep Damodaran’s Borderlands was one of my favourite non-fiction works in recent years. With In Pursuit of Freedom, he embarks on another compelling journey across India, examining the evolving concept of freedom. This eye-opening work provides deep insights into the struggles and aspirations of contemporary India.”
In today’s India, the struggle with the idea of freedom is pervasive. Despite the country’s rich history of struggle and sacrifice, many Indians continue to grapple with what freedom truly means in their daily lives. This book sheds light on these ongoing challenges and the diverse perspectives that shape the nation’s understanding of freedom.
Also read: New book picturesquely explores issues derailing the planet through satirical humour