Report by Santanu Ganguly, New Delhi: Well-known writer-editor Ms. Ira Pande launched Bela Lal’s latest novel at a simple function held at the India International Centre in New Delhi on April 10, 2013. Mr. Pavan K Varma, distinguished author and diplomat was the guest of honor on the occasion.
Published by Niyogi Books, it is a historical/social fiction that focuses on the outdated traditions and customs that still haunt our society.
Honor means different things to different people. For the Khimjas honor is the purity of their race, the continuity of their orthodox traditions, the maintenance of the rules of caste, gotra and clan. The quick and summary justice that is meted out to those who flout these unwritten, but implacable rules is part of their known and accepted culture.
Om Prakash Khimja, the sarpanch of the village of Angratta and the undisputed leader of the Khimjas of the village, is instrumental in the destruction of the love affair between a Khimja girl, and a boy from a lower caste. But what will he do when his own daughter falls in love with a non-Khimja?
Anant, the outsider with a past, an enigma that even Om Khimja could not unravel, plays his part with finesse, managing, manipulating, and finally escaping from the politics and rivalries of village life. But does he really escape the Khimja retribution?
With a masterful pen, Bela Lal has drawn an authentic sketch of the horizon where urban and rural lives merge, mix and conflict. Her vividly drawn characters, her authoritative description of contemporary Gujjar history brings to life a canvas of the complexities of our modern times.
Bela Lal has an MA in History from Delhi University. She was always interested in writing and her articles have appeared in national newspapers such as The Times of India and the Hindustan Times. For a short time she pursued a career as a teacher, but she soon branched out into social work such as setting up Adult Literacy Centres and other welfare work.
Niyogi Books has, in a short span of time, established itself as a publisher of fine illustrated books. Starting out in 2004, it has about 200 books on its active list. Niyogi Books is recognized for its high-quality illustrated books on a range of subjects from art and photography to heritage, culture and history of South Asia. These books have won several awards and prizes including those from the Federation of Indian Publishers.
Some of its books have been shortlisted for the Man Asian Literary Prize and the Vodafone-Crossword Book Award. Its two travel books, The Alluring North and The Vibrant West received the prestigious National Tourism Awards, 2011-12 from the President of India last month.
For Honour
Author: Bela Lal
ISBN: 978-93-81523-83-4
Pages: 228
Paperback
Price: Rs 250
Published by Niyogi Books, it is a historical/social fiction that focuses on the outdated traditions and customs that still haunt our society.
 |
| Bela Lal’s New Novel ‘For Honour’ Released |
Om Prakash Khimja, the sarpanch of the village of Angratta and the undisputed leader of the Khimjas of the village, is instrumental in the destruction of the love affair between a Khimja girl, and a boy from a lower caste. But what will he do when his own daughter falls in love with a non-Khimja?
Anant, the outsider with a past, an enigma that even Om Khimja could not unravel, plays his part with finesse, managing, manipulating, and finally escaping from the politics and rivalries of village life. But does he really escape the Khimja retribution?
With a masterful pen, Bela Lal has drawn an authentic sketch of the horizon where urban and rural lives merge, mix and conflict. Her vividly drawn characters, her authoritative description of contemporary Gujjar history brings to life a canvas of the complexities of our modern times.
Bela Lal has an MA in History from Delhi University. She was always interested in writing and her articles have appeared in national newspapers such as The Times of India and the Hindustan Times. For a short time she pursued a career as a teacher, but she soon branched out into social work such as setting up Adult Literacy Centres and other welfare work.
Niyogi Books has, in a short span of time, established itself as a publisher of fine illustrated books. Starting out in 2004, it has about 200 books on its active list. Niyogi Books is recognized for its high-quality illustrated books on a range of subjects from art and photography to heritage, culture and history of South Asia. These books have won several awards and prizes including those from the Federation of Indian Publishers.
Some of its books have been shortlisted for the Man Asian Literary Prize and the Vodafone-Crossword Book Award. Its two travel books, The Alluring North and The Vibrant West received the prestigious National Tourism Awards, 2011-12 from the President of India last month.
For Honour
Author: Bela Lal
ISBN: 978-93-81523-83-4
Pages: 228
Paperback
Price: Rs 250
0 comments:
Post a Comment