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from the streets of Kathmandu
A little boy climbs down the stairs and runs out of his house. Most little ones do that. But this little boy has no one to stop him. He does not have a name. He only has the memory of a story his father has told him over and over again, from the time he was just six months old until his dying day, when the child was about four years old. It is the story of his father's love affair with his mother and betrayal.
From the streets of Kathmandu, this is the story of a child who names himself Basu Rai, and who travels the corridors of the world, takes part in the Global March against child labour and arrive finally in the country he identifies as his own—India.
Though Basu has found his country, his quest for family is not over. His search for identity begins with his book which maps the step by step progress of a reticent toddler from a well-to-do family through being a violent street child and a child labourer returning from the jaws of death several times, to his fights to go to school, being school captain and finally at 26, with the telling of his story in a book.
This is an inspirational story which tells about nurturing by a father. It is also a story that tells us here was a case for nurturing by the state, which was completely missing. It, instead, points to the loopholes in the systems in place, the social welfare systems, the education systems and the family systems that the subcontinent so boasts about but in reality, does not exist. It directs us to the vacuum children are often forced to grow up in. To get an enlightened and educated young citizen from nothing is nothing short of a miracle.
From the streets of Kathmandu, this is the story of a child who names himself Basu Rai, and who travels the corridors of the world, takes part in the Global March against child labour and arrive finally in the country he identifies as his own—India.
Though Basu has found his country, his quest for family is not over. His search for identity begins with his book which maps the step by step progress of a reticent toddler from a well-to-do family through being a violent street child and a child labourer returning from the jaws of death several times, to his fights to go to school, being school captain and finally at 26, with the telling of his story in a book.
This is an inspirational story which tells about nurturing by a father. It is also a story that tells us here was a case for nurturing by the state, which was completely missing. It, instead, points to the loopholes in the systems in place, the social welfare systems, the education systems and the family systems that the subcontinent so boasts about but in reality, does not exist. It directs us to the vacuum children are often forced to grow up in. To get an enlightened and educated young citizen from nothing is nothing short of a miracle.
216 pages, Paperback
First published June 5, 2014
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112 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 25, 2014
The authenticity and heartbreaking honesty of Basu Rai’s voice is remarkable. He sweeps the reader into a painfully illuminated, often desperate world - whether writing from the point of view of a small child who is thrust into a hostile, predatory environment or from the perspective of the social activist he miraculously survives to become.
Imagine what it would be like to walk out the door of your childhood home forever at the age of four, with no destination, your father dead and your mother missing. Imagine being beaten senseless by a gang on your first night sleeping out in the open, until one of the tough boys discovers his conscience and takes you to the hospital. Imagine a doctor asks for your name and you have no idea what it is.
This little Nepalese boy, having been called ‘son,’ by his father, knew his dad was a “Rai’ and his mother a ‘Basu.’ And so Basu Rai christens himself and takes his first step in creating an identity out of virtually nothing.
What follows is a story, that if it were not so vividly told, one might find hard to believe. How was it possible for people to be so cruel to this small child – to refuse him food until he was forced to steal, and when he finally obtains work, to mistreat him so badly that he is much better off thieving on the street?
What this reader finds even more astounding is that somehow Basu’s spirit remains intact. As he puts it, “Just as we develop a colourful picture out of a dark negative roll, so does the brightness unroll from the darkness of desperation.” This is wisdom earned at the highest of prices and it fills the pages of this remarkable narrative.
I will not give away what happens to change Basu’s life forever, when at the age of nine, he is brutally attacked and left at death’s door. But I will say that you will cry tears of joy.
To learn more, you will need to read From the Streets of Kathmandu. More than a book, it is a genuinely unforgettable experience.
Highly Recommended.
Imagine what it would be like to walk out the door of your childhood home forever at the age of four, with no destination, your father dead and your mother missing. Imagine being beaten senseless by a gang on your first night sleeping out in the open, until one of the tough boys discovers his conscience and takes you to the hospital. Imagine a doctor asks for your name and you have no idea what it is.
This little Nepalese boy, having been called ‘son,’ by his father, knew his dad was a “Rai’ and his mother a ‘Basu.’ And so Basu Rai christens himself and takes his first step in creating an identity out of virtually nothing.
What follows is a story, that if it were not so vividly told, one might find hard to believe. How was it possible for people to be so cruel to this small child – to refuse him food until he was forced to steal, and when he finally obtains work, to mistreat him so badly that he is much better off thieving on the street?
What this reader finds even more astounding is that somehow Basu’s spirit remains intact. As he puts it, “Just as we develop a colourful picture out of a dark negative roll, so does the brightness unroll from the darkness of desperation.” This is wisdom earned at the highest of prices and it fills the pages of this remarkable narrative.
I will not give away what happens to change Basu’s life forever, when at the age of nine, he is brutally attacked and left at death’s door. But I will say that you will cry tears of joy.
To learn more, you will need to read From the Streets of Kathmandu. More than a book, it is a genuinely unforgettable experience.
Highly Recommended.
March 9, 2015
I won this book on goodreads giveaway.
I was spell-bound by the author's deep understanding of the plight of children who face such situations but then I realized that it is the author's own story, so clearly autobiographical and that's why it's so fascinating in this way that horrifies you with its ruthless psychological detail but also imbues you with a sort of ... responsibility, a commitment to see it through..
His unique style of writing keeps you hooked-on to the book..
I couldn't take rest before completing it, following the protagonnist, as he struggles to save his dignity and keep himself alive..
The book instantly takes you to the author's childhood,surrounded by breathtaking view, engulfed in all it's piousness.. Amongst all this, is the dilemma of the protagonist.. I couldn't take my eyes off the book, even when it hurt :)
The author is a natural storyteller, with deep understanding of the topic & a liberal, unbiased outlook...especially when it is auto-biographical.
Truly gripping and poignant tale..
I was spell-bound by the author's deep understanding of the plight of children who face such situations but then I realized that it is the author's own story, so clearly autobiographical and that's why it's so fascinating in this way that horrifies you with its ruthless psychological detail but also imbues you with a sort of ... responsibility, a commitment to see it through..
His unique style of writing keeps you hooked-on to the book..
I couldn't take rest before completing it, following the protagonnist, as he struggles to save his dignity and keep himself alive..
The book instantly takes you to the author's childhood,surrounded by breathtaking view, engulfed in all it's piousness.. Amongst all this, is the dilemma of the protagonist.. I couldn't take my eyes off the book, even when it hurt :)
The author is a natural storyteller, with deep understanding of the topic & a liberal, unbiased outlook...especially when it is auto-biographical.
Truly gripping and poignant tale..
October 7, 2017
An emotional and inspiring story. Having met Basu in India, I feel particularly touched by all he has survived. He is truly a remarkable individual. As a mother of 2 boys, his yearning for his mother breaks my heart in a profound way. In spite of all the injustices and tragedies he endures, his kindness and optimism shine through and inspire me. I wish him much joy and love!
June 6, 2018
The astonishingly raw and emotional journey of one of the bravest people I chanced to meet. The book encapsulates brilliantly life on the streets, with a personal touch that is unparalleled. Basu Rai is a superstar! He has been through hell and back and yet the optimism in his writing shines brighter than all else. It makes you want to believe in humanity again.
August 14, 2019
A good, honest look into a fascinating life story.
March 13, 2017
A must read book.. His real life is depicted here.. Remarkable...
December 6, 2014
Note: I received this book in exchange for a honest review from the publishers. I thank them for the same. This review is up @ Readers' Muse
Having worked with children with a horrible history in terms of upbringing, I can associate with Basu's story.Not all street kids who are placed into a rehabilitation center are as successful as Basu is. This is just not yet another story of an abandoned child. This is a rather inspiring tale of an innocence lost to the devils of the this world which certainly needs a bit more of compassion.
Abandoned by his mother and left homeless after the death of his father, not even knowing his name, 4 year old innocent and sweet looking kid who names himself Basu Rai (after his parents' surname) survives the streets of Kathmandu, travels all over the world to represent kids bonded by labor and finally lands in Delhi. This story is the detailed account of this innocent child whose innocence is lost, thanks to the society.
For someone who didn't have a formal education,the writer has come a long way. To put up a novel and narrate a story, be it a tale from imagination or be it an account of life experience, is not an easy task. I would be an oxymoron to point out the flaws of this books - which weren't exactly the unforgivable sort.
The narration was captivating to an extent, the slippages can be overlooked owing to a fact that it was conveying a very important message - A first hand account of a street smart kid who survived the bad bad world. The language as expected was simple and filled with references of Hindi dialect.
We do know of the cruelties that a street child is subjected to. Haven't we seen the poor little chai wala boy being bullied by the tea master or haven't we seen the little girl selling coloring books in traffic signals being harassed by commuters. What have we ever done about it? The story asked me that question. I am sure the writer didn't intend for that to happen, but his account of brutality endured by a small kid was so vividly narrated that I felt small in comparison. This book reinforced my sense of gratitude to god that I have a roof over my head, parents who adore me and 3 meals a day.
My only disappointment with this book would be the way that the writer ended it. Yes, I do understand the reason why the write might want to provide a luxurious life to children like him, but I feel providing them with education and skills that can make them a successful person is a higher act of morality.
Verdict : Must read. dot.
Rating : 4 on 5
Having worked with children with a horrible history in terms of upbringing, I can associate with Basu's story.Not all street kids who are placed into a rehabilitation center are as successful as Basu is. This is just not yet another story of an abandoned child. This is a rather inspiring tale of an innocence lost to the devils of the this world which certainly needs a bit more of compassion.
Abandoned by his mother and left homeless after the death of his father, not even knowing his name, 4 year old innocent and sweet looking kid who names himself Basu Rai (after his parents' surname) survives the streets of Kathmandu, travels all over the world to represent kids bonded by labor and finally lands in Delhi. This story is the detailed account of this innocent child whose innocence is lost, thanks to the society.
For someone who didn't have a formal education,the writer has come a long way. To put up a novel and narrate a story, be it a tale from imagination or be it an account of life experience, is not an easy task. I would be an oxymoron to point out the flaws of this books - which weren't exactly the unforgivable sort.
The narration was captivating to an extent, the slippages can be overlooked owing to a fact that it was conveying a very important message - A first hand account of a street smart kid who survived the bad bad world. The language as expected was simple and filled with references of Hindi dialect.
We do know of the cruelties that a street child is subjected to. Haven't we seen the poor little chai wala boy being bullied by the tea master or haven't we seen the little girl selling coloring books in traffic signals being harassed by commuters. What have we ever done about it? The story asked me that question. I am sure the writer didn't intend for that to happen, but his account of brutality endured by a small kid was so vividly narrated that I felt small in comparison. This book reinforced my sense of gratitude to god that I have a roof over my head, parents who adore me and 3 meals a day.
My only disappointment with this book would be the way that the writer ended it. Yes, I do understand the reason why the write might want to provide a luxurious life to children like him, but I feel providing them with education and skills that can make them a successful person is a higher act of morality.
Verdict : Must read. dot.
Rating : 4 on 5
July 15, 2014
A very heart touching story. It's about Basu's journey from an orphan street child to a marcher in the a historical event against child labor
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews