Book Review #102: Think With Me: Fundamentals for making our country ideal By "Saharasri" Subrata Roy Sahara

Title: Think With Me: Fundamentals for making our country ideal

Author: “Saharasri” Subrata Roy Sahara

Publishers: Rupa Publications India

Genre: Non-Fiction

Pages: 150 (Paperback)

Source: Advanced review copy from Publishers

Subrata Roy Sahara is a self made billionaire. Whatever may be the adverse transactions or financial hiccups he might have faced that eventually landed him in jail. But, that didn’t deter him to pen down his thoughts about the country and the ways it can be made better for the future generations. This book is a sequel to his other books “Thoughts from Thihar” & “Life Mantras”.

In this book Roy has argued some of the pressing issues that India as a nation is facing in each and every day.  He has penned down his idea of how we can tackle those problems in a more mature way and including every stakeholders at present. Though some ideas seem out of the box and some may feel it is ridiculous, but one has to appreciate the thoughts that have been put forward in this book.

The book has many ideas pertaining to many current problems. Especially his ideas about the exploding Indian population that is a sure shot threat in the future. Quoting the example of China’s one child policy, Roy has asked the government to take up the stand and device only two children policy for Indians. He has also put forward his ideas of giving financial perks to those families that will stick to the two children policy. The idea may seem plausible if we look at the present problems we have due to over population. Still over 30% of India’s youth are unemployed. Quality of life is deteriorating day by day. Children are suffering from malnutrition. Equal opportunity seems distant possible because the system cannot accommodate each and every individual with a nice living and earning. As a personal opinion, honestly, I feel the idea should and must be implemented.

As we read through the book, Roy has suggested some improvements in the electoral process that we already have been practicing over 50 years. Author suggests that an MP (Member of Parliament) be selected outside the election purview and they should be able to monitor the works and progress of an elected MP. He has to report to the Prime Minister periodically with the stats and figures of n MP’s works. If the report seems to show that an MP has failed in delivering his promises to his people, then he can be sacked immediately. Though this idea seems to be a nice one, but implementing this will be an add-on task on the government exchequer. There are able government bodies and agencies that can keep track of an individual portfolio’s progress and recommend improvements.

At the last part of the book, Roy talks about the role of media, the fourth pillar of our constitution. These days’, the media’s role has been largely opinion oriented than the facts driven. Print and Visual media both are in a rat race to deliver fast new to their viewers and readers, that makes them to deliver news without checking the facts and relevance. As per the author’s suggestion, he recommends the government to curb the media and put forth a stringent guidelines and recommendations in terms of delivering the authentic news. There are lots of people who are persecuted due to the false propaganda of media. He suggests to setup fast track courts in dealing with the media’s propagandist nature. These courts should be able to deliver justice quickly and make the media to behave in a more responsible way. Through this even lawyers would get employment and many of other staff members. Given the context that author has come up with this idea, I see that he has been a personal victim of the false media propagation. Anyway, there are courts to decide whether Subrata Roy was indeed innocent and was actually framed by the media. I really liked this particular idea. It should be the need of the hour to control the mainstream media in a country like India. People are constantly fed with the false stories, propaganda news, malicious content, inappropriate allegations, and so on.

Overall, I feel this is a nice book. The ideas and thoughts mentioned by the author was really an eye opener. The very impressive idea that made me to think for over few minutes was to have a national religion for India. Does that really work? We have no idea. But, author’s urge to have a national religion for a diversified country like India seems too unconventional. Never in the wildest dreams of any Indians, would this become a reality. Even though majority of the country are wishing to see it happen in near future. This book is not a recommending material, but to read once is not a crime.

My Rating:

3/5

Note: This book was given to me by the Publishers in exchange for an unbiased review.

Book Review #101: Crooked Minds - Creating an Innovative Society By Kiran Karnik

Title: Crooked Minds – Creating an Innovative Society

Author: Kiran Karnik

Publishers: Rupa Publications India

Genre: Innovation Ideas/Society and Social Science

Pages: 220 (Hardbound)

Source: Advanced review copy from Publishers

What it takes to being innovative or inventive? What are the roles that an individual, society, organizations, governments, cities, states and countries play in building those sustainable models? What are the pros and cons of doing the same? What are the parameters that one should and must consider while innovating? How those markets can be capitalized? These are some of the questions that any entrepreneur will face in their lifetime while they’re trying to establish a new venture of their own.

This is a book that speaks about those challenges of setting up an innovative culture in any aspects and in any scale. Be it an individual contributor or a team, each one of them can gain a good insight from this book on how to take a step ahead. Innovation is something that requires out of the box thinking in each and everything that a person or an organization does. But, what are the pitfalls or lessons that one needs to incorporate in dealing with such aspirations? This book specifically deals with that ideas where the entrepreneurs can get a new perspective altogether.

The book has various sections covering wide range of topics which deals with the innovation. Author Kiran Karnik, a man of many credentials, has crafted a well researched and thought off book that could create an interest among individuals who can take up the role of entrepreneurs. The author emphasizes the fact that exploiting and capitalizing the Indian innovation market (popularly called as “Jugaad” market) and tap into those areas which is not yet been given full research and importance. He has given numerous examples of companies from Indian and international arena. 

One such example is the organization called “Zip Dial” a venture setup by a foreigner in Bangalore which purely exploited the Indian invention of “Missed Call” concept and started out a huge organization based on this very comical idea. Zip Dial has assigned a specific number to their clients where customers can give missed calls to it and immediately the customer would receive the required information regarding that product or services at no cost. This is purely a win-win situation for both customer and the company. This was proven a game changer for the company Zip Dial, and they went on to add nearly 500 clients as their customers in few years of starting it up. Zip Dial was acquired by Twitter recently.

Further reading into the book, we will also get to read stories of the startups, now big companies like Uber, Netflix, and Airbnb. These companies have had their basic idea of exploiting the untapped markets and created a niche out of it. Now, Uber has definitely changed the concept of how the customer will book a taxi service and how Airbnb has asked the users to become hosts for strangers in their country by sharing their accommodation for a nominal fees setup by the customer themselves.

The book also covers some of the important aspects regarding the logistics considerations while setting up the new company. From the Indian perspective, author has carefully probed and analyzed the major metro cities and the advantages and disadvantages that it provides to support a new venture. He has eloquently explained about cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi/NCR, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata and so on. He also emphasized the 2^nd tier cities like Ahmadabad, Cochin, Surat, Pune, etc…

Author also expressed his concern regarding the government policies that are available in promoting the innovation and startup cultures in the country. Also, he has suggested the new entrepreneurs to reach out to specific government bodies to avail the facilities and funding for their startups. This includes from various fields and not only IT sector.

The author has made some good amount of research on the standings of India on a global startup scale. India’s ranking in the yearly patent filing category. How India is faring low compared to USA and China in filing and procuring the patent rights for their unique designs and concepts. He has explained the importance of obtaining the patents to inculcate the habits of safeguarding the intellectual property rights of an individual and organizations.

The book also stresses about the need of the high quality university requirements for our country. How a globally recognized institutes would result in fostering a startup culture and why India is basically lacking these kind of infrastructure. For sure, India is struggling with old syllabus in our technical universities and is not keeping up with the pace of the changing world. The book has a clear explanation of the importance of higher; advanced technical education. This is the need of the hour if we want our younger generation to compete with others globally to make a mark in the startup initiatives and making them a success.

Overall a must read book for all those aspiring entrepreneurs. This will give you a fair idea of how competitive this world has become in terms of setting up new ventures. I would definitely recommend the readers to buy this book.

My Rating:

5/5

Note: This book was given to me by the Publishers in exchange for an unbiased review.

Book Review #97: White Clouds, Green Mountains By Ruskin Bond

Title: White Clouds, Green Mountains

Author: Ruskin Bond

Publishers: Rupa Publications India

Genre: Short Memoir/Short Stories

Pages: 135 (Paperback)

Source: Advanced review copy from publishers

Ruskin Bond is a master story teller. When it comes to capturing the essence of nature and beautifying it exceptionally through writings, then, Ruskin Bond tops that list. He wrote an excellent collection of stories that describes the vast range of North Eastern region. This book mainly has the stories of nature, mountains, rivers, animals, birds, rains, snow capped mountains, etc… Author also dwells little into his personal details by writing two short stories on his adopted family and penned few pages describing his life along with them.

The book “White Clouds, Green Mountains” describes the stories of author’s sojourn in his hometown Mussoorie and his stay at various places surrounding this area. His encounters with the nature, the birds, and the animals are a treat to read from this book. The book has a collection of over 10 different stories that describes the nature, animals and birds.

A story that titled “Songs of the Whistling Thrush”, in which, the author speaks about a bird that has made its nest next to his bedroom window. He has seen this bird perched on his window and singing the sweetest whistles. As the days passed by, he sees the bird has formed its nest near the window and there are three eggs of that bird. Amused at the sight of it, author exclaims in jubilation saying, what if all these birds (young ones and old ones) started to sing in next few days, and for sure he wouldn’t be able to concentrate on his writings.

Another story that titled “Travels with my Bank Manager”, in which, the author writes about his experiences with his Bank Manager Ohri, who takes the author on a surprise trips across the valley to see some rare birds and animals. Though the author always finds these trips as tiresome, but he seems to enjoy a lot. He hasn’t forgotten to mention an embarrassing event where they had to eat Dog biscuits in order to satiate their hunger, when they were out of town and stuck in the middle of the forest.

In one of the stories that titled “The Kipling Road”, author finds the traces of the route that was long used by another famous writer Rudyard Kipling that visited Mussoorie a few years back. He got the leads from his friends from abroad regarding the Kipling’s visit to his town.

Describing his personal family details, author has penned a story that titled “And Now We Are Twelve”. Author gives us a brief account of his adopted family and fair share of their names. He also mentions about his grandsons with whom the author had shared a special camaraderie.  He also mentions about the places they have lived along all these years and the houses they have shifted, the female members of the family, the male members, the kids and toddlers with whom he has lived all these years and grown old with them.

We will also get to read some other interesting stories from the book such as The School among the Pines, The Night the Roof Blew Off, The Last Truck Ride, In Search of the Sweet Peas, White Clouds, Green Mountains, etc… overall, a nice collection of short stories along with some personal details of the author. Not a recommending material, but worth the time pass.

My Rating:

3/5

Note: This book was given to me by the Publishers in exchange for an unbiased review

Book Review #92: The Laughing Skull By Ruskin Bond

Title: The Laughing Skull

Author: Ruskin Bond

Publishers: Rupa Publications

Genre: Short Stories/Children’s stories

Pages: 112 (Paperbound)

Source: Review copy sent by Publisher

Ruskin Bond is a well acclaimed author and most loved children’s writer in India. Most of our childhood days have been filled with the stories of Ruskin Bond. His short stories with little added horror and humor have always been a fascinating experience for any children then and now. One would always wonder how Ruskin Bond manages to write such simple, joyous tales all the time. Each and every story that he has written is refreshing. Stories that are mild horror and filled with fragrant smell of nature makes anyone wants to read again and again.

This book is one of those books where you can just sit on a lazy day in your cozy chair and start rummaging through the pages and go nostalgic all over again. Frankly, I stopped reading children books a long time ago. But still, when I was approached by the publishers to review this book on my blog along with three other titles from Ruskin Bond (Which will be reviewed shortly), I couldn’t say no to it. This is Ruskin Bond. My whole childhood was filled with the tales I’ve heard, read from his books. I just enjoyed this book like I always enjoy any books from Ruskin Bond collection.

The Laughing Skull, though it is the title of the book, it is the first story. There are nearly over 30 such short stories. Some are little horror and some humor. Additionally, other stories which are of funny ghosts, stupid ghosts, scary ghosts and what not.

The Laughing Skull is a funny story of a Skull that the author received from his doctor nephew. He put that skull on a mantelpiece at his home. Slowly, he felt that he was being watched by this skull. Feeling little strange, author decided to put that skull in a cupboard. After few moments, the cupboard started shaking violently, and the skull just popped out of cupboard and started bouncing up and down. Feeling little scared, the author wraps this skull in a box and tries to send it back to his nephew and goes to post office to deliver it. Within minutes of dropping this box at the post office, the skull started chasing the author straight out of the box. Author then decides to put that skull inside a football and gave it to a school. Felt relieved for few days, author started to miss this skull. It was an odd feeling. So, he decides to search this skull and get it back to his home. In his quest, he goes to a fortune teller and was surprised to find his skull lying with him. With enough persuasions and monetary compensation, author was able to successfully retrieve his skull from that fortune teller and kept that skull on the same mantelpiece in his home and felt an odd relaxation that he has never felt before.

There are few other stories which we might have already heard off. Susanna’s Seven Husbands for example. This little tale of a vicious woman, who supposedly married seven times and directly or indirectly killed all of her seven husbands one by one. This was an interesting tale that was narrated by a servant to the author. This story was made as a Bollywood film under the title “7 Khoon Maaf”.

We also get to read stories that are paranormal. One such story is the story of two sisters and a single brother. Usha is the eldest among her siblings Binya and Suresh. This is a story when one day Usha decides to visit town nearby. She had to cross the deep forest from her home to get to the town on the other side for the essential purchases. But there was a strong rumor among the village that, the forest is haunted during the night. One day Usha went across the town to make purchases and while returning there was heavy downpour in the forest and she couldn’t able to cross the forest before dusk. She decides to take shelter in the abandoned house in the forest. During night, she hears strange voices as if someone is calling her. She found out that, it was her brother and sister who came finding her all the way from village. So, all three of them decides to stay till morning. During their stay they were hearing many haunted voices, people calling their names etc… Once it was dawn, they started to village. Usha hears a voice saying goodbye. She thinks it was her brother or sister. But both of them walked silently. Then all three of them again hears the same voice shouting goodbye, goodbye.

The book is full of such suspense filled stories. We also get to read few stories like two brothers story that is full of morale. Story about an idiot husband, vicious wife and a helpful ghost. Story about a haunted swimming pool. Story of a paranormal pillow, etc… It is quite fascinating to go back in the days when such simple stories were filled with enough horror, suspense and thrill. I had similar experience even now while reading this collection.

Overall, a definite guide to go back to those childhood days. Reminisce all those beautiful days where you just want to read Ruskin Bond all day under your blanket. I would highly recommend it for everyone. Live you childhood once again.

Note: A review copy of the book was given to me by the publishers in return for an honest review.

My Rating:

5/5

Book Review #91: Johnny Gone Down By Karan Bajaj

Title: Johnny Gone Down 
Author: Karan Bajaj
Publishers: Harper Collins India
Genre: General Fiction/Contemporary Fiction
Pages: 324
Source: Personal Copy

Rarely few books keeps us engaged from page 1 till the end. Especially with the new age Indian authors, who write mostly the college romance, marriage and such similar stuff? This has become a mundane affair to see every tom, dick and harry who claim themselves as authors and writers. There is no fresh perspective whatsoever with it. 

Johnny Gone Down, by the author Karan Bajaj is nothing of that college romance as such. Though it has its fair share of college story but, it’s just at the beginning and the novel takes an entirely different route. I liked this novel. It has all those elements that a reader expects. If I may say so, it has more than what one would expect from a relatively new author.

The plot of the novel seems quite unusual from the page 1 itself. We see the protagonist in a gun duel bet, where he can lose his life in any moment. At the pull of each trigger, the protagonist imagines what transpired his life to this end. He imagines his happy days, his sorrowful days. His other opponent, a cancer patient, who is in a need of money to perform his daughter’s wedding is ready to give away his life in a snap. This gun duel is quite impressive as it helps the story to move forward. 

The readers will be in a strange quest before even starting with the initial few pages. As the title by itself is more intriguing. Why the hell this book is named Johnny and why he has gone down? The readers begins with this question in their mind. The protagonist of the novel is Nikhil Arya or Nick. Born to a wealthy NRI parents who moved out of India to settle in America. He lost both of his parents while he was young. As charming and studious as he is, expectedly Nick gets his ticket to MIT, Boston. 

Well, the story does start from his last examination day. He and his friend Sam begins their unplanned trip to Cambodia. But what awaits at Cambodia is a surprising factor. The country that is torn by the rebels uprising had made it worse for the civilians. Expectedly, the protagonist does gets stuck in Cambodia, but the fate had other plans. While Nick rescues Sam by showing his passport as his friends. And, he gets caught by the rebels and story takes it first major turn.

As one reads through the pages, more or less, the story goes on in a predictable mode. The readers could guess what might happen. The protagonist was captured and made to rot in closed jail for about two years. By somehow, he escapes from there and finds himself in a monastery in Thailand. 

In Thailand, our protagonist Nick, thought of staying for a long duration than he was anticipated initially. He learns meditation, he becomes a teacher and a monk as well. The quest continues further as we read through. Nick, now travels to Brazil to set up their meditation school. There he finds a different life altogether and he ends up being a drug lord and money launderer. He meets Marco, a drug lord, who happened to get saved by our protagonist Nick. There is a special love track in this part of the novel that might shape the future of our protagonist.

As the book progresses in each page, we feel a sense of urgency to see what is in store for Nick. From Brazil, his journey takes him back to USA. There he is homeless, cashless and even identity less. The writers can actually construct the most unbelievable events that makes no sense in real life, but still, in this novel, like any regular novel, the unthinkable happens. At the age of nearly 40, the protagonist Nick learns to code and builds an alternate virtual life game. Now here is the overdone part in this novel. How much ever the readers tries to comprehend the luck factor of Nick, it doesn’t become a convincing factor. He finds himself in the most horrid situations, but he has this extraordinary luck factor, that binds his fate in safe hands.

So, as the novel inches in for climax, we feel a sense of relief that, something good will happen to this Nick or let him die peacefully at least. Quite expectedly, he meets his childhood friend Sam, now a big tycoon of media industry. They meet and greet each other and share their whole bunch of successes, failures and stuff, like a reunion. There, our protagonist, changes his name from Nick to Johnny for a better future, but decides against it and let the JOHNNY GO DOWN!!

Overall, a good attempt with the contemporary style fiction. The story is quite unthinkable. Readers should come to terms with many events in the novel, because it happens only in fiction world. Language is simple and lucid. Can be read within few hours. Not highly recommending stuff, but yeah, you can give this book a shot. Worth it.

My Rating:
3/5

Book Review: #90: The Battle for Sanskrit: Is Sanskrit Political or Sacred, Oppressive or Liberating, Dead or Alive? By Rajiv Malhotra

Title: The Battle for Sanskrit: Is Sanskrit Political or Sacred, Oppressive or Liberating, Dead or Alive?

Author: Rajiv Malhotra

Publishers: Harper Collins India

Genre: Non-Fiction/Language & Linguistics

Pages: 488(Hardbound)

Source: Personal Copy

This is a must read book for every Indian who is a courtesan of Sanskrit. Rajiv Malhotra has established an authoritative argument in this book by enunciating the rejoinders and refutations in the most erudite way and confronted the western narrative of the language Sanskrit.

It has been proven time and again that, we Indians, have a propensity to consent the views of a western or white man whenever they come up with any works on India. We believe every word of their elucidation, as if, it is the most sought and well acknowledged work. It is a common trait, because, when a western mind has shown interest to study India or Indian culture, we believe that these people are appealed to our culture and practices. Well, the veracity is far-fetched.

This book “Battle of Sanskrit” discourses the very same dispute in a comprehensive manner. Apparently, this is a significant work for the many Indologist scholars that are doing their research on Sanskrit since several years. Atrocity literature is not a new phenomenon for our country. It has been an instrument for most of the westerners, politically leftists and communists to perpetrate the abhorrence towards some class of people. Here in this book, the author refers to those westerners that has worked relentlessly to tarnish the importance of Sanskrit and devalued the language as oppressive, politically incorrect, and dead.

The author exclusively engaged the works of Dr. Sheldon Pollock, a distinguished Indologist as he claims and did extensive research works on Sanskrit since many decades. The author has presented us to the terms called “Outsiders” vs “Insiders”. The readers must not take into consideration that an outsider means a non-Indian and insider means an Indian. The metaphor mentioned here is basically unpretentious, an insider is someone that believes Sanskrit as a language which is sacred, liberating and alive, and this person can be an Indian or a foreigner. Whereas, an outsider means someone that believes Sanskrit as political, oppressive and dead. Again, this outsider can be someone from India or a foreigner, plainly can be mentioned as Leftists, Communists.

As per the title of the book advocates, this book mainly debates on the prominence and germaneness of the language Sanskrit. Author has asked those questions in the title of the book itself.

Political or Sacred?

Oppressive or Liberating?

Dead or Alive?

As many western minds have premeditated the language Sanskrit and made a noteworthy contributions in their own way. Amongst them were Ingalls, William Jones, Sheldon Pollock and many such peoples. But what is most troublesome in their works is, their interpretation of the language as socially oppressive, barbaric and dead. Author Rajiv Malhotra has exclusively selected several works of Sheldon Pollock and tried to give a perfect counter narrative. As per Pollock, our Vedic scriptures, Puranas, Kavyas and Upanishads were mere works of common people and that too it all happened in the Buddhist era. He also argues that, the great Ramayana essentially illustrates the social oppression and encourages violence. Rajiv Malhotra has carefully analyzed these claims and provided a completely substantial retort on why Pollock is erroneous on so many levels.

The book gives us a rational perspective of seeing the things in a diverse way. It encourages the readers to adopt the Purva-paksha. It is a call by the author to reverse the gaze of the westerners and see the Sanskrit in a more Indian way than a western way. Author also emphasizes the point that, translating Sanskrit or regional text in to English is a risky affair. This is basically because, a western vulture would take up any significant work and hand picks the bits and pieces as it suits him and presents a version that is totally devoid of what the original critical Sanskrit edition was supposedly intended to achieve. Thus the ownership of the text passes from an Indian to a westerner just because it is in English and widely read!!

This book is not a rabble rousing of Grammar or literature. It is about the politicization of Sanskrit scholarship. It reveals and studies the production of knowledge and intellectual control mechanism in a globalized modern western world. It documents the vested interests of the American orientalists that are wielding control over the Sanskrit tradition from the helpless Indian pundits and thereby break the backbone of Hindu tradition. From the Pollock’s argument it seems clear enough that, Sanskrit is something Nazi. He argues that, Sanskrit in fact encouraged the Hitler of Germany to perform the Jew holocaust.

An additional frightening aspect that Malhotra expressed is that the funding that these authors are getting globally. Even the Indian billionaires that are well established globally is establishing the organizations that funds these western scholars to execute their works. One such example is the is wealthy Infosys industrialist Narayan Murthy’s gift of millions of dollars to Sheldon Pollock of Columbia University for overseeing the translation of 500 classics by US-based Sanskritists under the umbrella called “Murthy Classic Library”. If any learned Indian doesn’t educated these billionaires about their wrong doing, then it is imminent that, we will witness more atrocity literature in the coming days that would make any Indian self-loath.

Apart from donating millions to these western vultures, the spending of Hindu funds on non-Hindu interventions to do research work is unworthy and dangerous. Pollock’s approach to Sanskrit studies is what he calls “political philology”. His sole intention is to destabilize the foundation of the country that was built on. He sees Greek, Latin and Sanskrit under the same lens. He has consistently undervalued the spiritual dimension that Hindus associate with Sanskrit, and portrayed it as a language of oppression and barbaric. This is not out of malevolence, he deserves the benefit of the doubt regarding his motives (he has for instance deplored the decline of classical studies in India, leaving a void which he now steps in to fill).

Pollock’s political motive is clearly visible from his works. To add a cherry on the cake, Pollock actually expressed his dissent over Narendra Modi. He has signed various petitions asking several dignitaries, universities, associations for inviting Modi to certain events and inauguration functions questioning them to reconsider their decision citing the very same reason that many leftists and communists and pseudo-seculars in India have been doing since a decade and a half. His motive is clear from his behavior. Pollock not only wants any Indians to interfere in his so called claims of Sanskrit authority, but also, he doesn’t want any able India minds to challenge a counter narrative. Do we want that aversion for Hinduism to have control over the Sanskrit heritage?

Overall, a well-researched book. Rajiv Malhotra had given hope for the serious Indologist and Sanskritists to take a step back and observe what they are putting themselves into. He has taken a powerful stand on the self-respect of Hindu tradition. Every Hindu should and must join hands with him in facing these atrocity literature producers.

My Rating:
5/5

Book Review #86: Tinderbox: The past and future of Pakistan By M.J. Akbar

Title: Tinderbox: The past and future of Pakistan

Author: M.J. Akbar

Publishers: Harper Collins

Pages: 330+ (Paperbound)

Genre: Non-Fiction/History/Politics

Source: Personal Copy

As a history aficionado, I am always fascinated by the history. Especially interested to learn more about India and Pakistan. The Tinderbox by renowned journalist, columnist and writer M.J. Akbar provides us a fascinating and a riveting account of how the formation of Pakistan happened and what were the reasons behind it. The book is well researched and documented.

The narration of the book is in chronological order starting with the Islamic invaders into India right from the Sultanates, Ottomans, Turks, Moghuls, etc… Each invader has a specific purpose in their minds, that is, conversion and pillaging the country to the maximum. Author has narrated a brilliant picture of all these things in the most simplistic manner. The book never seems to be a hard read, rather, one can enjoy each chapter and reminisce the historical aspects.

Pakistan as a country, which was created out of religious demands by the handful of influential people who worked mainly to satiate their ego. Starting with Maudadi in the post Mogul era and with the advent of Mohammed Ali Jinnah during the British era had just one agenda and propagated the same. Indian Muslims are not safe in the Hindu India. They have purposefully spread this message time and again and lured the masses into believing that Islam is in danger in India.

The book mainly divided into three different levels. First, the Muslims of India during the time of Islamic invaders time in the likes of Turks, Afghans, Moguls, and Sultanates etc... Secondly, the Muslims of India during the British tenure and finally the Muslims as what we see today, in Pakistan. The creation of Pakistan on the basis of religion itself is a major setback for Pakistan. The Qaid-e-azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah has envisaged something before the partition and aspired to turn Pakistan into something similar to Turkey (a modern secular Islamic country) was failed at large. From the book, we can make sure that, the intervention posed by the mullahs and other religion fundamentalists in the administration of Pakistan government resulted in not achieving what Jinnah aspired off.

The Indian Muslims before the partition was constantly brainwashed by the leaders like Jinnah and Maudadi with their constant public stunts of Muslims are not safe in India. Jinnah even went a step ahead and used Gandhi’s metaphor of “Rama Rajya” into something unbelievable. Jinnah has said to his followers that, Gandhi wants India to be Hindu rajya and not a secular state. All these things led to the partition of India into India & Pakistan. While India has come out the grim situation of partition, whereas Pakistan is still under turmoil by keeping one leg in Islamic ideologies and other in democracy.

M.J. Akbar goes on to explain the political angle of Pakistan post partition. Just after 2 months into Independence, Pakistan has started to eye on Kashmir. With the input of religious fundamentalists, Pakistan started to train their Mujaheddin a.k.a terrorists to wage a proxy war against India. India on the other hand, had brilliantly tackled all the attacks of Pakistan in every war and defeated Pakistan. Pakistan’s humiliation went hundred degrees up when its eastern piece has fought with them to create what is now called as Bangladesh. India had helped Bangladesh to gain its independence. The more humiliation for Pakistan when more than 90 thousand Pakistan military persons surrendered before India as prisoners of war.

The book further explains the Pakistan’s stand on terrorism on a global scale. It’s no more a secret that, Pakistan’s ISI (Inter Service Intelligence) agency was the father of breeding terrorists in their backyard. It has proved time and again that, several terror groups like Laskhar-e-Tayyaba, Jaish-e-Mohmmad, Hizbul Muzahiddeen, etc… was the brainchild of Pakistan to wage an alternate kind of war against India to clinch Kashmir. The book provides an ample amount of evidence from various references that how Pakistan is nurturing terrorism in their own country. It was proved on global level when Osama bin Laden was found in the safe harbor of Pakistan, in a city called Abbottabad.

With all these dreadful attempt by Pakistan with the sole purpose of gaining Kashmir has proved nothing in favor of them. Instead they should concentrate on their country by uplifting poor who are joining terrorist organizations because they don’t have enough money to support their families. The advent of Madrasas in thousands of numbers has proved again that, the religion indoctrination has seeped into every vein of a Pakistani. As the book suggests, there is no turning back for Pakistan to see what has happened, instead, they should focus of building their future for the coming generation of Pakistan.

The book covers some more fascinating facts and figures which I have not included in my review. The book has been brilliantly written, profoundly researched and documented. A collectors gems. Written in the simplistic style with good anecdotes makes this book more readable. A recommending stuff.

My Rating:

4.5/5

Book Review #76: Durbar By Tavleen Singh

Title: Durbar

Author: Tavleen Singh

Publishing Year: 2012

Publishers: Hachette India

Genre: Non-Fiction

Pages: 260+ (Digital eBook edition)

Source: Personal Copy

The political journalist turned writer Tavleen Singh has written an excellent book, which is a firsthand information that she has witnessed in her career as a political journalist. This book, as it goes with the name "Durbar" contains the account of the Prime Ministers that ruled India since the 70's. Yes, we are talking about Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi with a brief and startling account of Sanjay Gandhi, and the Italian Wife of Rajiv Gandhi the Antonio Maino a.k.a Sonia Gandhi.

The book is gripping in every aspect pertaining to the insider information of Indira Gandhi’s government. Tavleen writes about the days when Indira Gandhi became the Prime Minister of the Democratic India and events followed thereafter. Sanjay Gandhi who appeared to be apolitical, turned out to be someone who ran the government on behalf of Indira Gandhi. The Author has written exceptionally covering every possible details of this crooked Sanjay Gandhi. Sanjay Gandhi In fact had a say in everything in the Indira Gandhi government or she had granted that special permission to his dictator son to meddle with the functioning of the government.

Author goes on to expose some of the murky details of the emergency that Indira Gandhi declared in 1975 after Allahabad court issues a judgment that disqualified her as an MP. The events that followed in the name of Press Censorship during emergency that almost resented by everyone. According to the author, the emergency days were the dreadful days which became the sole reason for the rise of some of the prominent leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and LK Advani etc...

After the assassination of Indira Gandhi by her personal guards and the ascension of Rajiv Gandhi as the youngest Prime Minister of India was one of the notable events in India. But the expectations were soon faded out after Rajiv Gandhi failed to stop the brainless attack on the Sikh people. Author had opinionated that, Rajiv could've done well to stop this. Who will forget that nonsense statement by Rajiv Gandhi when he was asked to comment on the massacre of Sikh community "When a big tree falls, the earth shakes".

The important takeaway from the book is the author's observation of Sonia Gandhi and her political growth. Sonia had relatively fewer friends in India in the beginning when she came from Italy. She was very close to the Quottorchi family. As per the author, these Quottorchi duo were more than mere friends of Sonia Gandhi. They had some unusual influence over the government to get the huge contracts. Sonia on the other hand, was apolitical and kept herself away from all these business. But, she wasn't that regular kind, she was keenly observing every move of her Mother-in-law Indira and her husband Rajiv. In fact she would be there in every interview that Rajiv gives to the media.

The book is clearly an eye opener for anyone who believed Rajiv or Indira has done some good job during their governance. For sure, they would have a second opinion on these Prime Minister duo. Sonia on the other hand was very reserved and careful until her husband's assassination in Tamil Nadu.

The book ends at the stage when Rajiv's assassination took place. The Durbar is truly an account of the blind Durbar (Private Ruling) of these duo who took the country to the dogs. I recommend this book to everyone. A must read.

My Rating:

5/5

Book Review #60: The Eye of Rudra By Thomas Sturm

Title: The Eye of Rudra

Author: Thomas Sturm

Publishers: Exocubic Media

ISBN: 9781483536446

Genre: Thriller Fiction

Pages: 190 odd pages

Source: e-Review Copy 

Many novels have been spun around Hindu mythology stories and it has been received really well by the readers. I am quite sure; this book "The Eye of Rudra" by the author Thomas Sturm is a nice attempt in this genre. This is an excellently written novel. It has suspense, thrilling moments, covert operations, modern weapons etc... I made the right choice when I was offered to review this book by the author. I had enjoyed reading this book.

The plot of the book is quite interesting. A businessman of Hindu origin Mr. Hashim Naidu is doing some illegal business in the oil world.  Interestingly his company was being called as "Nandi". On papers he was the provider of modern machinery to the oil drillers in Arab, Asia and few western countries. Inside he is doing some research project, which could potentially kill the oil businesses in entire world. This research project is based on "Rudraksha" or "Rosary Beads". These beads had some special bacteria in it which can be used adversely on oil. Hashim Naidu was pumping a great deal of money on this pet, but dangerous project.

This project information has somehow leaked in the western world and all international intelligence agencies were going gaga over it and wanted it to stop at any cost. At this stage, the protagonist of our novel Nick comes into the scene, he is an army official trained in this kind of operations. Along with Nick, there are few more spy agents from different countries, Ian a British, Raawan Najya a Saudi female spy, IQ man and others.

This team of highly capable spies sets out on an epic journey to find and nab this Hashim Naidu and his project. The rest of the novel takes us to too many countries including Iraq, Saudi, India, Nepal and Tibet. "Mount Kaliash" of Tibet is the climax point of the novel. The vivid description of the operation and close encounters, description of spy machineries is an excellent read. I stop at this point and recommended the readers to read the book. You'll enjoy as much as I enjoyed reading it.

I sincerely felt that the book could've been cut short by at least 20 to 30 pages. Wedding participation in the final few pages could've been avoided as it proves no connection to the story whatsoever.  Najya's role was limited and I am not sure why the author had not brought her inside the operation? And made her just a radio message sender!! I expected a lot out of Najya's role.

The entire story is captivating and it makes the readers not to put down the book. A must read thriller.

My Rating:
4.5/5

Book Review #46: Playing It My Way: My Autobiography By Sachin Tendulkar

Writing review to the well known facts is a bit overdoing the task!! But, let me tell you, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Paaji’s autobiography. With help of Boria Majumdar, Sachin has written excellently and given us a walkthrough of his life from the age of 11 till his retirement at the age of 41.

I don’t go over describing the events that unfolded in his life as a cricketer. We all know it better over the years by watching him play. What might be the takeaway from the book? Well, his determination. That’s all I can say. Having succumbed to hell lot of injuries, Sachin managed to play an illustrious career of 24 years. Started as a novice, ended as a Bharat Ratna!! Not an easy task to become the favorite of most of the Indians that loves cricket. Having born in the 80’s, he was my hero in my childhood and surprisingly my first bat that I was gifted by my dad had MRF sticker on it!!!

If we speak about the book, it speaks less about his childhood and more about his statistics. It has to be, doesn’t it? Started to play cricket at the age of 11 and within 5 years ended up in the national team is not an easy achievement. He never looked back from then on. He carried on with the same zeal in his entire career. Of course, there are some ups and downs, hiccups, disappointment, resentment, etc…but, nothing has stopped him going on.

He did mentioned some of the gray patches of his career and expressed his disappointments over few events that happened in his career as a player and as a member of team India. Particularly Greg Chapel being appointed as the coach of team India that made our team looks weaker than Bangladesh or even Kenya. He had openly criticized in his book about Greg and his cunning motives. On one occasion, where Greg meets Sachin in his house and asks him to take over the captainship from Rahul and even goes on telling him that, they both can rule the Indian team in the coming years. Having sensed all this, Sachin declined it out rightly and asked Greg to not bring this topic anymore. We will come to know many such stories of Greg and his “Hatke…” style of coaching India that resulted in damaging the team’s morale and spirit.

Sachin also mentions about few events where he wished things could’ve been little better. One such thing was Kapil Dev being appointed as the team’s coach that made no sense to him!! In one of the particular test match where he was not out on 194 short of 6 runs to his double hundred, that’s when Rahul had declared our innings!! This decision of Rahul had made Sachin furious for few days and even he stopped talking to Rahul for few days!! When Rahul tried to explain to him that, “It’s in the interest of team” Sachin was reluctant to listen to him and instead he made his point clear that “You could’ve have waited for 6 more runs”!!

He goes on explaining each and every tour he had made in his carrier and expressed his wish of becoming the world champion. Remember, Sachin has played in 5 world cup events since 1992 and couldn’t able to be on the triumphant side. He had to wait for his 6^th world cup to witness this moment. Anyways, he had written in great care about all these events.

He carefully dodged few things regarding his captaincy, match fixing scandals, IPL spot fixing. He managed to brush few lines on these events. That’s expected according to me. He even avoided why his friendship with Vinod Kambli had taken turns in the years down the lane. He just managed to write few lines about his and signed it off saying; he is still friends with him.

He has written that he was super agitated when it came to his 100^th international 100. This one particular hundred took almost a year and half to come into the fore. As a fan, I was disappointed that it came against Bangladesh!! :)

Enough said about his autobiography. It is certainly a must read book. Even though you are not a fan of Sachin (Duh!!), you will certainly witness few funny, sad, heated epic moments from his life as a Sachin – A Good Student of Cricket, Sachin - The Cricketer, Sachin – The Foodie, Sachin – The Shy Guy, Sachin – The Patriot, Sachin – The Proud Father, Sachin – A Responsible Son, Sachin – The Friendly Guy, Sachin – The Well Behaved Gentleman, Sachin – A Philanthropist and finally Sachin – The Epitome of Indian Cricket.

Overall a fantastic journey I must say. I was so engrossed while reading it; I finished reading it in flat 2 days :). There are nice photographs from his childhood, his trips, his marriage, etc… At the end of the book, you can see his complete career statistics, his runs, his hundreds, against which team, home and away runs etc…

Towards the end of the book, you can read his last speech that he gave at wankhede stadium thanking every single person that played a crucial role in building up his career, starting with his family members, his wife Anjali, importantly his childhood coach Ramakant Achrekar, his best friends, his significant others in the team like Sourav, Rahul, Laxman etc...He finished his book in style thanking his fans for all the support that they have given him in his career and mentioned that he will never forget the “SACHIN… SACHIN…” chant of his fans till his last breath!

My Rating:

5/5

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Book Review #41: 99 Thoughts on Ganesha By Devdutt Pattanaik

We all love this elephant headed god, aren't we? He is by far the most loved and respected God throughout India. He is worshipped by each and every one without any religion hindrance. His stories would always fascinate anyone. Probably he is the cutest God that was loved by everyone regardless of the age or gender.

Pattanaik, by now, one of my favorite mythology story tellers, had done ample research before penning this book. His anecdotes are very impressive pertaining to the information he has provided in this book. Though it’s a short book spanning over 160 odd pages, it has everything to know about Lord Ganesha.

Even after having known so many tales and information about Ganesha. What makes this book unique is the extra mile that the author has gone to garn more interesting details and connecting the dots together. Who is Ganesha? What is his background? What makes him so special among the Indians and particularly Hindus? What are the tales behind Ganesha getting the elephant head? What occasion made Lord Shiva to behead Lord Ganesha? Why he has been referred as the obstacle remover? What’s the story behind people chanting Ganapati Bappa Morya? The questions never stop right? Well, if you are finding it hard to get all these information, then this book is the one stop solution to all your doubts. It is rich and resourceful to know about God Ganesha. I must admit that, I had come to know many tales which I never came across all these years.

Like his many other books, Pattanaik has juxtaposed the modern day rituals that can be directly linked to the mythological tales and symbolism with respect to Ganesha. I liked how he had narrated the details that go from India, Thailand till Mongolia. We all know the regular tale behind Ganesha’s elephant head. But Pattanaik has given us few other tales and folklore beliefs behind this story.

What I really liked about this book is, Ganesha that riding on a peacock. Peacock is called “Mor” in Hindi. Thus, it makes clear for the readers that, why people chant, “Ganapati Bappa Morya”. He also mentions about the race between Ganesha and his brother Kartikeya. This race was set up Narada Maharshi to see who has more wisdom and who can think profoundly. Well, Ganesha having a Mouse as his vehicle couldn’t race with his brother Kartikeya who had a flying peacock as his vehicle. So, Lord Ganesha decides to walk around his parents Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati symbolizing them as the whole universe, thus displaying the profound thought. This was a good takeaway from the book.

At the end of the book, author Pattanaik has given a list of popular Ganesha temples across the world. He explained the probable reasons behind why these temples marked as a prominent place of worship. He also explained the different names of Ganesha and its meaning. One such example is “VINAYAKA”, meaning one who was born without the help of a male companion (In Sanskrit VI means “without” and NAYAKA means “male person"). Thanks to the author for explaining something which I was not aware of. The explanation for the Ashta Vinayaka is a fantastic section from the book.

Pattanaik doesn’t forget to mention about the freedom fighter Lokamanya Balagangadhara Tilak who made Ganesha Chaturthi as a public festival. This particular movement has combined people from different walks of life, thereby giving the required momentum for the India’s Independence movement.

I recommend this book to every reader that wants to learn more about Lord Ganesha. May the blessings of Lord Ganesha bestow upon you.

“Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha!!”

My Rating:

5/5

Book Review #40: Train to Pakistan By Khushwant Singh

There are many stories that were told by many authors about the India’s partition in 1947. But, this one particular book "Train to Pakistan" by Khushwant Singh stands a class apart. It doesn't portray the gory details or the massacres that happened during the partition; rather, it takes a completely different route by the story of a quiet, peaceful village Mano Majra (in Punjab).

Mano Majra a fictitious village between India and Pakistan border, that was popular for its harmonious living. The villagers were living with tranquility and always co-operative to each other whether he is a Muslim or a Hindu or a Sikh. They lived happily without worrying too much about the partition or they weren't aware of happenings in both sides of the country, until the day the moneylender of the village Ram Lala was murdered on the suspicion grounds.

Of all the main characters, Hukum Chand the village magistrate, Juggut Singh a local gangster who gets arrested frequently for petty crimes and was the prime suspect in Ram Lala's murder and Iqbal Singh an educated communist who visit Mano Majra in order to bring in reforms that he has planned, plays the pivotal role in this novel.

In spite of the partition rift all over the country, Mano Majra seems to be an exception for all of it. Everyone in the village Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs lived in harmony. Like all the good things must come to an end, Mano Majra lost is peacefulness on the day a train arrived from Pakistan containing dead corpses of Sikhs that were supposed to get migrated from Pakistan to India. Later events unfold a tragic story that makes the life of Mano Majra people difficult.

The book ironically portrays the much disturbance that India's partition created. In spite of winning the freedom from the white men, the whole country put at stake things that should have been clearly avoided on amicable means whose consequence is felt even today among both the countries living as arch rivals. Nobody is blamed in the book but it explores on how innocent people's lives were thrown apart without any reason. Keeping that in mind author Khushwant Singh made the magistrate to order the village Muslims to leave India is as a disturbing one that makes one think on how people of that time would have felt leaving their home and place like refugees for the fear of life one fine day. It is traumatizing for these people to leave their belongings such as their household items, their beloved pets, and their happy little homes. What I liked was Singh has tried to bring the local pulse during the partition. People were subjected to number of trauma for no fault of theirs blood massacre is all through in terms of rape, murder and loot. The haunting memories are brought alive with Singh's detailing. Juggat Singh’s dialogues make a mark most of the times, his way of assessing things and trying to learn English is a little comic touch in the book. Plot is played to derail the train that carries Muslim to Pakistan, Hukum Chand overhears it and let Juggut Singh and Iqbal to rescue the people but Juggat is passed out. Ultimately, the plan of attacking the passengers that were leaving from India to Pakistan was somehow made to fail. The end is quite dramatic and the name of the person who saves so many lives at the cost of his own is not revealed.

Religious conflicts, hatred, love and responsibility are the points that Khushwant Singh tried his best to bring in this novel. This book proves to be a mentally spurring that will make you think on those hard times of partition.

My Rating:

5/5

Book Review #31: The Lowland By Jhumpa Lahiri

Naxalism, Life in Post-Independent India, Love story, Brotherhood, Friendship, Marriage, Children, etc.. A book that has so many stories woven into one, but, still it fails to attract you. I was not at all impressed by this book. First of all, its monotonous way of narration is what failed from the beginning. The story became too predictive after first few chapters. The plot deviated from what it was expected to follow.

Jhumpa Lahiri, known for her eloquent style of writing has somewhat failed in this novel. Just to let you know, this is only my interpretation. Many people might have understood this book in a different way. For me, it was way below my expectation from Lahiri after reading The Namesake.

Ok let's get into the review. Why it is not a must read book from my point of view ?. First of all, the plot is too weak. the narration is dull and is is way too slow. Somehow, it took me a while to complete this novel. Not because of 300 odd pages of story, but, because of its way of story building.

The story is all about 2 brothers that were born in the very next year of India's Independence in 1947, in calcutta i.e. today's Kolkata. Udayan the younger one and Subhash the elder one. The stories of their childhood is impressive, as we get to read lots about their tryst for technology, sports, books, chess game, morse codes etc.. Later, what follows after they've grown up, is a complete dry plot.

Udayan was more attracted towards Politics, rather, I can say it as towards Naxalism and not towards the mainstream politics. He gets attracted towards Communist ideologies that were popular during those times of early 50's. He often skips his college to spend time with comrades and listen to their speech all the time. As expected, once after his college he officially joins to the communist group and becomes a Naxalite.

Whereas, Subhash, the elder one, is more attracted towards his studies. He completes his degree and he applies for a postgraduate program in a US university in Rhode Islands. He was majoring in Chemical Industry. He sees his younger brother Udayan growing out to be a Naxalite with his very own eyes and persuades him to get a regular job or go for higher studies. But, Udayan was so adamant in his decisions, he never bothers to listen to Subhash.

Until this part was the interesting section from the book. Later, after few years, Subhash now studying in US, will come to know that his younger brother is married already, his wife is called Gauri. He was shell-shocked to hear this and comes to term with his brother and accepts his new sister-in-law. As the book progresses further, Subhash again receives a letter from Gauri that, his brother, Udayan was shot dead in a combing operation in Calcutta. Subhash returns to India.

As we get to see the plot, now it becomes too predictable. Subhash decides to marry Gauri for the sole reason of not leaving her with his parents who were still not ready to accept her. As the years passed, Subhash becomes the father of Udayan's child that Gauri was carrying. He named her Bela. Here, Gauri was not impressed with Subhash, rather, she wanted to skip from her responsibilities and decides to pursue her education in US and applies for a philosophy degree. From there she decides to leave Subhash and her daughter and she leaves the house forever.

Towards the end of the novel, Subhash, now taking care of Bela and her new child Meghna, decides to get a divorce from Gauri and he writes a letter to Gauri. As expected, Gauri instead of writing back, she heads back to meet Subhash to give her consent for the divorce. There, she meets Bela and her grand daughter Meghna. Surprised Bela, admonishes her mother for leaving her as a child. Disappointed, Gauri heads back to her place. That's it..., their life goes on as it is!!

That's the end of the novel. It is just this much, are we expected to read only this much.??. I was not at all impressed the way it ended. Lahiri would've at least changed something that might have reconciled their family!!. The only impressive thing from the novel is, Udayan's Naxal way of living and going headstrong against the government. Whereas, Subhash's part of the story is dry and dull.

My Rating:
3/5

Book Review #23: Asura - The Tale of the Vanquished By Anand Neelakantan

As I started reading this book, I was in a hope to understand the Ravana's side of the Ramayana. As the author himself proclaims at the end of the book "And in the pages of history, as always, it is the version told by the victors, that lives on. The voice of the vanquished remains lost in silence." I was thrilled to read this line and I was all ears to hear the Ravana's version of the Ramayana. What the mightiest Ravana has to offer us, the mere mortals, about his version of events that unfolded in the name of Ramayana.

Well, the book picks up really good, opening up with the soul of Ravana gazing upon the remnants of what is called as an epic battle and was thinking in his mind about what all the events that led to his downfall, the downfall of the mightiest king that India or was it the Lanka ?? has ever produced?.

Later what is I expected of the book all went in vain. I judged this book by the cover of it, literally. This is not Ramayana. Instead, it is Ravana-yana.Let's give the benefit of doubt to the author, who said, this is a work of fiction. So, expected a little damage to the original mythological epic that was revered with at most respect and kept at high regards among Indians ,well, Hindus.

As the book unfolds in subsequent chapters, I realized, wait..., this is not I am expected to read, right ??. I continued, Author had no clue what he was telling in every chapter, with an urgency to finish of this book, author had done great damage to the original version of Ramayana and went a step ahead to give a character certificate to Lord Rama.

Let me get some of the points I thought it is disgusting:

The Writing Style and Editing:
Author had not realized the numerous spelling mistakes and errors in sentences formation. When an author is capable of writing such a huge volume, It is expected to make some grammatical errors. But, not in this case, he doesn't even know the difference between "STRUCK" and "STUCK", "ADVISE" and "ADVICE". This is repeated in various section, and I had to bear the entire novel, correcting the grammar myself and continue to read. I don't even know what sort of proof-reading has been applied for the novel. You would read it anyways. Enough said for this grammatical aspects.

Writing Style:
This must and should be mentioned without fail. As I read through the novel, Author depicted Ravana as a fickle minded person, who is not sure of what was going around him. And, author let Ravana continue in that stage throughout the novel. Poor Ravana, I thought, he is schizophrenic. Later, realized, it is the author, who is not capable of maintaining the order while writing the events. At times Ravana seems to be happy and content, and in split seconds, he is sad or angry. In one of the chapters, Ravana is holding his Prime Minister Prahasta's dead body and utters something "I always loved you and want to scream to the world that, you are one of the nicest persons I have ever met" and in next sentence "But, I didn't liked the advices you were bestowing upon me, hence, I would hate you for that". From love to hatred in just 4 sentences???!!!. What the f***??. Common man, I do not have time for this fickle trail of words from you.


Protagonists:
The story unfolds between 2 main protagonists. Bhadra, the self proclaimed, close aide of Ravana, who sprung into action from nowhere. And, the main protagonist Ravana.

Bhadra a close aide of Ravana, or, that's what he thinks. He comes from nowhere in the novel and declares his unconditional support to Ravana. He declares, Ravana as the king he was looking for all these years and he can vouch for Ravana, who can battle the "BAD" Devas and restores the "GOOD" Asura rule throughout the India.

I never seen a disgusting character as Bhadra's. He is a spineless, jobless, character less, drunkard who always finds himself in ditch. Any story narrated by him has the final ending of seeing him in a nearby ditch. But, why ??. Author had to explain to us. Bhadra's version of story is truly disappointing, he always finds himself in mess, his thoughts runs like a gutter water, he has no clue what was going around him, neither author helps him to regain his lost glory. Bhadra has a wife and daughter, who never appears in the novel, rather he wanders wagging his tails before ravana, he do not have a purpose in life, he was used as a mere pawn by Ravana or he gets this opportunity himself ??. Sometimes he loves Ravana, he does anything to gain Ravana's trust, he kills Ravana's sister Soorpanakhi's lover, he poisons Kubera's entire army, but still he was not recognized by Ravana, why??, Towards the end, he outrages against Ravana, he kicks ravana's dead body and he leaves lanka and settles in Ayodhya??. I mean what the f*** again??. Why we have to bear so much confusion is one single character ??.

Ravana is as confused as Bhadra or rather more. He has no clue what was happening and why was happening. All he wanted was to becomes the king of Asura empire. Author had miraculously wiped off all the values that many people have kept on several mythological characters. Brahma becomes the Asura teacher, Shiva becomes the Asura god and Vishnu is a bad ass. Why??, you won't even find a clue in the book. All his life, Ravana thought Devas as bad, Brahmins are bad. He thought, Brahmins and other North Indians hated the black people. Author's constant use of words "BROWN", "BLACK" and "WHITE" while describing people shows how much hatred that author is imbibing into people's mind. It is better not to mention Ravana's character much, as people will lose all the respect that Ravana has gained all these centuries. It is pointless.

Ravana realized that Sita will not be happy with Rama (with just an assumption!!). Hence, he abducts her. What the f*** again??. Author goes on supporting this claim that, all these white skinned aryans, and brahmins are not good. They will not take of their wives.

Some points worth to be noted:
As per the author,

• Lord Rama commits suicide by realizing that he has done grave injustice to Sita mata.
• Sita mata commits suicide by jumping off to the Sarayu River, when her chastity being questioned by the citizens of Ayodhya. This is such a bad interpretation, I am sick about the author.
• Lakshmana will be executed by the orders of Lord Rama, because people accused Lakshmana for not taking care of Sita mata in the forests.
• Maricha's the close aide of Ravana, disguised himself as a golden deer by wearing a deer skin and jumping around like a mad deer infront of sita!!. OMG!!!
• Sita Mata, is none other than the daughter of Ravana, who had a sexual relationship with Vedavati when he was in a battle against Devas.
• Lord Rama was beheading all the people (of low caste) who was reciting vedas.
• According to the author, entire India spoke Tamil, so if someone seen speaking in Sanskrit, has instantly became an alien language.
• Mandodari, the wife of Ravana, will be abducted and raped by Hanuman, Angada and his troops. (Sick)
• Kumbhakarna is a big time drunkard, who was always high.
• Brahmins always hated the Black skinned people.
• Vibhishana, Varuna are portrayed as a mere traitors, because they joined Rama's army.

At the end of the novel, Author had given some 3 chapters of how the caste system has evolved. He writes that, Rama has pronounced Vibhishana as the king of Lanka. And, Vibhishana has abolished all the asura practices and introduced all the vedic practices. He writes that, vedas are the root cause of Jati and Varna system in the country. He narrates through Bhadra that, all the vedic rituals led the people of lanka to migrate to different parts of the world.

I am so flabbergasted while writing the review of this book. So much to vent out, but not sure where to begin and end. I am sure my central amygdala has gone haywire. Credits to the author.!! :). I can sum up the entire alternate version of the story in few lines:

Ravana: "Hey you, all my supporters, what's up dawgs ??. Well, as you can see, there was nothing under my control, and all happened in quick sessions. I do not even have time to protect y'all. All I wanted is to become just a king. I am not responsible for all your miseries and difficulties. I should've realized this long ago. May be instead of becoming a king, I should've chosen music or teaching or something"


What I liked about the book ??

ENOUGH SAID!!!

My Rating: 1/5