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DARSHAN: An Indian future
The year is 2050. The place is the Dharmic Republic of Bharat. It is ruled by a secretive Sangh and watched over by the gods of the pantheon.
Now, a Drohi rebel has made his way to the Central Temple and seeks an audience with the gods.
What he does there will change the Republic...
The sub-continent...
Forever.
Now, a Drohi rebel has made his way to the Central Temple and seeks an audience with the gods.
What he does there will change the Republic...
The sub-continent...
Forever.
ebook
Published May 1, 2020
1 person is currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Vijayendra Mohanty
17 books111 followersVijayendra Mohanty is the co-creator of the comic book series Ravanayan, which was the story of the Ramayana from the point of view of Ravana, its chief antagonist. He also wrote for and ran the YouTube channel Epified, which was about Indian mythology, philosophy, history, and folklore. You may have also seen Epified videos on TV’s Epic Channel. More recently, he wrote issue 1 of the Dehek comic book series published by HCE.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 23, 2020
I thought why such a short tale this is - when I initially eyed it up as Vimoh released it on insta. But after reading it at one go, I am feeling that only this much of mind numbing hit I can tackle. Darshan offers scary-but absolutely plausible scene from the future. It makes you stare at distant horizon while all the words from headlines jumble in front of eyes, gathering to make one word that is in trend now: Bharat.
May 11, 2020
Darshan feels like a promise. Part of it is a cautionary tale about the big brothers in our society. Part of it dips in the vast reserves of Indian mythology. Part of it delves deeply into science fiction and leaves a Westworld feel to it. Part of it feels like cinema (if you have read it who know the part I speaks of). In its whole it is well written and worth the read.
Great work by Vimoh. I do wish it was longer though. The world he has created deserves much more.
Great work by Vimoh. I do wish it was longer though. The world he has created deserves much more.
January 23, 2021
What do you pray about?
I think the story hurries a little at the starting. But it steadies soon enough. I am also aware that the second part of the book is incoming. Looking forward to it.
- Mradul
You may think why does it matter. But, it just might. Because the Gods are young and naive. And what you pray is what you get.
To be fair, the nature of prayer making has become more methodical and narrow. You have to be part of the due process and your request explicit. The monitoring does not help. But, whoever participates in the process gets what they asked for.
The only problem is "Not everyone prays at temples." And before the lost reader of this review assumes that this is only about the exclusion of other religions, it's not. Ruminate the implication of this. I will not posit to you the complex nature of faith and the multitude of ways people incorporate it in their life.
I do not know whether the science described in the book will be plausible in future. But what I do know is that the way it utilises religion certainly is.
I mean, is there any better way to gain power in this country than to make religion a tool? Anyway, my apologies, for I digress to reality.
The best part of this short story is in its nuances and implications. If the exposition to the technical utility seems to be robotic and unnatural. Well, its because it is. But, as I said, this story is at its best where it does not expose you to the implications. August 2047, for one.
The fusion of sci-fi and Indian politics is worthy. But I am an emotional person and maybe I caught on to something that was not the point. Is this interpretation the same as the author intended? I don't know.
I think the story hurries a little at the starting. But it steadies soon enough. I am also aware that the second part of the book is incoming. Looking forward to it.
- Mradul
May 25, 2020
Loved this unabashedly Indian sci-fi story. Especially enjoyed the crisp storytelling that draws on India's rich mythology and its disturbing present to craft a cracker of a story. Gripping to the end.
January 5, 2021
An amazing story by Indian fiction and comics writer Vijayendra Mohanty, it mashes sci-fi with the political zeitgeist of our times. 50 years into the future of India, it is ruled by a Hindu theocracy with the help of techno-virtual Gods. An atheist (adevist) rebel tries to hack the system, and stumbles upon some surprising revelations.
May 23, 2020
A cracking good short story - I really enjoyed reading it! This short tale sets up a world way deeper than the brevity of the story suggests, or would warrant. It has potential for more tales to be told in it. I took one star off the review only because it is brimming over with exposition - too much of a good thing perhaps? I'm not sure I needed so many riddles or obscure references in the prose. They aren't hard to figure out if you think about it for a minute, but the act of doing so distracts from the story. There's some jargon here that people outside of India or those unfamiliar with the mythos of the Mahabharata may find hard to contextualize. This was not an issue for me.
All in all, this is challenging, vivid, politically charged science fiction - like all good science fiction should be! Well worth the asking price - this is a piece that will leave any Indians (and those in particular who object to the present state of the subcontinental zeitgeist) with plenty to ruminate on.
Can I also say that the Doctor Who reference really warmed this Whovian's heart. :)
All in all, this is challenging, vivid, politically charged science fiction - like all good science fiction should be! Well worth the asking price - this is a piece that will leave any Indians (and those in particular who object to the present state of the subcontinental zeitgeist) with plenty to ruminate on.
Can I also say that the Doctor Who reference really warmed this Whovian's heart. :)
May 9, 2020
A short but gripping sci-fi story, Darshan creates a world that you'd want to explore further. However, it manages to give you some major glimpses of the fictional dystopian future where the reader is free to imagine the rest. As you progress, the sense of mystery keeps you going until the end as you come across the final climax. This is definitely a good read for those looking for a dystopian setting in India.
July 30, 2020
Absolutely loved this short story!
Was blown away with the plot twist and the surprise reveal.
I went into the story with a very different idea about the plot from what I read in the synopsis but then when the suspense was revealed it was exactly opposite of what I expected and I came out shaking my head! Quite like the protagonist in the story itself!
And you know that a story is awesome when you end up highlighting a paragraph even from the Author’s Afterword !!!
Always a delight to read / hear / watch whatever Vijayendra Mohanty creates :-)
Was blown away with the plot twist and the surprise reveal.
I went into the story with a very different idea about the plot from what I read in the synopsis but then when the suspense was revealed it was exactly opposite of what I expected and I came out shaking my head! Quite like the protagonist in the story itself!
And you know that a story is awesome when you end up highlighting a paragraph even from the Author’s Afterword !!!
Always a delight to read / hear / watch whatever Vijayendra Mohanty creates :-)
May 7, 2020
Darshan is an epic story which makes you want more from the world. The imagination is outstanding, and is one of the lost interesting settings I've read in 2020.
May 17, 2020
4.5/5 stars
I went in without much expectations for this short story, thinking this would be another clichéd dystopia. Like something out of Leila.
By Krishna, was I wrong.
The author paints a compelling portrait of India in the future.
A country ruled by a mighty Sangh (RSS?), and watched over by virtual Gods, where people pray to improve their credit scores, and where only a few Drohis (anti-nationals?) question the system.
The main character, called the Citizen, is a Drohi who seeks an audience with the Gods, but is actually on a secret mission to bring down the Sangh. Of course, things take a turn for the worse. Everything that happens from that point is fantastic, making you question everything.
My only problem with the story is that it went by too soon (hence I shaved off 0.5 stars).
A longer story would have helped me understand and relate to the main character, and understand the world in which he lives. But hey, I'm not complaining — it still gave me lots to think about.
In fact, I think this is one of the best sci-fi shorts written by an Indian author.
I went in without much expectations for this short story, thinking this would be another clichéd dystopia. Like something out of Leila.
By Krishna, was I wrong.
The author paints a compelling portrait of India in the future.
A country ruled by a mighty Sangh (RSS?), and watched over by virtual Gods, where people pray to improve their credit scores, and where only a few Drohis (anti-nationals?) question the system.
The main character, called the Citizen, is a Drohi who seeks an audience with the Gods, but is actually on a secret mission to bring down the Sangh. Of course, things take a turn for the worse. Everything that happens from that point is fantastic, making you question everything.
My only problem with the story is that it went by too soon (hence I shaved off 0.5 stars).
A longer story would have helped me understand and relate to the main character, and understand the world in which he lives. But hey, I'm not complaining — it still gave me lots to think about.
In fact, I think this is one of the best sci-fi shorts written by an Indian author.
May 10, 2020
DARSHAN – ‘An opportunity to see or an occasion of seeing a holy person or the image of a deity’. That is at least the meaning explained in the dictionary. But more than that, DARSHAN is a true reflection of the world we find ourselves immersed in. This is not a work of Science Fiction, anymore.
NOW IT SIMPLY IS!
We have lived for centuries, immersed within a palimpsest of histories - carefully layered. But those layers have withered away – stolen! The only layer that remains is but one – so chosen – by the rulers. A world of a few Gods, a few manipulated thoughts and methods. Thank you Vijendra for holding up our reflection – in the sludgy waters of a roadside pothole.
But time is a great leveler and the future, carefully guarded by an ethical Universe. I have faith!
NOW IT SIMPLY IS!
We have lived for centuries, immersed within a palimpsest of histories - carefully layered. But those layers have withered away – stolen! The only layer that remains is but one – so chosen – by the rulers. A world of a few Gods, a few manipulated thoughts and methods. Thank you Vijendra for holding up our reflection – in the sludgy waters of a roadside pothole.
But time is a great leveler and the future, carefully guarded by an ethical Universe. I have faith!
November 15, 2020
What got me interested was the straight dive into the realm of fantasy with an undertone of the country's political scenario and what it could become. It was not so far removed from reality either, with face recognitions and credit score based on your behaviour in the Dharmic Republlic, already occurring in some mounts in the world. The flow was smooth and vivid, allowing one to imagine further. A person who doesn't know anything about Hindu mythology might need to take a crash course, but the willingness of the writer to engage with his readers can bridge the gap. While I am not much of a fantasy reader, this one was an interesting read on Diwali day when crackers were being lit and the sound of logic was drowning away... into a Dharmic Republic...
May 9, 2020
I had picked this up expecting a linear tale of discovery, struggle and then victory, of good over systemic evil.
Well, this isn't it. You want to feel happy, pick up The Singing Mermaid (it's great for kids!)
You want to see a possibility of where we're headed, and how we could mess up even our sole chance at redemption, then this sci-fi short story is for you.
Be scared of the inevitable failure of human beings trying to defend their free will, dignity and rights, -- OR -- be inspired to chart a different course with a hopeful future. I chose the latter.
Well, this isn't it. You want to feel happy, pick up The Singing Mermaid (it's great for kids!)
You want to see a possibility of where we're headed, and how we could mess up even our sole chance at redemption, then this sci-fi short story is for you.
Be scared of the inevitable failure of human beings trying to defend their free will, dignity and rights, -- OR -- be inspired to chart a different course with a hopeful future. I chose the latter.
May 18, 2020
A fresh take on religious dystopia.
The Dharmic Republic of Bharat, a dystopian version of India set in 2050, is a very original setting. It speculates on the role of religion in governance from a different perspective. It raises questions about how valid the wisdom found in religious texts is and are they truly immortal?
The story is not too long but it tells us a lot about the world it's set in, it's history and it's future. It is by far one of my favorite works of Indian Science Fiction. I hope to read more such stories from Vijayendra Mohanty.
The Dharmic Republic of Bharat, a dystopian version of India set in 2050, is a very original setting. It speculates on the role of religion in governance from a different perspective. It raises questions about how valid the wisdom found in religious texts is and are they truly immortal?
The story is not too long but it tells us a lot about the world it's set in, it's history and it's future. It is by far one of my favorite works of Indian Science Fiction. I hope to read more such stories from Vijayendra Mohanty.
January 9, 2021
Vimoh's short story is a haunting reminder of times to come, in light of the current political situation in India. Darshan is set in 2050 India, a techno-virtual utopia controlled by a religious faction. A rebel citizen tries to break into the system, wanting to know about the controllers of the Republic, but instead stumbles upon unimaginable, hard hitting truths. In a few pages, the author shows how we must open our eyes and inspect what our beliefs really mean to us, and how we act in the name of our Gods, before it is too late to save ourselves and our free will.
June 15, 2020
Chiling, but an important read. Economy of length without compromising on imagination. Takes very little of your time, but a lot of your thoughts/mindspace for sometime later. So you go back to read it again (or at least I did), as with most good writing. Leaves you wondering - about the past, the present and the future. Also leaves you wanting to read more. Fiction that has a politics of its own is always a pleasure to be introduced to. Please read it and ask others to read it, too. Am off to educate myself more in the author's fiction and non-fiction writing.
May 19, 2020
A great combination of religious dystopia, sci-fi, and interesting segues to vast Indian mythology. This is a well written short and I was intrigued till the end. The wordplay around citizen aka Drohi and vice versa was quite interesting and relevant for the times we live in.
December 27, 2020
Everything you can ask for in a short story.. it's crisp, surprising and action packed. The author packs a lot more in a few pages than you'd expect. Interesting read.
June 5, 2020
I’d been waiting on an opportune moment to read this short story, ideally when the world we live in became slightly less dystopian. In circumspect, I decided the approach was incautiously optimistic.
The narrative is gripping enough, the references, cleverly layered and the iconoclasm, wickedly casual. Of course, the references do require a little context, specifically, a basic grasp of Indian communal politics and Hindu mythology.
My favorite part however was how the story does not patronize the reader. The gaps in the world building appear deliberate, forcing the reader to confront the possibility of a (?)reality born of the consequences of privileged political silence, albeit without a shred of an assumed moral high ground.
In recent times, I can’t help but think that the state of our world is mirroring the Fall of Numenor.
Tolkien, Camus, Orwell.. all long dead philosophers, turning out to be modern-day prophets. For our world’s sake, let’s be better; let’s not add this brilliant writer to that list.
PS:spoiler alert: I got distinct Auditors of Reality (Discworld) vibes, not sure if that was the intent 😆
The narrative is gripping enough, the references, cleverly layered and the iconoclasm, wickedly casual. Of course, the references do require a little context, specifically, a basic grasp of Indian communal politics and Hindu mythology.
My favorite part however was how the story does not patronize the reader. The gaps in the world building appear deliberate, forcing the reader to confront the possibility of a (?)reality born of the consequences of privileged political silence, albeit without a shred of an assumed moral high ground.
In recent times, I can’t help but think that the state of our world is mirroring the Fall of Numenor.
Tolkien, Camus, Orwell.. all long dead philosophers, turning out to be modern-day prophets. For our world’s sake, let’s be better; let’s not add this brilliant writer to that list.
PS:spoiler alert: I got distinct Auditors of Reality (Discworld) vibes, not sure if that was the intent 😆
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2022
The best stories are in my opinion, capable of both stretching and shortening time simultaneously: an eternity spent within the story and the disappointment of having to let go of the dreamscape it generates too soon. With short stories, at least with the good ones, this effect is multiplied several times, and my experience while reading “Darshan” was one of the most pronounced in this regard.
It took me eight minutes to read from start till end and I spent an eternity in that time. I was probably the most engrossed I have been for a quite a while. As a short story, it was compelling and gripping, and it has massive potential not just for a much longer narrative, but also for extensive world-building.
I can only hope the author continues “Darshan”, and all the other stories its world might spawn. If not, my library would surely be the poorer for it.
It took me eight minutes to read from start till end and I spent an eternity in that time. I was probably the most engrossed I have been for a quite a while. As a short story, it was compelling and gripping, and it has massive potential not just for a much longer narrative, but also for extensive world-building.
I can only hope the author continues “Darshan”, and all the other stories its world might spawn. If not, my library would surely be the poorer for it.
June 4, 2020
Much like the cover promises, Darshan truly is an Indian science fiction story, and that's what I love best about it. It's an audience with the future, and is well established within the Indian milieu without ever losing its pace (the casual asides to Doctor Who and Star Trek notwithstanding). It put me in mind of Lord of Light by Roger Zelazny, but with one rather fantastic twist that really makes you pause to think. Sticks a knife in, then waits a while before twisting it. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
My only gripe with it perhaps is that it gets over too soon.
My only gripe with it perhaps is that it gets over too soon.
October 6, 2021
Darshan is a unique sci-fi dystopian story. The plot has an exhilarating twist which forces the reader to dive into axiological and epistemological thought process trying to decipher the character while learning about our own physical manifestations of reality. It brings out the issues in misinterpretation of history which seems ridiculously close to what we face around us. The story has a convoluted end but we are promised a sequel and as a reader I am optimistic it will be an astounding experience to read what Vimoh has to say in the following stories.
January 5, 2022
I have always been a fan of mythology and science fiction. Bringing both together with contemporary politics at play made for the perfect read, albeit a dystopic chilling one. Go ahead and enjoy and I guarantee you would be left wanting a full length novel version of the world created within "Darshan"
November 12, 2021
A glimpse into what the future might behold for our country if we don't choose wisely!! The last time I read a short story that had me thinking about it long after was The Nine Billion Names of God. Great work and I hope a sequel is coming out soon.
January 4, 2022
Fantastic story! A really unique perspective into the future, equally horrifying and revelatory, when the awesome thing is that the story brings Gods and science fiction together into a grand stage set within a compact and well told story. A must read for every Indian.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews