Book Review: What Young India Wants by Chetan Bhagat

‘What Young India Wants: Selected Essays and Columns’

By Chetan Bhagat

Rupa Publications

ISBN 978-81-291-2021-2

This book is a collection of newspaper articles and columns published by the author Chetan Bhagat. The book starts with Chetan talking about himself and his life, in fact in the manner of a concise autobiography, though readers may find it unnecessary. Then there are about 30+ articles collected for the book which span over many issues and subjects, with the central theme being India and its progress.

I personally didn’t agree with many of the view points mentioned by the author and many arguments. For example, do you really think a diverse and big country like India can ever be compared with a city state like Singapore? It will be like comparing apples with oranges and all the statistics and parameters of these two countries will take us nowhere. The pages show that the author is deeply concerned about India and wants progress here, which is very appreciable. I think young readers should definitely think about the issues Chetan Bhagat takes to write upon. They may or may not agree with him, but at least the thinking will create something positive and will be an improvement over statuesque.

For not so serious thinkers and casual reading but never without readers’ own perspectives on the subjects.

- Rahul

Book Review: A Tiger For Malgudi by RK Narayan

‘A Tiger for Malgudi’

RK Narayan

Indian Thought Publications, Mysore

ISBN 978-81-85986-11-1

“A Tiger for Malgudi” is one of the classic RK Narayan Novels. In this novel, author presents our world through the eyes of a tiger. Having read it, we are left wondering and appreciating the author for having such a great power of imagination and detail.

This book could also be aptly called “An autobiography of a Tiger”. It starts with a tiger narrating his story. The tiger, who is the hero of this novel, was born and brought up in a jungle. He was a mighty tiger who went on to marry and have kids. But one day, humans arrive in the forest and kill his family. More tragedy follows and he was captured by a circus. There starts his story of immense suffering which ended when he killed his Captain and was rescued by a Sadhu. The sage called him his brother and talked to him like a human being. The story is full of humorous instances and is a pleasure to read.

I think this book should be patronized by “Save the Tiger” project. I think no sane person will ever dream of harming a tiger after reading this book. Also, readers will build a greater connect with the world and nature, after taking a ride with RK Narayan’s Tiger.

Highly recommended to all.

- Rahul