SHORT TAKES
Reviewed by Randeep Wadehra

Security Implications of Climate Change 
by IDSA Academic Foundation & IDSA.
Pages 192. Rs 695.

THAT the ongoing climate change is having global ramifications cannot be gainsaid. Apart from adversely impacting availability of water, food and health it is affecting the security of various countries too. It is already threatening the very existence of small island nations like the Maldives – a concern highlighted by that country’s government by holding its cabinet meeting under the sea. More recently, the Government of Nepal held its cabinet meeting at Kala Paththar to draw the world’s attention to the ongoing degradation in the Himalayas. By 2020 up to 250 million people in Africa will be exposed to water scarcity leading to reduction in agricultural production by fifty percent. Asia’s coastal areas will become vulnerable to severe flooding. The melting of Himalayas will lead to increased flooding and, thereafter, the rivers may eventually dry up. Crop productivity will decline greatly in most of Asia. Similar scenarios will be replicated in other parts of the world too.

Also, there are going to be significant economic and geo-strategic implications. Melting of icebergs in the Arctic region may open up shorter sea routes between Japan and the West, thus adversely affecting the economies of Indian Ocean’s littoral states. Moreover, the melting of Himalayas can give birth to deployment problems vis-`E0-vis India’s military personnel and hardware, compelling transformation of battle tactics and war strategies for future.

This tome has thought provoking articles from experts in various fields. A must read for policy makers.

A Romance with Chaos
by Nishant Kaushik.
Rupa & Co.
Pages ix+291. Rs 95.

Chick-lit, campus-lit or tech-lit has become a distinct and popular genre wherein geeks indulge in romance and intrigue while mouthing inanities and invectives – with a problem or two thrown in to spice up the breezy narrative. In this novel Nakul Kapoor, an MBA, is unhappy about his stagnating career in the hi-tech environs of Bytesphere. His boss, Chirayu-the-Cheapo, an incompetent moron with a propensity for passing the buck, his prudish & over-sensitive roommate-cum-colleague, Kohinoor, and Jassi the glib-tongued office slyboots, don’t exactly lessen his misery. His rich girlfriend Kavya’s expensive tastes give Nakul the jitters. As if this is not enough, his mother keeps on pestering him to get married to a girl of her choice.

However, just when you think the story is picking up the novel hits an unexpected faux pas. Till page 182 it is Kaushik’s novel wherein Kavya gets into a heated argument with Nakul at the airport restaurant. When you turn to page 183 it turns into Chetan Bhagat’s latest bestseller wherein Ananya’s parents are contemplating the ice cream served to them. Do Kavya and Nakul eventually kiss and make up? Alas! Can’t say. The interpolation continues till page 214. At page 215 Nakul is arguing with Julian in London! Whatever happened in-between only the bookbinder or the publisher would know, one presumes.

Did you say "chaos"? Right, but sans the romance.

Essence of Sikhism
by Raghbir Singh Dhillon.
Lahore Book Shop.
Pages 193. Rs 195.

Sikhism had started as a protestant movement against evils that had crept into the then Hindu society. Later on it donned military hues to protect the Hindu masses against depredations perpetrated by Muslim rulers/invaders. Gradually, it developed a distinct theology and worldview. Preaching a simple and action oriented lifestyle dedicated to the welfare of all humanity Sikhism soon attracted sizeable following in the undivided Punjab. It inculcated self-esteem and a catholic attitude among its followers. No wonder today the Sikh community is considered one of the most progressive with success stories in a wide range of fields. This book dwells upon various aspects of hitherto little known aspects of Sikhism. A thought-provoking effort.

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