Continuity and Change in Indian Society: Essay in Memories of Late Prof. Narmadeshwar Prasad

Indian Society is in a flux. Old equilibrium is disturbed. While traditional legitimacy to the embedded is a thing of the past, present does not seem favourable to the wretched on the earth Process of growth seems to have thrown in its wake stresses and strains that are in need of reconciliation While western models of growth have been rendered unimpressive to the problem of the developing societies emergence of effective alternative strategies for growth with equality tends to be elusive People?s response to the forces of modernity remains selective. Tradition survives inspite of strides in modernisation. Old seems to be in incompatible tandum with the new.
The context of transition therefore is an important and interesting dimension for research and reflection. There is an urgent need to capture the possibilities and limitations of strategies of change. Resistance and adaptability deserve identification and expert explanation from the professional in social sciences. The work is an attempt to initiate dialogue on change and continuity in Indian society. It seeks to add to the available literature on the theme in order to provide understanding of factors facilitating change as well as those opposed to it. Pattern of change, selective adaptation, stresses and strains in transition, limitations of strategies for change and conflict between ascendants and embedded find scholarly articulation. Gaps in scientific investigation of the context and consequences of change are indentified Priority areas for exploration have been indicated to outline rounded perspective on change and continuity in Indian Society. Known experts seek to explain and elaborate these in depth as well as in coverage.