Sahebanchya Deshat

by Kuber Girish

Paperback

Published December 1, 2025

Reviews

[Kishor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Girish Kuber’s Sahebachya Deshat is a perceptive travel narrative that explores England through the eyes of an Indian observer. Rather than focusing on monuments or postcard imagery, Kuber examines the deeper social, cultural, and psychological layers of British life. For an Indian reader who has lived in the USA for a few years, many of the experiences and reflections described in the book feel strikingly familiar, despite the geographical difference.

One of the strongest points of connection lies in Kuber’s observations about discipline, systems, and institutional integrity. His descriptions of punctual public transport, respect for rules, and the quiet efficiency of everyday life in England immediately resonate with anyone who has experienced life in the US. The sense that systems function independently of individuals—and that personal convenience is secondary to collective order—is a shared reality across much of the Western world, making the author’s English experiences relatable to an Indian who has lived in America.

Kuber’s reflections on social behavior and emotional distance are another area of strong similarity. The politeness of the English, their respect for privacy, and the clearly defined boundaries in personal relationships mirror what many Indians encounter in the US. As the author notes, warmth exists, but it is measured and controlled. For an Indian reader accustomed to spontaneous conversations and emotional expressiveness, this cultural restraint feels familiar, sometimes admirable, sometimes isolating—an emotion often experienced during a stay in America as well.

The book also touches upon the immigrant or outsider’s consciousness: the constant awareness of being a guest in a deeply rooted society. Kuber’s sensitivity to class distinctions, accents, and historical continuity in England parallels how race, nationality, and identity subtly shape experiences in the US. An Indian reader who has lived abroad will recognize this quiet self-awareness that never fully disappears, no matter how comfortable daily life becomes.

Importantly, Sahebachya Deshat is not a celebration of England as a “better” country, nor is it a critique driven by resentment. Kuber maintains a balanced, analytical tone, acknowledging the strengths of British society while remaining conscious of its limitations. This mature perspective closely aligns with the outlook of an Indian who has spent time in the US—past the initial awe, yet thoughtful and comparative.

In conclusion, although Sahebachya Deshat is a travelogue of England, its themes transcend geography. For an Indian reader who has lived in the USA, Girish Kuber’s observations feel deeply relatable, reaffirming that many cultural adjustments, emotional responses, and reflections on identity are common across Western societies. The book succeeds not only as a record of travel, but as a nuanced meditation on what it means to observe the “saheb’s world” from an Indian standpoint.