Gunnar Myrdal's son: "Many believe caste is exclusively Indian, but it is not. You have social organisations in other countries, including mine, where voting is not carried out rationally, but on the basis of caste, clan and tribe."

feb 25th, 2012 CE

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: R
Date: Sat, Feb 25, 2012 at 7:35 PM
Subject: Swedish writer: "Many believe caste is exclusively Indian, but it is not. You have social organisations in other countries, including mine, where voting is not carried out rationally, but on the basis of caste, clan and tribe.
To:

Swedish writer and political commentator Jan Myrdal: "Many believe caste is exclusively Indian, but it is not. You have social organisations in other countries, including mine, where voting is not carried out rationally, but on the basis of caste, clan and tribe.

Eighty five-year old Swedish writer and political commentator Jan Myrdal was in India recently. Son of Nobel laureates Alva Myrdal and Gunnar Myrdal, Jan talks to Business Standard on elections, politics and the Left-wing extremism in the country. 

Excerpts from: 

http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-heredity-not-the-best-way-to-select-leaders-jan-myrdal/20120224.htm 

Though India is the largest democracy, the most prominent party, the Indian National Congress, is completely dynasty-dominated. Is that a healthy sign?

Well, I somewhat knew Jawaharlal Nehru. He was an interesting person and a leader, and I have great respect for him. But I don't think dynasty politics is good in a democracy.

I see not only his grandson, but his great grandson taking part. Heredity is usually not the best way to select leaders.

Though voting is a democratic right, elections here are dominated by the caste factor. Instead of voting for developmental issues, caste and wealth are predominant. What are your views on it?

The caste system in India is deep and destructive. Many believe caste is exclusively Indian, but it is not. You have social organisations in other countries, including mine, where voting is not carried out rationally, but on the basis of caste, clan and tribe.