Once Upon A Dharamyudh - Book Review

Title: Once Upon A Dharamyudh 

Author: Vibhor Tikiya

Publisher: Srishti Publishers & Distributors

ISBN: 978-93-82665-39-7

Number of Pages: 208

Price: 150 [INR]

The Blurb:

Dharam is a dream institution for its founders and employees alike, who give it their sweat and blood. In time, it prospers owing to the fine acumen of its owners and efforts of its employees. 

Prakash is caught in the web of fulfilling his father's dying wish and gives up his dream job to take up the mantle of responsibility at Dharam. A radical thinker equipped with modern ways of working, he sets the company and workers on a path of development, though with much resistance to his methods. 

Uday's humble origins and difficult childhood inspire him to dream big, he dreams of equality and fair treatment for the weaker sections of the society. He believes it is his Dharam to raise his voice against any injustice. 

The fight between a man's belief and an institution's values becomes a tussle between the haves and the have-nots, acquiring magnanimous proportions. Both believe they are right and are willing to do what is needed to be done for their Dharam.

My Review:

Characters:

       Meet Prakash, our protagonist, who gives up his dream job to fulfill his father's dying wish. Prakash, who has no knowledge about the industry in the beginning, soon learns the proceedings and also starts giving constructive ideas. An ideal boss who thinks about the well being of his employees and a humble human being - that's Prakash for you.

      Meet Uday, the boy who went through domestic violence and the youth who is determined to fight against bad. Uday is the leader who is leading the workers to raise their voice against the injustice done towards them. If there is one thing about Uday that makes him a dangerous enemy, it is that he cannot be bought!

Plot:

       When Prakash decides to take up his father's position in Dharam, it wasn't an easy job. But young and determined, Prakash excels in the field and takes Dharam towards new direction. But the road wasn't smooth. Deceptive Shah, Mill workers' strike led by Doctor Sahib - the difficulties were many. But just when Prakash thinks he has crossed the hurdles, the biggest of all hurdle appears in front of him - Uday!

       The workers turn against Prakash, political parties back them with the greed of increasing their bank balance, Uday threatens to bring him down and refuses to back out. Prakash's life has suddenly turned upside down and when things go bad on the personal front too, he completely breaks down. Will he give up on his dream Dharam or will he fight back? Will he be able to eliminate the biggest threat in his path?

Things I Liked:

• The most interesting factor in this book is the comparisons drawn between The Geeta and the day-to-day politics.
• I liked the easy-go banter between Sanjay and Jha. Sometimes, it was a welcome break amidst the intense proceedings.
• I liked how a topic like politics, labor rights and riots are handled in this book.
• The sweet proceedings between Sushma and Prakash and the way it ends, adds another dimension to the story, making the characters seem realistic.
• Both the parties fighting the battle were right with the claims. Somehow this made the title seem apt.
• The narration was smooth.

Things I Disliked:

• The beginning was too slow for my liking. It takes a few pages before you finally get a hang of the story.
• There were a few places where the boredom quotient was higher.
• As much as I liked Uday's characterization, I wish he wasn't portrayed like that in the end. He seemed good in the beginning!

Verdict:

       This book is something different from the stereotypical novels. Through a simple yet captivating story, the author has done a tremendous job of depicting the life of labor class and the management. A quick read but one that leaves some food for your thoughts. 

My Rating: 

Until the next review,

Keep Reading :)

Love,

Starry Eyed Reader :)