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There was a time when quiz contests were confined to extra-curricular activities at school, and one participated for the pleasure of impressing parents, teachers and peers. The winner got a pat on the back or applause, with a medal or certificate thrown in as bonus. Things have changed radically now. The contests have become media-shows with stakes soaring to such astronomical figures as Rs. two crore. Is it any wonder that reading books relating to general knowledge and current affairs has become a national fad? Earlier, these books appealed to those giving entrance exams for defence and civil services. For publishers, a GK book is the latest golden-egg laying goose. Writers of such books have become celebrities in their own right. This latest Penguin edition has "bumper 3000 questions including 200 GK and current affairs questions". Grab it!
Fiction depicts reality in
a manner that makes one reflect on variegated aspects of life. Short
stories can be more effective in this respect as they concentrate on
one, or limited, issues that leave an enduring impact on readers.
Dhaliwal’s stories make for interesting reading as these touch
contemporary situations. The complex caste equation in villages is a
reality. Technology has reduced agricultural workers’ bargaining
power, yet the landowning farmer has his own economic problems. This
comes out loud and clear in Between the Two Grindstones. Last
Half of the Name depicts the fall of an egoist husband, whose
attempts at reigning in his more talented wife by treating her as
chattel lead to her walking out on him. Komagata Maru Here is a famous saga of Indians’ struggle against colonial powers and their sympathisers during the British Raj. The story has been narrated several times before, as how a rich businessman, Gurdit Singh, chartered a Japanese ship to ferry "400 Hindus," most of them Sikhs, to Vancouver where they would have been given employment. This was in contravention of extant racist-exclusivist laws in British Columbia. Expectedly, they were not allowed to disembark, triggering off a series of politico-legal events that proved to be significant landmarks in India’s struggle for freedom. This book culls information from such primary sources as government and court records; and secondary sources like press reports etc, which are included as appendices. Certainly a valuable reference book. |
Burning Soil
Unable to cope with a shattered
ego, he ends up as a guttersnipe. Other stories like Issueless and
Fiery Decision are readable.