Referring to "events in the recent past" and taking a cue from a recent article by historian Ramachandra Guha that talks about "democracy being reduced to its electoral aspect only", the Vice President, at book launch here, spoke of the pitfalls of a propensity for symbolism, grand-standing and shortcuts.
He also cautioned against any attempt to "undermine the constitutional intent of scrutiny of legislation, of meaningful accountability and discussion on issues of public concern" and said that "these temptations should, must, be eschewed".
Stating that the identification of 'fault lines' by Dutt made for "distressing and disturbing reading" he said, "They portray failures of governance resulting from acts of omission or commission, even of mendacity; they were disruptive of social cohesion and resulted in harming -- at times grievously -- citizens of India."
Ansari mentioned that some of the dates in the years 1984, 1992-1993, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2007, 2008 are etched in public memory.
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Meanwhile, poet Vikram Seth, who read out excerpts from the book, commended Dutt for her work and said what India can teach the world lies not in yoga or any other thing but in how people can live in harmony with each other.
Among those in attendance were lyricist Javed Akthar, actor Shabana Azmi, sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and his sons, politicians P Chidamabaram, Jay Panda and Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.