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Liberal Perspectives for South Asia discusses the essentials of the liberal philosophy, while also indicating how appropriate it is in the South Asian context. In the past, the subcontinent was renowned for the skill with which it took up the dominant ideologies of the west and articulated them for the Asian context. In the post-colonial period, the only dominant ideology that was sidetracked by all political parties was liberalism, the ideology that promoted freedom of the individual. The idea of a book about the need for liberalism in the subcontinent was the brainchild of Chanaka Amaratunga, who set up the first avowedly Liberal Party in Sri Lanka.
Many political parties have implemented liberal policies on an ad hoc basis and without a proper framework to guide them. Not all parties would accept all aspects of a liberal programme, however, in a context in which many parties are seeking an ideology that accords both with the present times and trends, and also with some of the goals they accepted in the past. It is hoped that this volume will provide food for thought and ideas for adoption and incorporation within the party programme. Ranging from erudite expositions of classic liberal thinkers to lively discussions of liberal economic principles put into practice by imaginative entrepreneurs, this volume is essential reading for a region making a swift transition into the contemporary, globalized world.
Contents
Foreword
Chapter 1 – The Evolution of the Liberal Idea
Chapter 2 – The Fundamentals of Liberalism
Chapter 3 – Historical Roots of South Asian Liberalism
Chapter 4 – Liberalism and Constitutionalism: Parliament and the Judiciary
Chapter 5 – The Market Economy and Welfare: An Introductory Note
Chapter 6 – Grassroots Capitalism: A Glimpse of the Unrecognised India
Chapter 7 – Empowering the Poor: A Liberal Approach to Education Reforms
Chapter 8 – Not by Religion Alone: Aspects of Pakistani Society
Chapter 9 – An Appraisal of Economic Liberalization in Pakistan
Chapter 10 – Religion and Culture in the Liberal State
Chapter 11 – Social Freedom in the Liberal State
Chapter 12- The Future of Liberalism in South Asia
Select Bibliography
Notes on Contributors
ISBN - 9788175966628
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Pages : 236
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