Patnaik proposes a shift to constitutionally guaranteed economic rights, funded through wealth and inheritance taxes on the wealthiest, to ensure basic needs for all citizens.

Suman Mukhopadhyay's play 'Bechara B.B. (Of Poor B.B.)' does not offer the prospect of a fantasy world lurking just round the corner.

In a discussion with Subhoranjan Dasgupta, Professor Patnaik, a distinguished economist from JNU, explores the widening wealth disparity and how a focus on GDP can be used to legitimise transfers to crony capitalists.

Indians have often wholeheartedly greeted the spirit and practice related to the confluence of cultures. And yet, a recent experience tells me we have managed to stray far enough.