New Delhi Review of Books Launches Its Inaugural Issue

New Delhi- The inaugural issue of the New Delhi Review of Books (NDRB) was launched in New Delhi, with Mr Sanjeev Sanyal, Member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India, as the Chief Guest. Mr Prem Ansh Sinha, Editor-in-Chief, and Mr Ananth Krishna, Publisher of NDRB and Research Director at the Nation First Policy Research and Change Foundation (NFPRC), were also present.

Ananth Krishna Emphasises Intellectual Pluralism
Mr Ananth Krishna described NDRB as “an intellectual infrastructure” and stressed the need for “genuine intellectual pluralism in India” and rigorous, non-doctrinal thinking. He said the publication would evaluate books on “the strength of their arguments, not the fashion of their politics”, encouraging serious debate and diverse perspectives.

Prem Ansh Sinha Highlights the Role of Critical Essays
Mr Prem Ansh Sinha described NDRB as “more of an acquired taste”, emphasising that review essays go beyond summaries to engage with arguments, references and evidence. He underscored the importance of institution-building and democratic participation.

Sanjeev Sanyal Calls for an Indian Perspective
Congratulating the young team, Mr Sanjeev Sanyal praised the publication’s editorial vision, design, production and quality control. He called for greater intellectual diversity and cautioned against ideological monoculture and the tendency to delegitimise individuals instead of engaging with their ideas.

Urging India to “reverse the gaze”, Mr Sanyal stressed the need to examine global developments from an Indian perspective and analyse other countries on India’s own terms, rather than relying solely on foreign assessments.

Focus on Institution-Building and Independent Thinking

Mr Sanyal emphasised that NDRB should prioritise longevity, consistency and quality over rapid expansion. Recalling major global and Indian economic developments, he highlighted thinkers such as Friedrich Hayek and B. R. Shenoy, while calling for independent Indian institutions and intellectual frameworks.

The publication has invited faculty members, think-tank professionals, PhD scholars, students and other representatives to participate through submissions, internships and collaborations. Mr Sinha described NDRB as “the meeting point for those who may shape India’s institutions and civic life”.

The New Delhi Review of Books is a quarterly publication rooted in the tradition of the critical essay. Covering politics, history, economics, literature and culture, it examines the significance of ideas and books for contemporary India. It is an editorially independent publication backed by the Centre for Studies in Indian Social Systems, NFPRC Foundation.