Welcome to life in the sleepy little hill town of Aaraampur where you will meet Kaptaan Sahib who got his name because he 'almost' got into the Army. And the Pahalwaan Nai a wrestler who used his skill of pulling out the hair of his opponents to become a barber. And of course Chetu the painter who specialized in making the walls of his customers' homes appear patchier than earlier.You will visit the classy Aaraampur Club which would put the lesser-known Delhi Gymkhana Club to shame. You will also figure out why Aaraampur Cabs-that famous startup-was never available between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Not to forget the famous engineering college of Aaraampur popularly known as 'The PITS'.Sit back and enjoy this charming and amusing book which will momentarily transport you far from the din of everyday life to a slower more agreeable rhythm.
"All you need to do is dig a bit deep. and you'll find Aaraampur wherever you live."
"Aaraampur" by Dhruv Nath takes readers on a charming journey through the unhurried lifestyle of a small hill town, devoid of the frantic rush against time. The book beautifully portrays life in the fictional village of Aaraampur in Himachal Pradesh, highlighting the simplicity and warmth of small-town living in the hills, where rivalries are easily forgotten over a cup of chai.
Set in the fictional village of Aaraampur in Himachal Pradesh, the book skillfully captures the essence of small-town living in the hills, celebrating the eccentricities and joys that come with it. Dhruv Nath, the writer, highlights the remarkable characteristics of human nature effectively in his narrative. Despite the unconventional storytelling style, the readers will be captivated by the tale he weaves in Aaraampur, a place brimming with charming characters.
Each person in the tale has their own identity and adds something valuable to the story's backdrop. The novel provides a short break from the hectic daily routine, plunging readers into a realm of friendship, teatime exchanges, and genuine relaxation. One person, Kaptaan Sahib, received their name for almost enlisting in the military. Another interesting character is Pahalwaan Nai, a former wrestler who found fame as a talented barber due to his special abilities. And not to forget Chetu the artist, known for his expertise in creating a more textured appearance for his clients' walls.
In addition to its outstanding inhabitants and notable places, Aaraampur is depicted as a town that takes pride in its Popular Institute of Technology (PITS) and the Aaraampur Club, which competes with Delhi's Gymkhana. With its whimsical cover displaying unique characters surrounded by lush greenery, the book explores the simple pleasures and optimistic outlook of the town.
Through the author's masterful narrative, readers are transported instantly to Aaraampur's peaceful, carefree environment, where time flows smoothly. Providing a glimpse into the modest pleasures and positive outlook on life of the town, this book is pleasant and energizing.
There's a certain charm in the unhurried way of living in small towns where there's no frantic race against time to save that last minute and rivalries are forgotten over a cup of chai.
"All you need to do is dig a bit deep. and you'll find Aaraampur wherever you live."
Aarampur is depicted to be the microcosm of small towns in Himachal Pradesh. Readers are introduced to the residents of Aarampur through friendly (sometimes unfriendly) encounters with Kaptaan Saahib who 'almost' got into the army. Aarampur took pride in its citizens and boasted of landmarks such as the Popular Institute of Technology (PITS) and Aarampur Club which put Delhi's Gymkhana to shame.
Talking about some prominent characters, there's Ms. Kaptaan managed to make heads turn in this sleepy town with male gazes vying for her attention. Pehelwaan Nai, the former wrestler turned Barber took pride in his ability to pull the opponent's hair after a good fight. Kumaar received a hero's welcome after steering the picnic van successfully in the dire of the night in Aarampur's most memorable picnic yet.
The author's observations on the uncanny ability of human nature are spot on. The narration was different yet it manages to hold the attention of the readers. It breaks the monotony of urban life and introduces you to a quaint little town away from the din of the city. The cover featuring caricatures on the backdrop of green foliage resembled quirky characters of renowned cartoonists.
The strength of this read lies in its raw-unpolished storytelling that will take you to the lanes of Aarampur and make you acquainted with its natives. I was ready to let the few hiccups slide away mainly because the punches landed.
'Welcome to Aarampur' serves you a delectable slice of Himachal Pradesh and is an ode to the spirit of Pahariyaas. Relish this generous helping of Himachal Pradesh!
"Welcome to Aaraampur" by Dhruv Nath is a delightful and heartwarming journey through the idyllic life of a sleepy hill town. Set in the fictional village of Aaraampur in Himachal Pradesh, the book skillfully captures the essence of small-town living in the hills, celebrating the eccentricities and joys that come with it.
The author, Dhruv Nath, weaves a charming tale with a cast of endearing characters, making Aaraampur come alive with its unique charm. The author's storytelling prowess transports readers to the serene and relaxed atmosphere of Aaraampur, where time seems to flow at a leisurely pace.
It is a refreshing and lighthearted read, offering a glimpse into the simple pleasures and optimistic outlook on life that defines the town. The book allows readers to momentarily escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, immersing them in a world of camaraderie, endless chit-chats over tea, and the true essence of 'aaraam'.
If you're seeking a book that exudes charm and provides a delightful respite, "Welcome to Aaraampur" is a perfect choice. Dhruv Nath's masterful storytelling and the colorful tapestry of characters make this a memorable and enjoyable read that celebrates the beauty of life in a small hill town.
My trip around Aarampur through the pages of this book was an enjoyable experience, and I'd surely suggest it to you if you wish to spend your leisure time in a light-hearted and comical manner! However, I am a multi-dimensional reader, who enjoys work across genres, and finds it easy to get used to diverse writing styles particular to the book, so my opinion and experience can vary from yours if you have specific preferences. Having mentioned that, the author's narrative and writing style, which was brimming with simplicity, wits, sarcasm appealed to me and enhanced the storytelling experience. The plot and in layperson terms, content was pretty substantial, and it surely didn't feel redundant. As the narration was in first person, it added a personal touch to the entire book which I found quiet engaging. The characterisation was well-done, I could literally imagine the characters and their mannerisms as real people in my head! I can't comment on the accuracy of descriptions of a small hill town, the centrefold of the book, as I have never been to one myself. Although, I am definitely intrigued to do so after reading it! Overall, the story of Aarampur is a recommended weekend read, suitable for relaxation, especially if you are a hustler in a big city!
Book review by Madhavi Kunte ‘Welcome to Aaraampur’ is a book of short stories based in the sleepy, tiny hill town called Aaraampur. The book takes you on a journey of nostalgia. The stories are from a time and place when people did not have a virtual life on social media. They met real people and interacted and bonded with their friends and neighbourhood in real time and space. If you are a person born before or during the 90s in India, then this book will make you reminisce about the many escapades and joys of your childhood. If you were born any later than that, the stories will acquaint you with the sheer joy and adventures that you have missed. Throughout the book, the author maintains a dialogue with his readers. His writing style is engaging and humorous. His storytelling is as simple as the characters in his book. Every story has a character dealing with some sort of a challenge. They encounter problems in their daily lives like all of us, but they don’t let the problems become overbearing. Instead, they tackle every problem head-on. Their solutions seem ridiculously simple, and yet there is ingenuity. The characters are quirky, yet endearing. They are carefree, but not careless. The easy-going nature of the characters is infectious and might inspire readers to take a break and appreciate a moment of calm, given the many mentions of tea and samosas. This book provides a much-needed break from the fast-paced routine of our daily life. Since the format is short stories, the readers can squeeze in one story at a time and always come back to the book for a quick refreshing break.
'Welcome To Aaraampur' by Dhruv Nath is an amusing light-hearted stories of a sleepy little hill town called "Aarampur". where you will meet some colourful characters with their own flavours and stories to captivate the readers.
From Kaptaan Sahib to Pahalwaan Nai, each and every one of them will give you some cherishing and refreshing moments to rejoice in this fun-filled ride. when you start reading this book, you will be able to get into the skin of the characters and their vibrant surroundings.
With charming illustrations and breezy narration, author invites the readers for a nostalgic retreat of reading stories penned by ruskin bond. As, I can feel the same phenomenon in nath's interpretation of each tale. Author dhruv nath has created a parallel universe of characters and stories to bond's delightful and cozy tales.
The creation of realistic fictional-town of Aarampur is commendable. As you can completly visualize the entire town and it's surroundings right in front of your eyes. Moreover, the stories are extremly entertaining and touches some current issues with relatable grasp on regional influence.
The incredible depiction of human feelings and relations paints a rich canvas of joyful moments as they teleport you to that particular place. His smooth narration with apt usage of vocabulary will keep you engrossed in these fun-filled tales till the end.
In essence, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book in these extremly hot summer afternoon's. At last, I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all those readers, who loves reading such kind of light-breezy stories.
I love reading authors who can seamlessly transition in between any genres. There are very few as this is not a very common skillset to possess but I have been fortunate enough to read work of some of them and Dhruv Nath sir is another addition to the revered list.
Having written very helpful guides on Start-ups , he now comes up with a tale that seems like a children book on the first go but you will soon find out that it will appeal to everyone out there. There is a fictional village Aarampur (not so fictional though) where as the name suggests people only like to rest . It has its own interesting characters like Kaptaan Sahib , Pahalwaan Nai or the painter Chetu to name a few each one of whom has a distinct personality . Also as the lovely entrepreneurial mindset that the author possesses it also has its own Aarampur Cab service that is never there when you require it the most .
The book is not just a funny read but offers glimpses into the human psyche and the undeniably relentless zeal in everyone out there to have a relaxed serene life devoid of any stress .The raw nature of the book certainly fascninates you . Also the thought that each one of us can create our own Aarampur is uplifting. Author's take on psychoanalysis of humans of varied kind is interesting to see.
Overall ,a book that will soothe your senses and will provide a much needed respite from the daily chores transporting you to an entirely new world that each one of secretly wants to stay in.
This book is a collection of short stories centered around the residents of Aarampur (a very realistic fictional village!) Reading through the pages takes you to one of those quaint little villages you must have passed by in Himachal. The stories are entertaining and captures both the pahari sentiment as well as some of the current topics.
One of my favourite stories was the PITS college students building a canal and a wall! (And though they messed up, everything was forgiven for the greater good!) Aarampur club's annual picnic, the wrestling match, and stories about the barber, carpenter, and plumber-cum-electrician-cum-et al of Aarampur are other stories that provide a glimpse into the village's life. The marketing strategies of Kaptaan Sahib (you would want one slice of the MahaBhatura!), the central character of the book, is legendary too. You also have stories on Aarampur's tryst with share trading and start-ups.
The stories are easy to read, laced with humour and interesting comparisons (though sometimes it may seem a bit far-fetched). Overall, an entertaining read that leaves you reminiscing about Aarampur atleast once in a while. And do not forget to get your cup of tea while reading the book! (Tea is central to all the stories in the book, and it could leave you craving for one piping hot cup!)
Welcome to Aarampur: A Sleepy Little Hill Town by Dhruv Nath is a delightful insight into the small-town life, distilling its essence of genuine human relationships, friendships and finding meaning of life in the simple but vitally important humane aspects of human existence.
The narrative style of the author, with liberal doses of humour and wit, paints a realistic picture of the town and keeps the reader engaged through the various facets depicted therein.
The author draws from his roots and lived experience of Himachal Pradesh to vividly paint the canvas of the individual yet interlinked stories, told in a manner reminiscent of the old-world charm. It makes the reader look forward to an escape from the urban landscape and concrete jungles to such an idyllic setting where life moves at its own un-hurried pace.
Each of the stories and characters are relatable to the reader and resonate many personal past experiences making for a breezy yet enjoyable read. The illustrations do add to the overall appeal of the book to the reader.
An entertaining read that makes one reflect upon the simple pleasures of life as contrasted against the mundane day to day stressors we all unconsciously subject ourselves to unknowingly.
For some strange reason the town of Aaraampur reminded me of the American aerospace engineer Edward Murphy and his famous adage; the Murphy's Law, 'Anything that can go wrong will go wrong'. An anthology of playful short stories Welcome to Aaraampur nearly fits the bill of Murphy's epigram. Kaptaan Sahib, the protagonist, who has adopted the town and is also its saviour can fix all that has or can go wrong with the sleepy little hill town and its hilarious lot. Aaraampur not just welcomes the readers to its fold, it takes them to its bazaar, on a picnic, to its shops & shacks and to the clinic of a quack, to its halwai and to barber's salon, to its Club and its College, inside its homes and to the evening walks where eligible old men salivate finding a thrice-divorced-middle-aged 'maiden' visiting the town. All this and more happens in the interesting stories woven around happy-go-lucky, high-on-chai paharias. What the town misses is a story around a pet, a Dogmatix kind, which would have completed the picture. A light read for a lazy weekend or your next rail journey. Good editors, I suppose, are difficult to find.
The small sleepy town kept me awake throughout the afternoon.
Welcome to Aaraampur is more than just a collection of stories; it’s an invitation to explore the richness of life in a tranquil setting. It’s a reminder of the beauty in simplicity and the significance of relationships that often go unnoticed in the chaos of modern life. Whether you’re seeking a momentary escape or a heartwarming read, Dhruv Nath’s book offers both in abundance. So, step into Aaraampur and let its charm envelop you – you won’t be disappointed.
Welcome to Aaraampur by Dhruv Nath is a delightful and heartwarming literary escape that transports readers to the serene landscapes of Himachal, immersing them in the unique ambience of the sleepy town. Through a collection of engrossing tales, Dhruv invites us to step away from the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse ourselves in the simple yet vibrant lives of the people at Aaraampur.
Aarampur is a fantastic and entertaining read that helped you unwind from your stressful routine. It tells the tale of a little town in the Himachal Pradesh Himalayas. Each character is distinct and draws you into the setting. This book is a true masterpiece that makes you grin and laugh at the same time. The eccentric way of life and antics of its inhabitants left me in splits. It takes you back to a more innocent time.
Aaraampur is brought to life by the author, Dhruv Nath, who spins a charming tale with a cast of likeable characters. Readers are immediately transported to the peaceful, carefree environment of Aaraampur by the author's masterful narrative, where time moves at a leisurely pace.
It is a pleasant and energising book that provides a window into the town's modest pleasures and positive view on life. The book offers readers a little respite from the stress of everyday life by transporting them to a world of friendship, endless tea conversations, and the true meaning of "aaraam."
Aaraampur, the book was as fresh and exciting as the name suggests. Interesting is too small a word to describe the flow set in the book by the author. The small and crisp reading of every story kept the reader on his toes while keenly awaiting for the next one. The description of every minute detail in the hilly region, the colourful Paharhi set up, the charcaters, their hilly traits and more, this book was definitely a treat for me. Loved reading every bit of it. I am already looking for the other 2 publications by the author and wanting to buy and read them as early as possible. Mr. Dhruv Nath, as a reader, I was totally into your book. Being a Ruskin Bond fan myself, I really liked the way you've placed your acknowledgements towards the end of the book. Next I'm going to pass this book on to my daughter so she gets to enjoy and know more about the Great Himalayan hilly regions of our country. I'm sure she'll explore in greater lengths through Mr.Nath's narration and prepare herself for another good reading by the same author.
Humorous stories are rare to find, even though most of them may not suit us.
I came across one such amazing book that could remind us of the life of sleepy and slow-going town tales that will bring simple joy through the words.
You will meet the characters that seem to be neighbors and are friendly. This book, "WELCOME TO AARAAMPUR" by Dhruv Nath, is one such gem that is filled with funny and comedy scenes that bring action and laughter together.
The characters like Kaaptaan Saab, Pahalwaan, and the carpenter each have the good essence of humor and also have life lessons to learn as a person.
Dhruv's writing style has a witty and special style that offers the reader a chance to enjoy each chapter.
One of my favorite characters is the carpenter Mangat Ram, and the precious thing is how far this town, AARAAMPUR, is not concerned about money.
It's a rare gem I found while reading this title for much-needed relief.
I would suggest you try this title, which replicates the simplicity and charming stories of the town.
Welcome to Aaraampur by Dhruv Nath is a light hearted read that describes the joys of living in small towns in the hills. Aaraampur is a fictional village in Himachal Pradesh which details the eccentricities of being a “pahariya”.
Dhruv Nath has created a fun medley of characters that make Aaraampur relatable. It is a slow and sleepy hill town with a Kaptaan Saab whose over efficiency often lands him in trouble, a pehelwaan/wrestler who is a “Nai” giving haircuts to the entire town, a beloved halwai, a passably versatile painter-electrician- carpenter, a prestigious club and engineering college, the town’s very own cab service and wrestling competition that can put the Olympics to shame.
Aaraampur is all about, you guessed it right- “aaraam”, idling away time either by indulging in endless chit-chat over cups of tea or enjoying drinks with friends, this sleepy town dwells in all the little joys and absolute optimism in life. If you are looking for a no-brainer and a fast paced read, give this book a try.
Welcome to Aaraampur: A Sleepy Little Hill Town by Dhruv Nath is a delightful journey into the quirky lives of its inhabitants. Meet Kaptaan Sahib, Pahalwaan Nai, and Chetu, each with their unique tales that add color to the town's charm. From the Aaraampur Club to the infamous Aaraampur Cabs, the book paints a vivid picture of life in this sleepy hill town.
Dhruv Nath intricately weaves together the stories of Aaraampur's residents, offering readers a glimpse into a world where everyday occurrences are filled with humor and charm. His writing effortlessly captures the essence of small-town life, making the book a joy to read from start to finish.
Overall Welcome to Aaraampur is a heartwarming tale that transports readers to a simpler, more enchanting world. With its engaging characters and witty anecdotes, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Has finished reading this novel when I was myself visiting my little sleepy town on the southern coast of Gujarat. It was a light read, the characters are heartwarming, the stories are sweet & the author is candidly talking to you throughout while fondly narrating about the people of his town. It's based in Solan district Himachal Pradesh as mentioned by the author at the end. I have even emailed him and expressed my views as he has said he would respond to our emails.
The book is simple, the stories are heartwarming and make you chuckle throughout. It can be a good companion at the airport, a long flight, or a train ride. I bought it at the airport and wanted to read something light hence. I wasn't disappointed. If you like hill stations, slow life, and people watching, you will like this book.
Dhruv Nath, the author of this book, engages you by addressing you throughout his narration in a conversational manner while delivering to you short doses of interconnected anecdotes about a sleepy little town in the Himalayas. From the beginning, you get the sense that the real and the surreal have been blended to create a world which is quaint. An example is that Aaraampur is a town but has a barber shop run by a non-professional barber. Then this small town which does not have a proper barber has a school and a college and a psychiatrist and so on. However, the humour (reflected in the selection of character names also!), laced with the right doses of sarcasm, and the writing style win you over and you are ready to suspend your disbelief in favour of relishing the stories. A light hearted read which will entertain any reader.
When I found out that the writer of this book is a professor of management studies and an angel investor, I was surprised! I love how he switched genres and wrote this cute little fiction.
This story is set in a small, sleepy hill town. It’s labeled as fiction, but I’m pretty sure you’ve met people just like the characters in this book, and the stories here have probably happened at least once in your life too.
Take Pehlwaan Nai—he had a devoted career once, but now he’s doing something completely different.
Or Manghat Ram—not the most trustworthy guy, but you don’t really have a choice except to trust him.
And then there’s Chetu—the classic jack of all trades, master of none.
This book is such a charming and fun read. In the middle of our busy city lives, it made me miss the slow, simple charm of a small town.
Tucked away in the mountains is a tranquil town called Aarampur. Folks in Aarampur are unhurried, slow to work and mostly enjoy leisure. An eclectic mix of characters populates this town and to this is added Kaptaan Sahib, a man who almost got into the army. Written as a collection of stories detailing Kaptaan's interactions with the townsfolk, the stories are light-hearted misadventures.
The writing style is reminiscent of yesteryear's where a narrator takes you through a story of comical adventures in which you know nothing can go right. A light read if you are looking for something relaxing to spend your weekend with.
A light hearted book which will take you to an imaginary world where everything happens in a steady pace, human feelings are interwoven and your mind will automatically momentarily transport you far to a smoother,steadier pace of life where one does not run just to make a living but feels building a life around themselves. It contains an amalgamation of different aspects of life from family life(dining table, unwanted guests chapters) to corporate life lessons(stock markets,Startup,jalebirams and maha bhaturaa). All of it with a special tint of humor in it!
I would give this book a rating of 3.5. It’s a collection of short stories about characters of Aarampur , they will for sure entertain you. A very light hearted book , a must read when you have started your reading journey as language is pretty easy and it’s a feel good book, which will keep you hooked.
One of the best chirpy book read. Story is about a small hill town and you can relate with characters with person in your vicinity. I was teleported each time I read a chapter. I enjoyed thoroughly.
"Welcome to Aaraampur" is a delightful and heartwarming read. True to its name, Aaraampur offers a leisurely-paced story with characters who reflect the same unhurried charm.
Amazing... ive visited Solan countless times, much because I spent my childhood in Chandigarh. Post reading this book, I am sure I would see Solan with new eyes.... cant wait...
A quirky, fun read set in the sleepy hill town - Aarampur! A collection of short stories that will leave you with a smile.
Dhruv Nath has aptly sketched unique characters residing in Aarampur, and the book revolves around their daily, yet interesting, incidents. Even though the hill town of Aarampur is slow and sleepy, entertainment, ruckus, and laughter are abundant in the day. Be it campaigning for the prestigious Aarampur Club Elections or motivating a novice to drive a bus downhill, Kaptan Sahab, our protagonist (seemingly), will be there to save the day!
Nath has adopted a unique narrative style which offers readers a conversational experience while reading the book. The incidents and characters have distinct quirks; each story ends with a lesson and a smile. The narrative style makes this book an easy read. The stories are incredibly relatable, and the smart use of sarcasm lends the book a humorous flavour.
Nath has managed to paint an alluring vision through the stories. He captivates the readers and transports them to the town of Aarampur to be the spectator of their extraordinarily ordinary events.
Nath’s Welcome to Aarampur is a breath of fresh mountain air! A must-read for everyone who enjoys a fun light read. This is an exceptional book for those considering starting their reading journey, as the language is easy to follow, and the stories are relatable.
A quick and easy read - Welcome to Aarampur is truly welcoming and Aaramdayak (comfortable)!