Suhel Seth discusses civic life at Delhi reading of WTF India

Suhel Seth questioned Delhi’s basic civic upkeep at a reading of his new book, *WTF India: Are We Losing the Plot?*, at The Leela Palace: “You can send a rocket to the moon, but you can’t fix a storm-water drain?”

Publisher Chiki Sarkar introduced the book, describing it as one of the most original titles released by her publishing house.

Seth spoke about everyday public life, including windshield stickers and VIP culture. He said perceived authority often rests on “the sticker on our windshield” rather than intellect. He also criticised the celebration of jugaad, calling it a compromise rather than innovation.

Seth returned to accountability in governance and civic systems, saying he would prefer a country whose people are “angry and looking for solutions” to one that is indifferent. As heavy rain fell outside, he used storm-water drains to illustrate the gap between national ambition and everyday urban maintenance.