9 February 2016: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) erupted with ‘anti-national’ slogans. Arrests of student leaders, the shutdown of the university, a lecture series on ‘What the Nation Needs to Know’, a student’s disappearance, another’s suicide and a number of even more disruptive protests ensued. JNU: Nationalism and India’s Uncivil War, by a long-standing JNU professor, is a ringside account of what happened. Delicately and incisively crafted, it is an empathetic insider’s account of JNU’s problems from an expert in the field of higher education. Through this book, the author makes an impassioned plea to transform rather than destroy JNU, as also reform higher education. But more than that, this book is also a history of our times, of India’s ongoing transformation, the story of the changing selfapprehension of a nation. Examining the multiple meanings of nationalism in our time, Paranjape delves deeply into what it means to be an Indian today. He gives his perception and understanding of the new India that is fast emerging as India enters its 75th year of Independence. Review ‘Makarand writes with honesty and nuance. The skill to deep dive and present a point of view which neither gets addled in the floodlight of popular sentiment nor hubristic in the shade of moribund academia is rare.’ —PRASOON JOSHI, writer, poet and internationally acclaimed communication specialist ‘A commanding look at the trials and tribulations of an academic in JNU, at once illuminating and masterfully crafted, not so much a cry in the wilderness as a cry out for change. This book is a must-read.’ —ANAND RANGANATHAN, professor at Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, author and commentator ‘Makarand R. Paranjape’s deeply thoughtful book on JNU is essential reading for anyone wishing to understand the root causes of the recent ideological clashes the university has seen, and the pivotal role a culturally rooted yet dialogic nationalism must play in building India’s future.’ —PAVAN VARMA, author, former MP and ambassador to Bhutan ‘A book about nationalism and Left that was so gripping that I finished it in two sittings! ... Makarand’s sharp intellect can make even a dry subject like nationalism so engrossing.’ —RATAN SHARDA, writer, columnist and television commentator ‘This is an insider’s account from the heart of JNU and is essential reading for anyone who wants to develop a balanced perspective of the truth behind the headlines.’ —VIR SANGHVI, noted editor, print and television journalist, talk-show host, author and food critic About the Author During JNU’s ‘tukde tukde’ phase, Makarand R. Paranjape, professor of English, was one of the few who stood up to the ‘anti-national’ lobby. Formerly director, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla, Makarand was educated at St Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he got his master’s and PhD in English. Author/editor of over 50 books, in addition to hundreds of academic papers and articles, he is also a well-known poet and public intellectual. His latest books include Swami Vivekananda: Hinduism and India’s Road to Modernity (2020), New Perspectives in Indian Science and Civilization (2020), and The Death & Afterlife of Mahatma Gandhi (2015). Makarand has been professor of English in JNU since 1999.