The 64-year-old chairman of The Boston Consulting Group in India is an authority on policy and the Indian political system. Arun Maira has previously written The Accelerating Organisation: Embracing the Human Face of Change, Shaping the Future: Aspirational Leadership in India and Beyond and Remaking India : One Country, One Destiny.

Now, Arun Maira is back with his fourth book, Discordant Democrat that was launched at Delhi’s Taj Palace Hotel on May 24 th. “I wrote this book because I have a viewpoint about the functioning of our democracy,” says Maira and goes on to explain that like in China, democracy should follow development, not precede it.

Priced at Rs 395, this 209-page book argues that in healthy democracies, politics cannot be left merely to politicians: people at all levels must take responsibility for shaping their future. Maira argues, “RWAs in Delhi complain about the bad roads and unkempt parks but why can’t they come together and take charge of the parks and roads?” he questions. The Delhi-based author spent one year writing Discordant Democrats. Maira is already working on his next book where he offers solutions for regular citizens to participate in nation building. “It’s our collective responsibility to improve India, not just law makers,” he says firmly. We agree.