Rise if the grey prince by Arka Chakrabarti

"Rise if the grey prince" by Arka Chakrabarti. This book is published by Srishti publishers and distributors in 2015 and has 213 pages. It is the second book of 'The saga of Agni' series.

This is the story of old times of a mystic land called Kingdom of Gaya, which consists of two islands / continents. Due to a prophecy that a son of a king from Western Gaya will destroy Gaya, all the offsprings of all kings are killed. Agni is the only surviving prince because his father sacrificed his life to save him. He grows up in the land of rising sun (Eastern Gaya) as a commoner and is now on a mission to the land of setting sun (Western Gaya) accompanied by his best friend and a mysterious Guru.

What will he find? Will he succeed? Who is the Guru? What is the truth? Is that what he is seeking?

Arka has created a mystic world of his own. Between the two islands there are more than ten countries and within them there are numerous characters. Each having his own specialities, secrets and agenda. Author has completed the world with a currency system a measurement system, time measuring system etc.

The plot is full of intrigue, mysticism, magic, deception, back stabbing, sub plots and counter plots. It takes time to get into this new world, but once you are in, it's fascinating.

Characterization is good. Story has a decent pace. Names used for places and people are imaginative. Credit to the author. Arka has also given the map of Gaya so that the readers understand the travels easily.

Lot of mysteries. A web of lies. Confusion. Who is the enemy and who a friend is unclear. You are not sure which truth is a lie and which lie is the truth. Numerous complications. Various agendas. Scheming minds. Supernatural powers. Dark secrets. These are the ingredients that make this recipe tasty.

Since this is the second book, the story doesn't end. The book ends with Agni reaching the land of setting sun. So this book is a build up to the eventual climax that will be in Book 3 which is still to be released.

The paper quality of the book is cheap. It won't last long. There are also editorial errors in the book that should have been corrected.

Read it if you intend to read the series but start from Book 1.

Gokhale - My political guru by M.K.Gandhi

"Gokhale - My political guru", by M.K.Gandhi (Mahatma Gandhi). This is a small book of 60 pages and was published in 1955.

We all know that Mahatma Gandhi considered Gopalkrishna Gokhale as his guru, he even refered to him as Mahatma Gokhale. Gandhiji had written a number of articles about his time with Gokhale, Gokhale's legacy, his place in Gandhiji's life and delivered speeches on Gokhale, mostly in Gujarati. This book is compilation of these writings and speeches extracted from Gandhiji's literature.

The book portrays Gokhale as a scholar, compassionate towards plight of Indians, one of the best English speakers (even better than native English speakers), a thinker, reformer and a person with crystal clear thoughts. Gandhiji sights Gokhle's delicate health as an impediment in his work. Probably this was the reason for Gokhle not resorting to frugal living, penance and fasting. He donated all his allowances and lived on allowance of 40 to 75 rupees per month.

Gandhiji narrates Gokhle's trip to South Africa to review situation of Indian laborers in detail. He was the first Indian leader to visit South Africa. He also affectionately talks about Gokhale and how he helped him personally and guided him in his work.

Gokhale was proponent of compulsory and free primary education to every child. In his times it was unusual foresight. His idea of doing the right thing with public opinion on his side, if possible; if not, doing right thing anyway, is exemplary. His idea of creating young political Sanyasis to take up politics as duty towards society is ideal but seems impractical in today's world.

This book, however, is curiously silent about Gokhale's rivalry and differences with Lokmanya Tilak and resultant breakup of congress.

The main difference between guru and disciple is that Gandhiji tried to change the establishment by non cooperation whereas Gokhle tried to change the establishment by being part of it.

Read this book if you want to know about one great man from another great man.