I enjoy reading Indian authors and try to promote them whenever I
can. This is my latest Indian read, written in the endearing style of
Indian English. Indians have truly made the language their own and have
come up with a version of English which you'll never hear the Queen speak - but
I love it all the same.
I used to go around trying to correct the English of the people in
my Indian environment, but when I came to understand that in fact 'Indian
English' is a language all by itself, I gave up that annoying habit. The
rather curious title of this novel, the core message really, simply means that an MBA degree is not just
about getting glory, a huge pay packet and dressing up in a business suit. But I suppose that’s obvious, really.
This is the story of Revant, a young man from Hyderabad who enters
a college in Mumbai to study for his Masters in Business Administration (MBA).
As soon as you get into reading this book, you start thinking that Revant
is the author himself. But author voice is a peculiar thing. A
reader really should not get into the habit of associating the author
with the character through whose eyes the story is being told. But as the
author has a heck of a lot in common with Revant, one gets the impression that this
is really a thinly disguised fiction, an actual autobiography.
The author's voice is honest, frank and humble. As Revant
progresses through his MBA year, having taken the one year option, he
describes the courses in detail, making the reader feel that she too is participating
in the course. There are lectures on spiritual philosophy, given by a
swami from an ashram in Gujarat. ( I remember reading in the local newspapers
here in Lucknow that a French student once came for a student exchange
programme to Lucknow and was ecstatic at the fact that she heard a lecture on
how the wisdom of Lord Shiva, a Hindu god, could be applied to management.
You would never hear the words of Jesus Christ being quoted in a
management lecture in Europe, she gushed. Strange. I'm not an MBA,
nor anything close, but I do remember some twenty years ago, back in Ireland,
attending an EU funded course at work (I worked in a government agency for
empowerment of a certain minority) on leadership skills and the course had
lots of Biblical wisdom in it, including quotes from Jesus Christ and
references to His leadership skills. I suppose it depends on which college
you attend. No doubt that scriptures, with their timeless wisdom, contain
eternal truths which can be applied to many situations. I also noticed a
lot of reference to something called SWOT analysis (making lists of strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities and threats) in solving various management problems.
The main character takes the reader along on a trip to an NGO (non
government organization - they're called voluntary groups back in Ireland, to the
best of my knowledge). The NGO visit is an eye opener, as the main
character learns that villagers who are given proper training and practical
education can build prosperous villages.
At one point, Revant actually starts wondering if the MBA degree
isn't really a waste of time. That's when the book gets really interesting.
And as in all good stories, in the course of time, our hero falls
in love. But if you think there are going to be hot shenanigans in the
hostel, you couldn't be more wrong. Our Revant survives on giving
longing, wistful looks across the campus at his beloved, as he struggles to
complete his assignments and, yes, improve his network skills. Revant's
parents choose a bride for him, but our hero, after giving his folks an open
hearing, informs them that neither he, nor the girl, are suitable for each
other. Which I can't help admiring. I was beginning to despair of Indian
men, who, it appears to me, seem to have an unhealthy reliance on their
mothers when it comes to thinking for themselves in personal matters,
especially in matters relating to choosing a marriage partner.
This is a really worthwhile read for anyone who wants to learn
more about modern Indian life, or even anyone who wants to study for an
MBA qualification in India. There is a lot of interesting information and
wisdom. However, it reads more like a memoir than a fiction novel.
In a novel you're waiting for a twist somewhere, a surprise to jerk you
out of your complacency. That's not really likely to happen in a memoir.
But I was pleased about this. There is a little surprise twist towards the
end, but I won't spoil that surprise for any prospective readers.
No, I wouldn't say that this book is everyone's cup of chai.
But then, what book is? I'll go as far as to say that if you take
it for what it is - an insider's view of an MBA course - you'll enjoy it for
sure. I'd like to add that if Revant is typical of Indian
MBA graduates today, then the future of the country is in good hands.
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteIt's odd how people often assume works of fiction are based on the authors own experiences. I've had sympathy from my writing group when I've read first person stories and comments along the lines of "Oh, I didn't know you (were in that situation)"
I suppose I should take it as a compliment that my writing is convincing, even if I do get arrested next time a character dies.
your article is pretty much interesting..many students commit suicide if they cannot pass, but don't lose hope cause many students make their downfalls as their inspiration..
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Interesting review, Maria. Thanks to Chetan Bhagat, there is a whole genre of MBA/engineering college books. And it seems like every MBA graduate in India is penning a semi-autobiographical novel.
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