Dhandha by Shobha Bondre

"Dhandha" by Shobha Bondre - Gujju succes stories!

This book is published by Random House India in 2013 and has 300 pages. This book is translated from Marathi to English by Shalaka Walimbe.

Its a book of five success stories of Gujarati businessmen. Shri. Narendra Modi has written foreword for the book when he was Chief Minister of Gujarat. Amitabh Bacchan provides introduction to the book. 

First story is of Bhimji Patel who started as a day labourer and went on to become one of the most successful diamond merchants in India.

Second story is of Mohanbhai Patel who pioneered collapsible tubes in India. After retirement he established SUPA farm and did wonders to the local community and economy. 

Third story is of Dalpatbhai Patel who established himself as motelier in America and then went on to become Mayor.

Fourth story is of Jaydev Patel, who reached America via Nairobi. A Master of Science, who could not hold a steady job decides to try his hand as insurance broker and becomes the top insurance broker in America. 

Final story is of Hashu and Hersha Patel who start as moteliers and go on to become one of the largest hoteliers.

This book highlights the unique Gujarati spirit and entrepreneurship, their traits and tricks. The reasons of their huge success are their sharp intellect, will power and very hard work. It's in their blood. 

However just earning money is not their motto. All of them have discharged their responsibilities towards society. They have contributed time and money towards the society, be it in America or back in India.

Shobha has used unique narration style. All the stories are mostly narrated by the protagonists in first person. Some times author uses more than one person to narrate the stories. Shobha Bondre is a well known Marathi author. Shalaka does justice to the translation.

Read of you like success stories or biographies.  

Why did I read this book? Curiosity. 

What I didn't like? Sometimes it sounds like a report rather than a story. 

What did I like? The idea of telling success stories of Gujju's by a non Gujju author.