Mark Tully (1) (1935–)

This is a series of essays about contemporary India by a long-standing BBC journalist who was born and has lived there for many years. The book is well written and provides a fascinating insight and narrative to accompany the, at times shocking, exhausting and exhilarating scenes of a visit to India. Each chapter deals with a different aspect of Indian society and culture - economic prospects, the state of democracy and elections, independence movements, corruption, education and development, preservation of the tiger and so on and is connected to the next in some way so the book holds together well.… (more)

Tully, for many years the BBC's correspondent in India, loves that country and it's people (despite their many faults) and it shows in these stories of village life. Fictionalised in order to save the participants from repercussions they have, nonetheless, an air of authenticity about them that conveys the sense of what he encountered in his travels in Indian life. Recommended, but best read in conjunction with some of his other writing about India in order to get some sense of Tully's deep knowlegde of and attachment to that country and its people.… (more)

The man I stayed with in Goa reccommended this book for me to read, I wanted something about Indian history/politics/culture -- and not some white upper-middle class woman's spiritual experience as a tourist or whatever. /No Full Stops In India/ was perfect for me, entertaining essays and insights by a former BBC journalist who truly loved the country. The book is comprised of 10 chapters, plus an introduction and an epilogue.

"Ram Chander's Story" is about Tully's servant: his life, their relationship, attending his daughter's marriage. It is a fitting first chapter to the book, gives a taste of the humour, tales, thoughts and insights of a white man absorbing and living in Indian culture.
"The New Colonialism" deals with the lasting impact of the british raj and how the Indian elite, with their western values, are shaping the country and infiltrating every sector of the culture - sometimes misguidedly.
"The Kumbh Mela" is the description of a religious event that is thuroughly Indian. I read this chapter in Hampi in Northern Karnataka the day of a similar festival where I'd gotten so frustrated at the Indians lack of order and masses of humanity that prevented me from getting from one side of a river to another because every time people tried to board a boat, too many got on and it started sinking. Rather than organize the crowd into a queue, they stopped the boat shuttles altogether until the second boat was finished being built.... Enterprising Indians took advantage of the situation and offered to ferry people across in coricles (essentially wicker baskets) to make some easy money. The whole ordeal reminded me of this chapter of the book...
"The Rewriting of the Ramayan" is about he intersection of india's film industry, religion/mythologies, and general culture.
"Operation Black Thunder" is one of the more political-events focused piecies in the book, about Sikh extreamism and the sensitive way the Indian government police and army deals with religious fundamentalism.
"Communism in Calcutta" talks about the crazy politics of India and one groups attempt to revitalize India.
"The Deorala Sati" is about a country and caste coming to terms with questionable religious practices, as well as how feminists are seen in India.
"Typhoon in Ahmedabad" talks about the shady local politics surrounding riots and religious differences, and highlights the disconect between the politicans and the poor, and the press and the poor.
"The Return of the Artist" is a story quintecentially Indian, similar to the opening chapter it is funny but informative at the same time.
"The Defeat of a Congressman" is a sad last story about Indian politics and one mans attempt to make good for India despite the beurocracies qnd confusions.

Really interesting book, I think Mark Tully provides an interesting view od Indian culture and politics. My main problem I had was the fact that it was written in 1990, and I'm sure a ton has happened in India since them so I'm not sure how much of uis ideas are still totally relevant.… (more)

Rather disjointed.

Mark Tully, now Sir Mark Tully, is well known for his impartial reports from India. His voice is familiar to listeners to BBC, up until 1994. He was born in Calcutta and educated in India and England and is perfectly positioned to understand the intricacies of life in India. His knowledge of the language also allows him to cross barriers.

Although this CD starts out well, with Indian music, a short speech from Neru and an introduction from Mark Tully, I found this method of presentation became increasingly disjointed as it progressed. Time skipped forward and back and vital dates were missing at times. On one occasion the narrator gave time to the minute, hour and day but neglected to update the year.
While Mark Tully's BBC voice is clear and concise, some of the audio clips of other people were difficult to understand.
The CD was originally published in 1997 and at least one of the statements about India's position in the world is now outdated.

In spite of these annoying drawbacks, I did learn a fair bit about the history of India since independence and for that reason I am giving this audiobook 3 stars. I doubt I will struggle through it again, however.… (more)