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Under the Bakul Tree
When Ashim, the bright, cheerful class topper and the ‘jewel’ of Mahendra master, suddenly drops out of school, everyone is surprised. His classmate and academic rival, Nirmal, is deeply troubled by Ashim’s behaviour and decides to investigate.
As Nirmal discovers more about Ashim’s circumstances, a friendship as pure as the bakul flower blooms that stands its ground against the harsh realities of growing up in rural Assam.
A heartwarming coming-of-age tale, the book celebrates friendship, hope and determination as it unravels the devastating effects of poverty and of an education system that has failed the ones who need it the most—the misfits and outcasts.
Translated for the first time from the Assamese, Under the Bakul Tree is one of the finest young adult novels from India and is an invaluable addition to India’s rich literary landscape.
As Nirmal discovers more about Ashim’s circumstances, a friendship as pure as the bakul flower blooms that stands its ground against the harsh realities of growing up in rural Assam.
A heartwarming coming-of-age tale, the book celebrates friendship, hope and determination as it unravels the devastating effects of poverty and of an education system that has failed the ones who need it the most—the misfits and outcasts.
Translated for the first time from the Assamese, Under the Bakul Tree is one of the finest young adult novels from India and is an invaluable addition to India’s rich literary landscape.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 24, 2024
The story begins with the sudden departure of Ashim, the once bright and cheerful class topper, from school, his family situation, dealing with his father's alcoholism being the primary cause. This unexpected event deeply troubles his classmate Nirmal, who embarks on a quest to uncover the reasons behind Ashim's behavior. Set in a rural village in Assam, the story unfolds to reveal the complex dynamics of friendship, the joy of helping a friend in need, and the challenges of navigating adolescence amidst poverty and a flawed education system. Nirmal's unselfish ways and dedicated friendship is a rarity in today's world of competition.
As Nirmal delves deeper into Ashim's circumstances, he forms a bond with Anubhav, a compassionate teacher new to the school and the village. Together, they strive to support Ashim and address the systemic issues plaguing the education system. Through their efforts, the novel explores themes of resilience, determination, and the power of human connection. Anubhav is a model person, he teaches well and aims to bring in positive changes. Ashim's relationship with Mahendra master must also must not be ignored in the story, overall highlighting the role of a mentor in a students life.
Amidst the backdrop of rural Assam, the story skillfully weaves us into a timeline that touches upon the struggles faced by students, the complexities of family relationships, and the societal pressures that shape their lives. The side characters all bring up the, then educational and societal negatives which are relevant now too, especially in rural lifestyles.
The story via Ashim's circumstances, shows us the harsh realities of poverty and the failings of the education system, while also offering glimpses of hope and optimism for the future in which one person taking the lead is exemplary. With its compelling plot, memorable characters, and poignant themes, the book shows us why it is an award winner. What we are left with, is a heartfelt exploration of friendship, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams in the face of adversity, all under the shade of a bakul tree
As Nirmal delves deeper into Ashim's circumstances, he forms a bond with Anubhav, a compassionate teacher new to the school and the village. Together, they strive to support Ashim and address the systemic issues plaguing the education system. Through their efforts, the novel explores themes of resilience, determination, and the power of human connection. Anubhav is a model person, he teaches well and aims to bring in positive changes. Ashim's relationship with Mahendra master must also must not be ignored in the story, overall highlighting the role of a mentor in a students life.
Amidst the backdrop of rural Assam, the story skillfully weaves us into a timeline that touches upon the struggles faced by students, the complexities of family relationships, and the societal pressures that shape their lives. The side characters all bring up the, then educational and societal negatives which are relevant now too, especially in rural lifestyles.
The story via Ashim's circumstances, shows us the harsh realities of poverty and the failings of the education system, while also offering glimpses of hope and optimism for the future in which one person taking the lead is exemplary. With its compelling plot, memorable characters, and poignant themes, the book shows us why it is an award winner. What we are left with, is a heartfelt exploration of friendship, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams in the face of adversity, all under the shade of a bakul tree
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2024
This is a simple novel yet an impactful and thought-provoking read. This is a tale about friendship and how a genuine and pure bond can change someone’s life. Under The Bakul Tree is a beautifully crafted masterpiece that delves into the intricacies of human relationships and societal norms. The story takes the readers on a beautiful journey through the lives of two innocent boys Ashim and Nirmal and their teacher set against the backdrop of Assam’s rich and exquisite landscape and heritage.
The author’s evocative prose and imagery captivate the readers, drawing them into a real world of poverty, corruption, a failed education system, societal constraints and the complexity of family dynamics. The narrative weaves together themes of friendship, hope, determination, father-son relationship. With its excellent storytelling and profound exploration of human emotions and relationships as well as the social structures UNDER THE BAKUL TREE is a literary gem that leaves a lasting impact on reader’s heart and mind. The author’s ability to illuminate the significance of small moments and the profound impact of societal norms and Indian education system makes this novel a captivating and resonant work of fiction.
The author’s evocative prose and imagery captivate the readers, drawing them into a real world of poverty, corruption, a failed education system, societal constraints and the complexity of family dynamics. The narrative weaves together themes of friendship, hope, determination, father-son relationship. With its excellent storytelling and profound exploration of human emotions and relationships as well as the social structures UNDER THE BAKUL TREE is a literary gem that leaves a lasting impact on reader’s heart and mind. The author’s ability to illuminate the significance of small moments and the profound impact of societal norms and Indian education system makes this novel a captivating and resonant work of fiction.
February 24, 2024
This was such a heart rendering and realistic read, it reminded me of the novels we tackle in classrooms. And I think this is a book that deserves to be in the classrooms of schools and universities, even as a simple read.
The bakul tree of the novel is the metaphor for the centre around which the events happen. It hints at the circularity of time, as opposed to a linear path, but how each loop is a little apart from the last one.
The descriptions of the book, and the issues it addresses, play out seamlessly in a way that teen readers too can understand them. The events of the story largely happen against the backdrop of a school, with two students and a teacher at the centre of it.
Each of them have their challenges, and each of them respond differently. Through their personal journeys they become intertwined, and within it we find a voice given to the deepest concerns of our society, especially the socio-political climate of our country.
If the Vikrant Massey starrer 12th Fail impressed you, this book will steal your heart. Created close to the grounds of the rural India, it delves into a similar sensibility.
For me, Anubhav Sir was the best character of the story. His relentless aid, motivation to right a little bit of the systemic wrongs, and amazing skills as a teacher sets him apart. However, it does not take away from the beautiful representation of the other teachers around him, or the adults of the story. As someone who has always feared mathematics until discovering its beauty, I was reminded of my own maths teacher, whose kindness and help helped me sail through, much like Anubhav Sir does.
I could go on about the imagery used in the novel: the moonlight, the hills, the classical Assamese songs, and so much more. It is a deeply mature book that succeeds to convey itself to a young reader despite the difficult ideas it tackles.
This is an auto-recommend for me. If you are looking to read anything, this is the book to go for. If you want to gift a teen, this book works amazing. If you are an adult confused by the rows of books your child is gaping at in a bookstore, pick this one up. It is absolutely worth it.
The bakul tree of the novel is the metaphor for the centre around which the events happen. It hints at the circularity of time, as opposed to a linear path, but how each loop is a little apart from the last one.
The descriptions of the book, and the issues it addresses, play out seamlessly in a way that teen readers too can understand them. The events of the story largely happen against the backdrop of a school, with two students and a teacher at the centre of it.
Each of them have their challenges, and each of them respond differently. Through their personal journeys they become intertwined, and within it we find a voice given to the deepest concerns of our society, especially the socio-political climate of our country.
If the Vikrant Massey starrer 12th Fail impressed you, this book will steal your heart. Created close to the grounds of the rural India, it delves into a similar sensibility.
For me, Anubhav Sir was the best character of the story. His relentless aid, motivation to right a little bit of the systemic wrongs, and amazing skills as a teacher sets him apart. However, it does not take away from the beautiful representation of the other teachers around him, or the adults of the story. As someone who has always feared mathematics until discovering its beauty, I was reminded of my own maths teacher, whose kindness and help helped me sail through, much like Anubhav Sir does.
I could go on about the imagery used in the novel: the moonlight, the hills, the classical Assamese songs, and so much more. It is a deeply mature book that succeeds to convey itself to a young reader despite the difficult ideas it tackles.
This is an auto-recommend for me. If you are looking to read anything, this is the book to go for. If you want to gift a teen, this book works amazing. If you are an adult confused by the rows of books your child is gaping at in a bookstore, pick this one up. It is absolutely worth it.
March 25, 2024
Full review on my blog:
https://blog.medhaapps.com/2024/03/bo...
In a quaint village in Assam, Ashim a tenth-class student decided to drop off from school owing to family issues. His father who was once very loving towards him and his small sister Ajoli has recently become a drunkard, which disrupted the peace at home. His father would often snatch the meagre earnings from his mother and if objected would beat her. To help his mother financially, Ashim voluntarily dropped out of school to break rock boulders at a nearby quarry.
Even before he dropped out of school, Ashim who was once the class topper, slipped to the last place in the class in the past few years, as he was unable to concentrate on his studies. He was constantly scolded and punished by his teachers that he is neglecting his studies, which became a catalyst for his decision to leave school. Though his mother wanted him to continue studies, she did not have the strength to force him back to school.
There is only one person who was sad about Ashim’s decision and desperately wanted him to return to school — Nirmal, Ashim’s classmate. Though Nirmal and Ashim competed for the first rank in their class few years back, Nirmal is the only person who right now honestly cared for Ashim. The one instance Ashim returned to school on Nirmal’s insistence, he was again humiliated by his teacher, forcing him to run away from school forever, leaving Nirmal guilty.
Will Nirmal ever be able to convince Ashim to come back to school, will Ashim be able to cope with his family issues and continue his studies forms the rest of the story.
The story depicts the situations faced by families living in abject poverty, especially in rural areas where the avenues for earning are limited and whose social and financial situation further worsens when the earning members of the family are addicted to substance abuse. In parallel, the story also highlights the multiple problems with current education system, especially how the rude and cruel behavior of teachers affects the students’ psyche.
The impact of abusive parents and an unhappy household on young kids is also well depicted by the author. The metaphor that Ashim thinks for the mountain and his own family’s happiness is very intense but real. The teachers who assume they are being strict with students and those who work for their students’ welfare and progress, is well contrasted by the author.
Though this is a translation, the translator has done a superb job that it is hard to believe this is not a straight English piece. There are places where the pace slows down, also since the topic is a serious one, the story requires your complete attention.
Pick this one to read about childhood friendships, and realistic struggles faced by students in rural India.
https://blog.medhaapps.com/2024/03/bo...
In a quaint village in Assam, Ashim a tenth-class student decided to drop off from school owing to family issues. His father who was once very loving towards him and his small sister Ajoli has recently become a drunkard, which disrupted the peace at home. His father would often snatch the meagre earnings from his mother and if objected would beat her. To help his mother financially, Ashim voluntarily dropped out of school to break rock boulders at a nearby quarry.
Even before he dropped out of school, Ashim who was once the class topper, slipped to the last place in the class in the past few years, as he was unable to concentrate on his studies. He was constantly scolded and punished by his teachers that he is neglecting his studies, which became a catalyst for his decision to leave school. Though his mother wanted him to continue studies, she did not have the strength to force him back to school.
There is only one person who was sad about Ashim’s decision and desperately wanted him to return to school — Nirmal, Ashim’s classmate. Though Nirmal and Ashim competed for the first rank in their class few years back, Nirmal is the only person who right now honestly cared for Ashim. The one instance Ashim returned to school on Nirmal’s insistence, he was again humiliated by his teacher, forcing him to run away from school forever, leaving Nirmal guilty.
Will Nirmal ever be able to convince Ashim to come back to school, will Ashim be able to cope with his family issues and continue his studies forms the rest of the story.
The story depicts the situations faced by families living in abject poverty, especially in rural areas where the avenues for earning are limited and whose social and financial situation further worsens when the earning members of the family are addicted to substance abuse. In parallel, the story also highlights the multiple problems with current education system, especially how the rude and cruel behavior of teachers affects the students’ psyche.
The impact of abusive parents and an unhappy household on young kids is also well depicted by the author. The metaphor that Ashim thinks for the mountain and his own family’s happiness is very intense but real. The teachers who assume they are being strict with students and those who work for their students’ welfare and progress, is well contrasted by the author.
Though this is a translation, the translator has done a superb job that it is hard to believe this is not a straight English piece. There are places where the pace slows down, also since the topic is a serious one, the story requires your complete attention.
Pick this one to read about childhood friendships, and realistic struggles faced by students in rural India.
March 25, 2024
"Under the Bakul Tree," translated for the first time from Assamese, emerges as a poignant and deeply resonant young adult novel that delves into the complexities of friendship, resilience, and the harsh realities of rural life in Assam. The story revolves around Ashim, the brilliant student who inexplicably drops out of school, prompting his classmate Nirmal to embark on a quest for answers. What unfolds is a tender and compelling exploration of the bonds that form amidst adversity, as Nirmal and Ashim's friendship blossoms like the Bakul flower, standing firm against the challenges they face. Set against the backdrop of rural Assam, the novel skillfully navigates themes of poverty and the shortcomings of the education system, shedding light on the struggles of those marginalized by society.
Read the complete review here: https://www.aliveshadow.com/category-...
Read the complete review here: https://www.aliveshadow.com/category-...
February 14, 2024
Mrinal Kalita's touching coming-of-age story Under the Bakul Tree demonstrates how a wonderful friendship can completely change someone's life. The story, which takes place in rural Assam, offers a glimpse into Assamese culture. It highlights how poverty weakens rural areas' educational systems and ends up fostering child labor. The book also shows us how depression can affect a loving family. How it stresses out and decreases the quality of life of family members.
On a positive note, the narrative, which follows the journey of two teenagers and their supportive teacher, is, at the same time, full of hope and determination in spite of all these challenges. This book offers an alarming look at society's problems and humans' capacity for resilience. I highly recommend this to every reader since it provides so many valuable lessons and perspectives.
On a positive note, the narrative, which follows the journey of two teenagers and their supportive teacher, is, at the same time, full of hope and determination in spite of all these challenges. This book offers an alarming look at society's problems and humans' capacity for resilience. I highly recommend this to every reader since it provides so many valuable lessons and perspectives.
April 30, 2024
Book: Under The Bakul Tree
Author: Mrinal Kalita
Translator: Partha Pratim Goswami
Genre: Literary and Contemporary Fiction
Publisher: Penguin Books
Pages: 328
Under The Bakul Tree by Mrinal Kalita is a winner of Sahitya Akademi's Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2021, which is translated from Assamese to English by Partha Pratim Goswami. It shows the story of Ashim, a bright student of the class and called the 'jewel' by their Mathematics teacher Mahendra. But when he suddenly drops out of the school, it surprises everyone, especially Nirmal. He goes out of the way to find out the reason behind it and does everything possible under the sun for him to make him join the school again. But what happens when the reality of life collides with the dreams? What happens when the 'jewel' slopes down? Read the book to know more.
Set in rural Assam and showing the harsh realities of the people, this book creates the perfect setting for the ground realities of Idealism vs Realism, more so with the introduction of another Mathematics teacher, Anubhav. A teacher who aims at not only teaching but learning. A teacher that Ashim, Nirmal and many other children like them need.
But the story becomes a little preachy in between and rants in great length about the education system, politicians and the change required, which although complements the story, becomes a little repetitive at times.
Nirmal and Ashim's friendship is the benchmark of the book and probably one of my favourite bookish friendships till now. Nirmal completely signifies the meaning of his name - Pure— pure in friendship, studies, actions and motivations, 'heart' and soul!
It shows the impact of an alcoholic father and the "strict teacher" on the physical, emotional, financial, educational and mental aspects of the children and will break the hearts of the readers multiple times with its brutal and real representation. The story also signifies the philosophy of 'it takes only one person to make a difference' and at the same time the importance of collective efforts and their impact on the lives of the people.
The book is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time, and shows us the power of resilience, love and nurture. It portrays beautiful character development and descriptions of Ashim and Nirmal. But the story would have been more impactful if the story and journey of Sir Anubhav were told and what made him the person he is and the decisions he takes.
Overall, this is a must-read book that narrates the coming-of-age tale with the brutal realities of the education system and the hope that can be brought up - the hope that blooms like the flowers of the Bakul tree.
Author: Mrinal Kalita
Translator: Partha Pratim Goswami
Genre: Literary and Contemporary Fiction
Publisher: Penguin Books
Pages: 328
Under The Bakul Tree by Mrinal Kalita is a winner of Sahitya Akademi's Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2021, which is translated from Assamese to English by Partha Pratim Goswami. It shows the story of Ashim, a bright student of the class and called the 'jewel' by their Mathematics teacher Mahendra. But when he suddenly drops out of the school, it surprises everyone, especially Nirmal. He goes out of the way to find out the reason behind it and does everything possible under the sun for him to make him join the school again. But what happens when the reality of life collides with the dreams? What happens when the 'jewel' slopes down? Read the book to know more.
Set in rural Assam and showing the harsh realities of the people, this book creates the perfect setting for the ground realities of Idealism vs Realism, more so with the introduction of another Mathematics teacher, Anubhav. A teacher who aims at not only teaching but learning. A teacher that Ashim, Nirmal and many other children like them need.
But the story becomes a little preachy in between and rants in great length about the education system, politicians and the change required, which although complements the story, becomes a little repetitive at times.
Nirmal and Ashim's friendship is the benchmark of the book and probably one of my favourite bookish friendships till now. Nirmal completely signifies the meaning of his name - Pure— pure in friendship, studies, actions and motivations, 'heart' and soul!
It shows the impact of an alcoholic father and the "strict teacher" on the physical, emotional, financial, educational and mental aspects of the children and will break the hearts of the readers multiple times with its brutal and real representation. The story also signifies the philosophy of 'it takes only one person to make a difference' and at the same time the importance of collective efforts and their impact on the lives of the people.
The book is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time, and shows us the power of resilience, love and nurture. It portrays beautiful character development and descriptions of Ashim and Nirmal. But the story would have been more impactful if the story and journey of Sir Anubhav were told and what made him the person he is and the decisions he takes.
Overall, this is a must-read book that narrates the coming-of-age tale with the brutal realities of the education system and the hope that can be brought up - the hope that blooms like the flowers of the Bakul tree.
February 20, 2024
“Under the Bakul Tree” by Dr. Mrinal Kalita captures the essence of rural Assam through the lens of friendship, hope, and the harsh realities of poverty. The narrative begins with an intriguing premise as Ashim, the bright class topper, abruptly leaves school, prompting his classmate Nirmal to embark on a quest for answers. The author skillfully weaves a tale that delves into the struggles often overlooked in the lives of children, whether stemming from economic hardship or toxic familial environments.
Almost every student, whether in private or government schools, have faced insensitive and rude teachers. It is a serious issue and teachers must be trained to be more compassionate and encouraging instead of trying to mould students into a box of an ideal student. This book deass with exactly that. The author not only tells where the education system is going wrong, but also tries to lead with a few examples of dealing with a few of such situations.
The characters are vividly portrayed, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the story. From Ashim and Nirmal to the supporting cast, the author crafts individuals who feel authentic and relatable. The exploration of their motivations and actions reveals a depth that resonates with readers.
The author’s writing style is notable for its evocative use of metaphor and imagery, painting a vivid picture of rural life in Assam. However, at times, the narrative veers into preachiness, detracting slightly from the overall immersion in the story.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its refusal to villainize any character, instead presenting them as products of their circumstances. This nuanced approach adds layers of complexity to the narrative and fosters empathy for even the most flawed individuals.
“Under the Bakul Tree” offers valuable insights and tips for young readers navigating the challenges of adolescence and education. While the story addresses serious issues such as poverty and the failings of the education system, it does so with a message of resilience, determination, and encouragement.
“Under the Bakul Tree” is a compelling coming-of-age tale that sheds light on the struggles faced by students in India. The book’s memorable characters and poignant themes make it a recommended read for young adults.
Almost every student, whether in private or government schools, have faced insensitive and rude teachers. It is a serious issue and teachers must be trained to be more compassionate and encouraging instead of trying to mould students into a box of an ideal student. This book deass with exactly that. The author not only tells where the education system is going wrong, but also tries to lead with a few examples of dealing with a few of such situations.
The characters are vividly portrayed, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the story. From Ashim and Nirmal to the supporting cast, the author crafts individuals who feel authentic and relatable. The exploration of their motivations and actions reveals a depth that resonates with readers.
The author’s writing style is notable for its evocative use of metaphor and imagery, painting a vivid picture of rural life in Assam. However, at times, the narrative veers into preachiness, detracting slightly from the overall immersion in the story.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its refusal to villainize any character, instead presenting them as products of their circumstances. This nuanced approach adds layers of complexity to the narrative and fosters empathy for even the most flawed individuals.
“Under the Bakul Tree” offers valuable insights and tips for young readers navigating the challenges of adolescence and education. While the story addresses serious issues such as poverty and the failings of the education system, it does so with a message of resilience, determination, and encouragement.
“Under the Bakul Tree” is a compelling coming-of-age tale that sheds light on the struggles faced by students in India. The book’s memorable characters and poignant themes make it a recommended read for young adults.
April 26, 2024
Under the Bakul tree by Mrinal Kalita📚
"Under the Bakul Tree" is a heartwarming coming-of-age tale that celebrates friendship, hope, and determination while shedding light on the devastating effects of poverty and an education system that often fails those who need it the most.
When Ashim, the bright and cheerful class topper, unexpectedly drops out of school, his classmate and academic rival, Nirmal, is determined to uncover the truth behind his sudden departure. As Nirmal delves deeper into Ashim's circumstances, a pure and enduring friendship blossoms between the two boys, standing strong against the harsh realities of rural Assam.
Translated for the first time from Assamese, this novel is a valuable addition to India's rich literary landscape. Written by Dr. Mrinal Kalita, whose debut novel "Bakul Phular Dare" received the Sahitya Akademi's Bal Sahitya Puraskar in 2021, "Under the Bakul Tree" is a poignant and evocative exploration of adolescence, friendship, and the pursuit of education in the face of adversity.
Kalita's storytelling prowess shines through in this captivating narrative, which has been lauded for its authenticity and emotional depth. Through his compelling characters and vivid portrayal of rural life in Assam, Kalita offers readers a glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of young individuals striving to overcome the challenges that life throws their way.
Partha Pratim Goswami's translation skillfully captures the essence of the original Assamese text, allowing English-speaking readers to experience the beauty and poignancy of Kalita's storytelling. With its universal themes and powerful message, "Under the Bakul Tree" is a must-read for young adults and readers of all ages who appreciate heartfelt stories that resonate long after the final page is turned.
Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Afreen Khalil
"Under the Bakul Tree" is a heartwarming coming-of-age tale that celebrates friendship, hope, and determination while shedding light on the devastating effects of poverty and an education system that often fails those who need it the most.
When Ashim, the bright and cheerful class topper, unexpectedly drops out of school, his classmate and academic rival, Nirmal, is determined to uncover the truth behind his sudden departure. As Nirmal delves deeper into Ashim's circumstances, a pure and enduring friendship blossoms between the two boys, standing strong against the harsh realities of rural Assam.
Translated for the first time from Assamese, this novel is a valuable addition to India's rich literary landscape. Written by Dr. Mrinal Kalita, whose debut novel "Bakul Phular Dare" received the Sahitya Akademi's Bal Sahitya Puraskar in 2021, "Under the Bakul Tree" is a poignant and evocative exploration of adolescence, friendship, and the pursuit of education in the face of adversity.
Kalita's storytelling prowess shines through in this captivating narrative, which has been lauded for its authenticity and emotional depth. Through his compelling characters and vivid portrayal of rural life in Assam, Kalita offers readers a glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of young individuals striving to overcome the challenges that life throws their way.
Partha Pratim Goswami's translation skillfully captures the essence of the original Assamese text, allowing English-speaking readers to experience the beauty and poignancy of Kalita's storytelling. With its universal themes and powerful message, "Under the Bakul Tree" is a must-read for young adults and readers of all ages who appreciate heartfelt stories that resonate long after the final page is turned.
Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Afreen Khalil
May 30, 2024
UNDER THE BAKUL TREE - MRINAL KALITA, PARTHA PRATIM GOSWAMI
5⭐
PLOT
Ashim a bright student who was the jewel of Math teacher Mahindra Sir suddenly drops out of school after a year of bad grades and his classmate and academic rival Nirmal who from 2nd rank becomes the topper is troubled by Ashima behaviour.
As Nirmal discovers the reasons behind Ashim's disappearance he does everything in his power to bring Ashim back to where he belongs.
MY THOUGHTS -
Under the Bakul Tree deserves all the praises one can give, its a masterpiece for a reason and this translated book ( from Assamese) does full justice to it.
A coming of age story which highlights a lot of common issues esp in rural India at the same time provides hope and determination while celebrating the essence of pure friendship.
I found this book to be very thought provoking and found myself cheering and rooting for both Ashim and Nirmal.
A special mention to the teachers esp Anubhav who is a true definition of what a teacher should be and each child should have one like him who will fight the local village politics and the sad state of our education system.
The essence of this book is the pure friendship between Ashim and Nirmal who as today's youth show the world the power of dreams, hope, determination and resilience all under the Bakul Tree.
A must book in all libraries across all educational institutes.
5⭐
PLOT
Ashim a bright student who was the jewel of Math teacher Mahindra Sir suddenly drops out of school after a year of bad grades and his classmate and academic rival Nirmal who from 2nd rank becomes the topper is troubled by Ashima behaviour.
As Nirmal discovers the reasons behind Ashim's disappearance he does everything in his power to bring Ashim back to where he belongs.
MY THOUGHTS -
Under the Bakul Tree deserves all the praises one can give, its a masterpiece for a reason and this translated book ( from Assamese) does full justice to it.
A coming of age story which highlights a lot of common issues esp in rural India at the same time provides hope and determination while celebrating the essence of pure friendship.
I found this book to be very thought provoking and found myself cheering and rooting for both Ashim and Nirmal.
A special mention to the teachers esp Anubhav who is a true definition of what a teacher should be and each child should have one like him who will fight the local village politics and the sad state of our education system.
The essence of this book is the pure friendship between Ashim and Nirmal who as today's youth show the world the power of dreams, hope, determination and resilience all under the Bakul Tree.
A must book in all libraries across all educational institutes.
October 16, 2025
Such a wholesome read.The narrations,,plot,,names of the characters,,Carries the warmth of home for me being an Assamese .The story unfurls and revolves around two friends,pervades into their lives,their struggles.Their selflessness and concern for each other project the camaraderie of true friendship throughout the book.Another special character in the book was their teacher,through whom beams a revolutionary,unconventional ,universal aura with in-depth knowledge of the prevailing situations ,history and culture of Assam.He embodied a balanced character of courage,truthfulness and humaneness.A Soulful and thought provoking book❤️❤️
November 1, 2025
The simplicity of this book is deceptive yet beautiful. The themes explored are relevant, yet explained in such a way that is nuanced and easy to follow. The two main characters have a bond that will leave you in tears. This book is also never emotional for the sake of being emotional. You realize this only after you've read around halfway through and come to the conclusion that you can't stop thinking about this book and its characters. The writing style is also applauded. Translated books, especially for lesser-spoken languages, can come off as dry, but this preserved a great deal of meaning and emotion.
A five-star read I recommend to both students and grown-ups alike. Highly underrated !
A five-star read I recommend to both students and grown-ups alike. Highly underrated !
July 17, 2024
Review - https://booksteacupreviews.com/2024/0...
This translated Assamese story features a captivating narrative and compelling characters, enriched by references to Assamese culture, music, and literature. The portrayal of rural life is realistic and resonant, exploring deep and beautiful themes of emotions, relationships, and humanity.
This is layered with despair, the struggles of low-income families, alcoholism, the education system, corrupt politicians, and police brutality. Amid these heavy themes, the story shines with hope, friendship, kindness, compassion, guilt, and atonement, adding depth to this poignant tale of young boys.
The author masterfully depicts complex family dynamic through Ashim and his family condition. It was touching to see boy struggle due to his father's alcohol addiction and how it impacted his sensitive mind. It was even worst to see there was no help for the family and nor the school teacher could understand what boy was going through. It took a boy with heart condition to see through his despair and tried to find help much as he could.
The discussion between teachers about politics and education system as well as modernity and traditional and meaningful culture was thought-provoking and showed the realistic picture of current socio-political condition of the country.
The story concludes beautifully, with both boys inspiring their teachers, school, and peers. Ashim's father also takes steps to improve their situation, adding a note of redemption.
While I appreciated the discussions on political and educational systems, they somewhat slowed the pace and often felt preachy and repetitive. We all know there are systemic issues, but these are problems that seem insurmountable. Even well-intentioned individuals working for societal good can only make incremental progress and try to be as helpful as possible. This was evident in the lengthy discussions.
Overall, Under The Bakul Tree is a poignant, touching, and heartfelt coming-of-age YA fiction, a beautiful tale of friendship and hope.
This translated Assamese story features a captivating narrative and compelling characters, enriched by references to Assamese culture, music, and literature. The portrayal of rural life is realistic and resonant, exploring deep and beautiful themes of emotions, relationships, and humanity.
This is layered with despair, the struggles of low-income families, alcoholism, the education system, corrupt politicians, and police brutality. Amid these heavy themes, the story shines with hope, friendship, kindness, compassion, guilt, and atonement, adding depth to this poignant tale of young boys.
The author masterfully depicts complex family dynamic through Ashim and his family condition. It was touching to see boy struggle due to his father's alcohol addiction and how it impacted his sensitive mind. It was even worst to see there was no help for the family and nor the school teacher could understand what boy was going through. It took a boy with heart condition to see through his despair and tried to find help much as he could.
The discussion between teachers about politics and education system as well as modernity and traditional and meaningful culture was thought-provoking and showed the realistic picture of current socio-political condition of the country.
The story concludes beautifully, with both boys inspiring their teachers, school, and peers. Ashim's father also takes steps to improve their situation, adding a note of redemption.
While I appreciated the discussions on political and educational systems, they somewhat slowed the pace and often felt preachy and repetitive. We all know there are systemic issues, but these are problems that seem insurmountable. Even well-intentioned individuals working for societal good can only make incremental progress and try to be as helpful as possible. This was evident in the lengthy discussions.
Overall, Under The Bakul Tree is a poignant, touching, and heartfelt coming-of-age YA fiction, a beautiful tale of friendship and hope.
August 23, 2024
This is the most understanding heartiest book ever
I can't explain
Best for teenagers
I can't explain
Best for teenagers
October 24, 2024
A beautifully tender story about friendship among adolescent boys. A nice reminder that kindness comes in many forms - and one of the purest forms is being a good friend.
October 27, 2024
"This idiot"
Read this book with my partner and what a delight to witness the bond between two village kids!
Read this book with my partner and what a delight to witness the bond between two village kids!
January 1, 2025
The winner of Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2021, Under the Bakul Tree by Dr.Mrinal Kalita, tr from Assamese by Partha Pratim Goswami, opens with Ashim, a class 9 student, sitting listlessly under a bakul tree outside his school. The final exam results are out & he has just scraped through, made it to class 10. From being a class topper two years back, Ashim’s performance declines steadily much to their maths teacher Mahendra Sir’s indignation. The teacher who once hailed Ashim a ‘gem’, now rebukes him, even beats him in front of the class. Nirmal, the class topper, without a shred of ego or arrogance, is genuinely concerned about his friend Ashim's situation and keen on getting him out of the abyss he is steadily slipping into. In his endeavours, he is helped by a deeply compassionate and understanding teacher, new to the school and the village, Anubhav.
The novel, set in a village in Assam, packs a lot without clutter - a beautiful and heartwarming tale of friendship, the joy of giving/helping a friend, a coming of age story, a complicated father-son relationship, the journey to realising one’s dreams despite many ordeals, a keen analysis of the Indian education system and what ails it, how the government fails its people, the systemic corruption that plagues it, how a person’s addiction to a vice spelling doom for his whole family. The author, also a maths professor, even teases us with three interesting problems. Though he doesn't mention misty hills, tea gardens, Brahmaputra or political turmoil in the state, he shares the anguish of people here for whom development guaranteed in the mainland has remained elusive. He points out how government authorities’ long term plans and little contributions from every citizen can herald a positive change. He ponders why people who donate huge sums of money for religious festivals & cultural nights get stingy when it comes to helping the needy. A book with a golden heart that clearly epitomises the saying ‘simple is beautiful’.
Young readers, parents, teachers, those who love Maths and fans of Indian translated fiction shouldn’t miss out on this lovely book. The Bakul tree, also known as bulletwood tree, is known for its very fragrant white flowers and yellow-red elliptical berry-like fruits. The cover depicts this so beautifully; a special mention to Pia Hazarika for cover illustration and Samar Bansal for cover design. A little drag in the narrative is felt in the middle, maybe tighter editing could have reduced the length by 10-20 pages, but that these niggles exist for almost all the books that are a little over 300 pages long, I would want to overlook them. Under the Bakul Tree was a huge success when it was published, narrated in 32 episodes on the novel reading programme of All India Radio, Guwahati in 2020 and has been made into a feature film too. And thanks to translation, this lovely book now reaches readers across the world.
The novel, set in a village in Assam, packs a lot without clutter - a beautiful and heartwarming tale of friendship, the joy of giving/helping a friend, a coming of age story, a complicated father-son relationship, the journey to realising one’s dreams despite many ordeals, a keen analysis of the Indian education system and what ails it, how the government fails its people, the systemic corruption that plagues it, how a person’s addiction to a vice spelling doom for his whole family. The author, also a maths professor, even teases us with three interesting problems. Though he doesn't mention misty hills, tea gardens, Brahmaputra or political turmoil in the state, he shares the anguish of people here for whom development guaranteed in the mainland has remained elusive. He points out how government authorities’ long term plans and little contributions from every citizen can herald a positive change. He ponders why people who donate huge sums of money for religious festivals & cultural nights get stingy when it comes to helping the needy. A book with a golden heart that clearly epitomises the saying ‘simple is beautiful’.
Young readers, parents, teachers, those who love Maths and fans of Indian translated fiction shouldn’t miss out on this lovely book. The Bakul tree, also known as bulletwood tree, is known for its very fragrant white flowers and yellow-red elliptical berry-like fruits. The cover depicts this so beautifully; a special mention to Pia Hazarika for cover illustration and Samar Bansal for cover design. A little drag in the narrative is felt in the middle, maybe tighter editing could have reduced the length by 10-20 pages, but that these niggles exist for almost all the books that are a little over 300 pages long, I would want to overlook them. Under the Bakul Tree was a huge success when it was published, narrated in 32 episodes on the novel reading programme of All India Radio, Guwahati in 2020 and has been made into a feature film too. And thanks to translation, this lovely book now reaches readers across the world.
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