" Traditions and modernity are misplaced polarities in the study of social change in India." Elucidate

AR Desai had indicated how traditions are rooted in economic relations and change in the latter leads to change in tradition and onset of modernity. He indicated how Indian society changed from feudalism to Capitalism in British rule and this was accompanied by change in social relations leading to unification among the masses to initiate revolt against the Britishers.

Milton & Singer also advocate that tradition being strongly entrenched in Indian society, the forces an encounter with modernity only leads to

Indianization of modern institutions. Eg: industrial appointments based on caste/kinship, etc, thus, tradition & modernity co-exist in India.

Scholars have argued how forces of modernization have altered the macro-structure (with modern institutions like industry, education, PRIs, etc) without affecting the micro-structure of caste, kinship and other primordial affiliations in a way reflecting the cultural lag (Ogburn) seen in Indian society.

Deepankar Gupta in his 'Mistaken Modernity' too argues how individualism/consumerism/exhibitionism doesn't constitute modernity. Modernity is an attitude which includes universalistic world view, dignity of labour, etc.

However, Indian brand of modernity has prevented Indian society from the mindless imitation of Westernization. This has meant that our society has been saved from perils of post modern society by retaining family, kinship ties, more respect for elderly, sustainable development, respect for diversity, etc.