Cover Story

Development of Social Sciences in the world was plagued by three factors: (i) the unresolved dichotomy in western and eastern thinking about human nature, culture and society emerging from varying world-views; (ii) the assumed supremacy of western social sciences over eastern texts; and (iii) the assumed supremacy of physical science knowledge when compared to the social sciences. In India, as elsewhere, Social Science education was considered less important than education in physical science and technology. For instance, national ranking systems even now does not include books published by reputed houses in the criteria for assessment for excellence (comparable to patents in physical sciences). Since knowledge in social sciences grows through analytical texts, ruling out published books as an important output

This state of pandemonium and disorder could be viewed as the opportunity for another political party, but apart from BJP, no other opponent would carry the national capability and outreach. Within the fortress of BJP too it was a daunting task of hierarchy and potential leadership. Yet, amidst the indecisive scenario, a leader of the masses rose with a determination to spearhead the second largest national political party in India. Later what followed is a history. As he launched himself in tough campaigning, a phrase gained so much popularity that even the opponents could not stay away from knowing, reading or talking about it. The sweeping victory attained by him for BJP may be credited to factors like urbanisation, demographic