Let’s Talk: The Culture and Castes of Corruption

KOCHI:
A riveting conversation on the phenomenon of middlemen and the pliable institutions of Indian democracy is on the cards at an evening discussion between award-winning investigative journalist Josy Joseph and intelligence expert Hormis Tharakan.
Centered around Joseph’s recently released book, A Feast of Vultures: The Hidden Business of Democracy in India, the conversation – the latest in the Kochi Biennale Foundation’s (KBF) popular ‘Let’s Talk’ series – will begin at Chavara Cultural Centre, Ernakulam, on Thursday, September 29, at 5 pm.
The event will also serve to launch the book here.
The talk will draw upon two decades of Joseph’s bylines from the frontlines of this shadowy symbiosis between politico-corporate puppet masters and their intermediaries, fixers and facilitators.
Joseph has shined the spotlight on some of the most high-profile corruption scandals in recent memory, like the Mumbai Adarsh Housing scam, multiple defence deals and the 2010 Commonwealth Games scam.
Hormis Tharakan, former head of RAW and the Kerala state police and KBF Trustee, will bring his own considerable experience to the conversation, lending further insight, nuance and gravi
tas to what is a highly charged issue.
“It is well past time for the public to have a heart-to-heart that reminds us to look at, not away from, the iniquities of the system, those that pull the strings and the disaffection of their marionettes. This timely, introspective conversation is a step to bringing about that discourse,” said KBF Secretary Riyas Komu.