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Pokhran - A Novel
The success of the ‘Smiling Buddha’ nuclear test marked the rise of India as a nuclear power in 1974. But what went unreported in the media was the nuclear fallout that had lasting impact on the inhabitants of Pokhran, especially Chaitanya.
It quickly becomes clear that the conspiracy surrounding this radioactive fallout runs pretty deep in the establishment. Those who have had a hand in covering it up are willing to go to great lengths to ensure that the secrets stay buried.
Chaitanya sets on a journey to expose the truth. With Zara by his side, he is sure to bring justice to his people. But when fate snatches Zara away from him, he is consumed by revenge. Undeterred by threats, he embarks on a mission that takes him from the deserts of Pokhran to those of Syria, and into the halls of MIT.
A heady page turner, at its very core, Pokhran is an exceptional journey of revenge, courage, love and the unbeatable human spirit.
It quickly becomes clear that the conspiracy surrounding this radioactive fallout runs pretty deep in the establishment. Those who have had a hand in covering it up are willing to go to great lengths to ensure that the secrets stay buried.
Chaitanya sets on a journey to expose the truth. With Zara by his side, he is sure to bring justice to his people. But when fate snatches Zara away from him, he is consumed by revenge. Undeterred by threats, he embarks on a mission that takes him from the deserts of Pokhran to those of Syria, and into the halls of MIT.
A heady page turner, at its very core, Pokhran is an exceptional journey of revenge, courage, love and the unbeatable human spirit.
157 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2020
4 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Uday Singh
3 books12 followersUday is an economist and an engineer with keen interest in philosophy and a firm belief in the progressive march of humanity towards a better and brighter future. He lives in Princeton, New Jersey and works in New York. He is a Columbia University Alumnus, ex-strategy consultant with McKinsey & Co., investment banker, and writes on economy, philosophy, and fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 374 reviews
September 10, 2020
The success of the ‘Smiling Buddha’ nuclear test marked the rise of India as a nuclear power in 1974. But what went unreported in the media was the nuclear fallout that had lasting impact on the inhabitants of Pokhran, especially Chaitanya.
Chaitanya had a rough childhood. His mother died during childbirth and he was born without limbs. After his mother’s death, his sister took care of him. But he was bullied.
It quickly becomes clear that the conspiracy surrounding this radioactive fallout runs pretty deep in the establishment. Those who have had a hand in covering it up are willing to go to great lengths to ensure that the secrets stay buried.
Chaitanya sets on a journey to expose the truth.
My review:
I enjoyed this book very much. It is definitely an intense read and a hard hitting one. It is also fast paced and a page turner.
I liked all the characters, especially Chaitanya and his sister, Radhika. Chaitanya is a very inspiring character as he didn’t let his disability come between the things he wanted to do. I wish his father had been a bit more compassionate towards him.
The cover of this book is very well done and is very apt to the story.
The language was easy and simple but not amateurish. The narration is spontaneous and the pacing is fluid.
My biggest issue was that the ending was a bit abrupt in my opinion. I felt a bit underwhelmed by it but it made sense.
This is definitely a fine book and I would recommend this book.
Chaitanya had a rough childhood. His mother died during childbirth and he was born without limbs. After his mother’s death, his sister took care of him. But he was bullied.
It quickly becomes clear that the conspiracy surrounding this radioactive fallout runs pretty deep in the establishment. Those who have had a hand in covering it up are willing to go to great lengths to ensure that the secrets stay buried.
Chaitanya sets on a journey to expose the truth.
My review:
I enjoyed this book very much. It is definitely an intense read and a hard hitting one. It is also fast paced and a page turner.
I liked all the characters, especially Chaitanya and his sister, Radhika. Chaitanya is a very inspiring character as he didn’t let his disability come between the things he wanted to do. I wish his father had been a bit more compassionate towards him.
The cover of this book is very well done and is very apt to the story.
The language was easy and simple but not amateurish. The narration is spontaneous and the pacing is fluid.
My biggest issue was that the ending was a bit abrupt in my opinion. I felt a bit underwhelmed by it but it made sense.
This is definitely a fine book and I would recommend this book.
September 11, 2020
This profound story is of Chaitanya who is born with disabilities as an aftermath of the fallout of nuclear testing at Pokhran in 1970’s .
Chaitanya has had a tough upbringing by his father who wants him to face everything difficult at home so that the outside world seems better.
His journey from the desert lands to education abroad opened many prospects and gave him the true love of his life Zara a Yazidi believer who further helped him broaden his horizon.
What lengths is he ready to go for his dreams?
Do read this book which has its own thrilling storyline and an undeterred spirit of a Man.
I love some very delicate topics the author has touched about inheritance and equality. 👏🏻👏🏻
“If Life is a race everyone has to start from the same line”❤️
Chaitanya has had a tough upbringing by his father who wants him to face everything difficult at home so that the outside world seems better.
His journey from the desert lands to education abroad opened many prospects and gave him the true love of his life Zara a Yazidi believer who further helped him broaden his horizon.
What lengths is he ready to go for his dreams?
Do read this book which has its own thrilling storyline and an undeterred spirit of a Man.
I love some very delicate topics the author has touched about inheritance and equality. 👏🏻👏🏻
“If Life is a race everyone has to start from the same line”❤️
August 20, 2020
"Assuming humans will always have an innate need to discriminate, whether it is based on the colour of the skin or the religious beliefs or the level of education or individual wealth, it is an interesting question to ponder whether it is better for such discrimination to be overt or covert."
The story is focuses on Chaitanya, who is born in Pokhran a year after the first nuclear tests were conducted there. He is born disabled and loses his mother to hemorrhage. He is brought up under rigid treatment from his father and the loving care of his elder sister, and goes on to become accomplished in computer programming from MIT. Despite his harsh childhood, and all the other unfortunate developments he has had to face, he still remains optimistic, and strives to change the world, or atleast a small part of it. He has ideas, and is not afraid to put them into practice.
The story was captivating from the get go. I was expecting a story filled with rage and retaliation, but what I got was the opposite. It is instead filled with love, and social commitment. The story takes place over India, the US, and Syria, and the descriptions were beautiful and yet, not overly done. The ideas and issues that were discussed continually through the book, were things that I continually find myself thinking about these past few months.
There are many ideas explored in the book. The one idea that the author aims at putting forward and the one that interested me the most was the idea of 'Paracracy'. It's sort of a spoiler, but I cannot stop without discussing it here. Paracracy is a term coined by the author to capture a society where inheritance is abolished. The new generation will have to start from scratch to amass wealth. The state will invest the property of the older generation into education, infrastructure development, and social services to take care of the sick and the disabled. As the author himself admits, there are a lot of demerits to the idea. These include increased opportunities for the children of the wealthy and well-connected, and perpetuation of other inequalities. Another problem with this I found with it was: would people have enough of an impetus to continue working, if wealth cannot be used to improve the lives of their successors? If all the wealth people amass would, in the end, go to the state why would they work for it?
Though it is not perfect, it does give an answer to the problems in socialist society like the absence of impetus to work, or the widening wealth gap in capitalism.
I can go on discussing this. But if you're curious, go read the book.
The story is focuses on Chaitanya, who is born in Pokhran a year after the first nuclear tests were conducted there. He is born disabled and loses his mother to hemorrhage. He is brought up under rigid treatment from his father and the loving care of his elder sister, and goes on to become accomplished in computer programming from MIT. Despite his harsh childhood, and all the other unfortunate developments he has had to face, he still remains optimistic, and strives to change the world, or atleast a small part of it. He has ideas, and is not afraid to put them into practice.
The story was captivating from the get go. I was expecting a story filled with rage and retaliation, but what I got was the opposite. It is instead filled with love, and social commitment. The story takes place over India, the US, and Syria, and the descriptions were beautiful and yet, not overly done. The ideas and issues that were discussed continually through the book, were things that I continually find myself thinking about these past few months.
There are many ideas explored in the book. The one idea that the author aims at putting forward and the one that interested me the most was the idea of 'Paracracy'. It's sort of a spoiler, but I cannot stop without discussing it here. Paracracy is a term coined by the author to capture a society where inheritance is abolished. The new generation will have to start from scratch to amass wealth. The state will invest the property of the older generation into education, infrastructure development, and social services to take care of the sick and the disabled. As the author himself admits, there are a lot of demerits to the idea. These include increased opportunities for the children of the wealthy and well-connected, and perpetuation of other inequalities. Another problem with this I found with it was: would people have enough of an impetus to continue working, if wealth cannot be used to improve the lives of their successors? If all the wealth people amass would, in the end, go to the state why would they work for it?
Though it is not perfect, it does give an answer to the problems in socialist society like the absence of impetus to work, or the widening wealth gap in capitalism.
I can go on discussing this. But if you're curious, go read the book.
July 24, 2020
I would like to draw two parallels with what I know about Pokhran,
Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whom I admire a lot, being the man behind the success of India's first nuclear test of 1974, which changed the route of human history.
The second reaction after watching movies like The Hills have eyes(One of my favorites) would be my reaction to how little we know of the radioactive fall out due to Pokhran nuclear tests and how a government can hide uglier truths.
Then comes a writer like @uday_singh_0000 who knows how to bring to life a thriller in the form of a page turning extravaganza. I only can imagine how important such stories are for @srishtipub to bring them to the youth. I have interacted with the author and not only he is a visionary but an absolutely amazing human being. I must say that my unfazed admiration is no basis for the admiration I have for the topic he chose to present to the world. He could have written on anything, any theme, but he chose sensitive topics and turned it into a web which gets untangled in the end.
Chaitanya and Zara's journey are inspiring and a medley of events which are inspired by the motivation to unearth justice even if it means crossing oceans. Literally and figuratively, Pokhran is an exceptional journey of revenge, courage, love and the unbeatable human spirit. I loved how the author impacted me with his research which never loses the sight of anecdotes and history's underrated important events.
I would love to see this book being made into a movie or a series, with but obvious more onus on certain parts which lacked the enthrall to keep up pace as many conversations coupled with dramatic settings could have been better used for rather than induce romance.
I now know a few facts which I didn't and I now know more than I did yesterday, that has been my takeaway from this book. I am glad I am reading more Indian authors.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whom I admire a lot, being the man behind the success of India's first nuclear test of 1974, which changed the route of human history.
The second reaction after watching movies like The Hills have eyes(One of my favorites) would be my reaction to how little we know of the radioactive fall out due to Pokhran nuclear tests and how a government can hide uglier truths.
Then comes a writer like @uday_singh_0000 who knows how to bring to life a thriller in the form of a page turning extravaganza. I only can imagine how important such stories are for @srishtipub to bring them to the youth. I have interacted with the author and not only he is a visionary but an absolutely amazing human being. I must say that my unfazed admiration is no basis for the admiration I have for the topic he chose to present to the world. He could have written on anything, any theme, but he chose sensitive topics and turned it into a web which gets untangled in the end.
Chaitanya and Zara's journey are inspiring and a medley of events which are inspired by the motivation to unearth justice even if it means crossing oceans. Literally and figuratively, Pokhran is an exceptional journey of revenge, courage, love and the unbeatable human spirit. I loved how the author impacted me with his research which never loses the sight of anecdotes and history's underrated important events.
I would love to see this book being made into a movie or a series, with but obvious more onus on certain parts which lacked the enthrall to keep up pace as many conversations coupled with dramatic settings could have been better used for rather than induce romance.
I now know a few facts which I didn't and I now know more than I did yesterday, that has been my takeaway from this book. I am glad I am reading more Indian authors.
September 17, 2020
MY RATING: 2.5/5
.
I felt like the blurb and the title both deceived me. The story turned out completely different than what I expected. It revoles around the boy Chaitanya rather than the Pokhran nuclear test. Here and there, there are so many unnecessary details that has nothing to do with the actual plot. To be honest the whole story sounded like a Bollywood movie script to me.
.
The characters were not much developed.
.
Talking about the pace and plot, the pace is fast and I didn't like the narration. The combination of past and present narration confused me. Writing is simple so this is a good book for beginners. But the author ended the story in haste.
.
However I liked the idea behind this book. It is about Paracracy.
.
MY EXPERIENCE:
Within 200 pages the author tried his best to sum up a thrilling experience but it didn't work, it didn't work at all. The blurb said it's a "A heady page turner, at it's very core", I couldn't agree with this statement. Not even a single thing in this book is thrilling and at some point I get bored. But leaving a half read book behind is annoying for me so I finished this book.
.
I felt like the blurb and the title both deceived me. The story turned out completely different than what I expected. It revoles around the boy Chaitanya rather than the Pokhran nuclear test. Here and there, there are so many unnecessary details that has nothing to do with the actual plot. To be honest the whole story sounded like a Bollywood movie script to me.
.
The characters were not much developed.
.
Talking about the pace and plot, the pace is fast and I didn't like the narration. The combination of past and present narration confused me. Writing is simple so this is a good book for beginners. But the author ended the story in haste.
.
However I liked the idea behind this book. It is about Paracracy.
.
MY EXPERIENCE:
Within 200 pages the author tried his best to sum up a thrilling experience but it didn't work, it didn't work at all. The blurb said it's a "A heady page turner, at it's very core", I couldn't agree with this statement. Not even a single thing in this book is thrilling and at some point I get bored. But leaving a half read book behind is annoying for me so I finished this book.
August 30, 2020
Let's take a glance at the end. Now, let's go back to the beginning. By the time we reach the end again, we'll understand how wrong it is to pass judgment without knowing the whole picture.
The fated day arrived. Everyone in the command centre waited in anticipation. At sharp 8, the confirmation call arrived that was to change the lives of millions.
1974, the first nuclear test in India was a success. To what extend? When Paramvir started his journey to expose the truth behind the Smiling Buddha nuclear test, he didn't knew the gravity of situation in which he's gotten into. A series of unfortunate events follows which leads his son taking up what father began.
This is the story of the son, Chaitanya, his dreams, his struggles and his determination to make a change, to complete what his father started.
A gripping story with an important message. The last few chapters contains a concept that's not just to read but to contemplate. Sometimes, the more we think, the more doubts raise in our mind. But that's a good thing right? Let's ponder over the concept and see where we'll reach.
The fated day arrived. Everyone in the command centre waited in anticipation. At sharp 8, the confirmation call arrived that was to change the lives of millions.
1974, the first nuclear test in India was a success. To what extend? When Paramvir started his journey to expose the truth behind the Smiling Buddha nuclear test, he didn't knew the gravity of situation in which he's gotten into. A series of unfortunate events follows which leads his son taking up what father began.
This is the story of the son, Chaitanya, his dreams, his struggles and his determination to make a change, to complete what his father started.
A gripping story with an important message. The last few chapters contains a concept that's not just to read but to contemplate. Sometimes, the more we think, the more doubts raise in our mind. But that's a good thing right? Let's ponder over the concept and see where we'll reach.
August 14, 2020
Title - Pokhran - A Novel
Author - Uday Singh
Publisher - Srishti Publishers
Genre - fiction
Pages - 194
Format - paperback
.
.
The story of Pokhran revolves around the success of 'Smiling Buddha' nuclear test done in 1974 and it's after effects due to radiation fallout. This radiation fallout was hidden by the media and government. This had many side effects and the new borns were disabled. The lives of people of Pokhran got affected too much. And now this is the story of the protagonist Chaitanya who was born with disability of impaired legs. But he has a gifted IQ.
Read the book to know the journey of Chaitanya that how he uncovered the truth behind all this tragedy with the help of his wife Zara.
.
.
Review -
The cover of the book could have been better and the title is totally apt.
The plot of the story is thrilling, realistic, inspirational and eye opener. It is a perfect blend of reality and fiction with lots of twist and turns. The author has narrated all the truth behind this nuclear test amazingly. All the emotions are perfectly depicted by the author like love, humanity, courage, revenge etc.
Language used is simple and lucid.
Characters are well developed and described by the author. Each and every character has been given equal importance.
The story swings between past and present but the author has perfectly managed it.
Hats off to him for his research work and writing on such sensitive issues like Yazidi community, gender and cultural inequality, role of media,the tragedy occur due to successful nuclear test and so many.
The end of the story is remarkable.
Overall, a page turner thriller.
.
.
Rating - 4.6/5
.
.
I recommend this book to all.
Author - Uday Singh
Publisher - Srishti Publishers
Genre - fiction
Pages - 194
Format - paperback
.
.
The story of Pokhran revolves around the success of 'Smiling Buddha' nuclear test done in 1974 and it's after effects due to radiation fallout. This radiation fallout was hidden by the media and government. This had many side effects and the new borns were disabled. The lives of people of Pokhran got affected too much. And now this is the story of the protagonist Chaitanya who was born with disability of impaired legs. But he has a gifted IQ.
Read the book to know the journey of Chaitanya that how he uncovered the truth behind all this tragedy with the help of his wife Zara.
.
.
Review -
The cover of the book could have been better and the title is totally apt.
The plot of the story is thrilling, realistic, inspirational and eye opener. It is a perfect blend of reality and fiction with lots of twist and turns. The author has narrated all the truth behind this nuclear test amazingly. All the emotions are perfectly depicted by the author like love, humanity, courage, revenge etc.
Language used is simple and lucid.
Characters are well developed and described by the author. Each and every character has been given equal importance.
The story swings between past and present but the author has perfectly managed it.
Hats off to him for his research work and writing on such sensitive issues like Yazidi community, gender and cultural inequality, role of media,the tragedy occur due to successful nuclear test and so many.
The end of the story is remarkable.
Overall, a page turner thriller.
.
.
Rating - 4.6/5
.
.
I recommend this book to all.
August 19, 2020
It’s a novel. Definitely the title attracted me. And the book starts with a tragic scene of shooting. And the nuclear experiment that was done in Pokharan in 1974 named laughing Buddha. Initially story of that nuclear experiment is described. Then the story took turn. Chaitanya, our protagonist was born in 1975. His mother died immediately after his birth. He was born with certain physical disabilities. It is believed that due to effects of radiation, few child there born in such a way. His elder sister and father took care of him. His life was dependent on wheelchair and prosthetic arms. His father was really strict in terms of discipline and education. Till now story was going smoothly then suddenly it took turn and he realised that a conspiracy is going on. Kidnapping of Devyani was unexpected and really heart touching for me. Later on he went to MIT in USA and he met zara. With support of Zara, he wants to uncover the truth. Read the book to know what is that entire topic. Because discussing that will lead to spoilers. I liked the plot. It’s quite complex and definitely a Bollywood movie material. The book turned out quite different than I expected seeing the title. The language of the book is lucid so that everyone can pick it up. At certain point I felt the plot is little bit messy due to portrayal of multiple events. The narration style of the author is captivating. The end was definitely unexpected. I liked the political touch to the story. Overall good one.
August 26, 2020
So as the title suggests, we will know that the book will relate to the rural area Pokhran which is situated in Rajasthan, India. So this book will deal with the nuclear test expressed smiling buddha at Pokhran during the year 1974. This story depicts the aftermath of nuclear fallout, I liked the way how the effects and unknown kinds of stuff were revealed. The protagonist of the story is Chaitanya, he is born with disabilities as a result of the nuclear fallout so he is the victim present in the plot. The children and the pregnant women were all in the utmost danger. And sometime after again Chaitanya falls to get trapped to diverse conspiracies even though he had to face many hurdles in his life, he still managed hard to learn and he was one of the brilliant students. With his intelligence, he flies to study in abroad, MIT. There he meets Zara. Zara is a girl from the Yazidi community. As their love gets stronger, their fates grew, even more, to witness the miserable scene in Syria. Zara was taken away from Chaitanya. Chaitanya got enraged to plan revenge. Will he be able to succeed in it? To know more grab this book.
August 26, 2020
The plot of this book revolves around the place Pokhran where a project named Smiling Buddha has been launched to build the nuclear capability for weapon use. But an unexpected fallout during the launch affects the lives of the people there and Chaitanya is one among the people whose life was badly affected. The rest of the story deals with how chaitanya dedicates his life in bringing the news of the fallout in front of the public and how he struggles to bring justice for his family and other people.
So, the book Pokhran deals with a very relevant and sensitive topic. The plot was really engaging and it had the power to keep the reader hooked to the story. The character of Chaitanya was portrayed really well and tbh, I felt really sorry for him.The writing was simple and lucid. Towards the end of the story, it became slow paced. Overall it was an interesting read.
So, the book Pokhran deals with a very relevant and sensitive topic. The plot was really engaging and it had the power to keep the reader hooked to the story. The character of Chaitanya was portrayed really well and tbh, I felt really sorry for him.The writing was simple and lucid. Towards the end of the story, it became slow paced. Overall it was an interesting read.
November 30, 2020
It is not unknown that behind every success, a huge number of sacrifices are made. And forgotten. One such story is of the inhabitants of the village called Pokhran, Rajasthan. Pokhran- A Novel by Uday Singh portrays the life of Chaitanya, who suffered disastrous consequences due to the first Nuclear Test- the Smiling Buddha conducted by India in the year 1974.
Chaitanya- whose mother died giving birth to him due to the radiation- is born just a year after the nuclear test with physical disabilities. And not only Chaitanya’s but a great number of families face similar ends. Tied to a wheelchair for life, Chaitanya possesses a great IQ and intelligence. He secures his place in a top university abroad and finds the love of his life. But when Chaitanya gets a whiff that there was a whole lot of conspiracy undergoing along with the nuclear test, he goes on unearthing facts that may help in uncovering the secret behind.
You can’t help admire the characters of Pokhran. Chaitanya, the ever-optimistic, loving guy whose spirit is intact even after the problems in his life. His father, the strict man, who is always preparing his son for the worst. Uday Singh did a very well job introducing the readers with a different side of the same coin, which went unreported by everyone.
The book was a little fast paced with some typos and grammatical errors. It could have done better with some editing. Otherwise, the book was engaging with a good narrative.
5w
Chaitanya- whose mother died giving birth to him due to the radiation- is born just a year after the nuclear test with physical disabilities. And not only Chaitanya’s but a great number of families face similar ends. Tied to a wheelchair for life, Chaitanya possesses a great IQ and intelligence. He secures his place in a top university abroad and finds the love of his life. But when Chaitanya gets a whiff that there was a whole lot of conspiracy undergoing along with the nuclear test, he goes on unearthing facts that may help in uncovering the secret behind.
You can’t help admire the characters of Pokhran. Chaitanya, the ever-optimistic, loving guy whose spirit is intact even after the problems in his life. His father, the strict man, who is always preparing his son for the worst. Uday Singh did a very well job introducing the readers with a different side of the same coin, which went unreported by everyone.
The book was a little fast paced with some typos and grammatical errors. It could have done better with some editing. Otherwise, the book was engaging with a good narrative.
5w
September 4, 2020
Pokhran by Uday Singh published by Srishti Publisher is about Chaitanya who was born during the Nuclear fallout and was born with a disability. How his life take turns when he loses his loved ones. It’s a story that will give you goosebumps.
The storyline is fabulous making the reader curious. It’s about India’s proudest moment, the Smiling Buddha project. It tells about the lives of people at Pokhran. How their lives changed after that project, how their lives were affected by the radiations. How Chaitanya discovered the truth behind this tragedy. How will he bring the truth in front of everyone? It’s a journey of his struggle. The struggle he did, the humiliation he faced and the way he saw life. It’s about his efforts.
Also Read: Book Review of Secret of Success and a Happy Heart: Stories of Inspiration by Vikas Chadha
The plot of the story is intriguing, with many twists. It’s an inspiring journey. The narration of the story is fabulous keeping the reader hooked throughout from the very first page.
I liked how the author described Chaitanya’s journey. This book is a combination of the details and the depth of emotions. How it feels when we lose our loved one’s, how it feels when you’re not loved. Each emotion is wonderfully explained. This book is full of love, friendship, humanity, strength, revenge and loss.
With simple and easy language, It’s a fast-paced book with a gripping and interesting writing style. It will make the reader think from a different perspective. It’s a well-detailed and well-researched book. I liked how the characters are developed by the author. One could relate to each of them. I loved how the author described the places. The message of truth wins is conveyed by the author.
Overall, it’s an amazing read that will give you some deep insights.
The storyline is fabulous making the reader curious. It’s about India’s proudest moment, the Smiling Buddha project. It tells about the lives of people at Pokhran. How their lives changed after that project, how their lives were affected by the radiations. How Chaitanya discovered the truth behind this tragedy. How will he bring the truth in front of everyone? It’s a journey of his struggle. The struggle he did, the humiliation he faced and the way he saw life. It’s about his efforts.
Also Read: Book Review of Secret of Success and a Happy Heart: Stories of Inspiration by Vikas Chadha
The plot of the story is intriguing, with many twists. It’s an inspiring journey. The narration of the story is fabulous keeping the reader hooked throughout from the very first page.
I liked how the author described Chaitanya’s journey. This book is a combination of the details and the depth of emotions. How it feels when we lose our loved one’s, how it feels when you’re not loved. Each emotion is wonderfully explained. This book is full of love, friendship, humanity, strength, revenge and loss.
With simple and easy language, It’s a fast-paced book with a gripping and interesting writing style. It will make the reader think from a different perspective. It’s a well-detailed and well-researched book. I liked how the characters are developed by the author. One could relate to each of them. I loved how the author described the places. The message of truth wins is conveyed by the author.
Overall, it’s an amazing read that will give you some deep insights.
August 2, 2020
Pokhran by Uday Singh is a fictional novel based on the success of 'Smiling Buddha' nuclear test in 1974. This nuclear test has some long lasting impacts on the inhabitants of the city of Pokhran. One of which is a boy named Chaitanya.
The book starts with Chaitanya childhood and how he has grown with a tough father around and raised by her elder sister, since her mother died during childbirth. He has impaired legs, which is the result of the nuclear test.
Chaitanya has a gifted IQ so later due to riots and other things happening in and around the Pokhran, he has been accepted and sent to MIT where he sets on a journey to expose the truth with Zara, his wife by her side every step of the way.
Firstly, I am in awe with the author's way of narration and writing style, it is flawless, it is fast paced, it is beautiful. I did not realise when the book ended. The book is full of inspiration, twist and turns, a story told like never before. The research done by the author on this topic as well as turning it into a fiction was commendable.
All the characters in this book are commendable. Be it Chaitanya's sister, whose spirit never broke and grew up pretty strong even without a mother. Zara, whose dream and equally great intellectual in city planning is commendable. Their love and human spirit is what makes this story an inspiring one.
Reading the author's note at the end of the book made so many things much clear about this book. The book starts with the flashback of how 'Smiling Buddha' came into existence. The end was very beautiful, it made me feel so many feelings at the same time. I really recommend you to read this book.
The book starts with Chaitanya childhood and how he has grown with a tough father around and raised by her elder sister, since her mother died during childbirth. He has impaired legs, which is the result of the nuclear test.
Chaitanya has a gifted IQ so later due to riots and other things happening in and around the Pokhran, he has been accepted and sent to MIT where he sets on a journey to expose the truth with Zara, his wife by her side every step of the way.
Firstly, I am in awe with the author's way of narration and writing style, it is flawless, it is fast paced, it is beautiful. I did not realise when the book ended. The book is full of inspiration, twist and turns, a story told like never before. The research done by the author on this topic as well as turning it into a fiction was commendable.
All the characters in this book are commendable. Be it Chaitanya's sister, whose spirit never broke and grew up pretty strong even without a mother. Zara, whose dream and equally great intellectual in city planning is commendable. Their love and human spirit is what makes this story an inspiring one.
Reading the author's note at the end of the book made so many things much clear about this book. The book starts with the flashback of how 'Smiling Buddha' came into existence. The end was very beautiful, it made me feel so many feelings at the same time. I really recommend you to read this book.
March 25, 2022
The story takes you to 1974 where 'smiling Buddha' nuclear test was a huge success.
While everyone is talking about this biggest achievement no one knows about the fallout and how it impacted the lives of the people of Pokhran.
'Pokhran' is the story of Chaitanya, victim of nuclear fallout, who is born physically impaired.
Growing up Chaitanya had witnessed a very strict and disciplinary atmosphere in his home because of his father. It was his elder sister who loved and supported him.
While the Government tried to cover up the aftermath of the nuclear test, it was Chaitanya who was keen to uncover the truth. On his journey he meets Zara but fate had something else in store for him.
I loved the plot and the story is fast paced. What disappointed me in this book was the narration. Author has also highlighted some important issues in this story. For me the book was okayish as I had some high expectations from it.
Read the book to know how Chaitanya overcomes all the hurdles to uncover the truth.
While everyone is talking about this biggest achievement no one knows about the fallout and how it impacted the lives of the people of Pokhran.
'Pokhran' is the story of Chaitanya, victim of nuclear fallout, who is born physically impaired.
Growing up Chaitanya had witnessed a very strict and disciplinary atmosphere in his home because of his father. It was his elder sister who loved and supported him.
While the Government tried to cover up the aftermath of the nuclear test, it was Chaitanya who was keen to uncover the truth. On his journey he meets Zara but fate had something else in store for him.
I loved the plot and the story is fast paced. What disappointed me in this book was the narration. Author has also highlighted some important issues in this story. For me the book was okayish as I had some high expectations from it.
Read the book to know how Chaitanya overcomes all the hurdles to uncover the truth.
August 21, 2020
When I started this book, without actually going through the blurb, I assumed it was a retelling of the successful nuclear test in Pokhran and it's glory. Rather it is the hidden after effects of the test that is still under the carpet.
Beautifully described through the struggles of the protagonist, Chaitanya, this book will make you cry, but win your heart. It is about a lesson from the past and the actions that will instigate a hope for a better future. Definitely recommended to everyone.
Beautifully described through the struggles of the protagonist, Chaitanya, this book will make you cry, but win your heart. It is about a lesson from the past and the actions that will instigate a hope for a better future. Definitely recommended to everyone.
August 23, 2020
The sense of pride we felt when the Nuclear Test Project "Smiling Buddha" conducted at Pokhran was successful, a secret mission right under the noses of Soviet Societies!
However, was it really successful? After all, a project so dangerous must have had certain impact, some fallout. That's something to think about.
Due to the radiation fallout, it was discovered that kids in Pokhran were born with certain disabilities during the year of 1974. Chaitanya is one of them. Being born that way, life was hard for him but that wasn't an excuse for him. Since childhood, his was brought up strictly in a manner that the harsh reality of the outside world would seem much more easier. In his early days, despite the struggles, he was a brilliant student. The loss of two of his closest friends took up a toll him and he busied himself in building up the nuclear project conducted before his birth.
An opportunity takes him to MIT in America where he meets Zara from the Yazidi community. Uncertain events rise in Syria, riots arise between religions taking Zara away from him.
This final loss in Chaitanya's life enraged him for revenge. But his revenge is different.. ༄
.
You need to read this book to find out about his revenge. This journey was an emotional ride with so many facts and real life events. I loved the writing style, the way the author talks about equality, having a playing level field for all, minority communities, being accepted for all their beliefs and so much more.
Pokhran is a perfect blend of reality with an element of fiction, easily one of my best reads. ༄
However, was it really successful? After all, a project so dangerous must have had certain impact, some fallout. That's something to think about.
Due to the radiation fallout, it was discovered that kids in Pokhran were born with certain disabilities during the year of 1974. Chaitanya is one of them. Being born that way, life was hard for him but that wasn't an excuse for him. Since childhood, his was brought up strictly in a manner that the harsh reality of the outside world would seem much more easier. In his early days, despite the struggles, he was a brilliant student. The loss of two of his closest friends took up a toll him and he busied himself in building up the nuclear project conducted before his birth.
An opportunity takes him to MIT in America where he meets Zara from the Yazidi community. Uncertain events rise in Syria, riots arise between religions taking Zara away from him.
This final loss in Chaitanya's life enraged him for revenge. But his revenge is different.. ༄
.
You need to read this book to find out about his revenge. This journey was an emotional ride with so many facts and real life events. I loved the writing style, the way the author talks about equality, having a playing level field for all, minority communities, being accepted for all their beliefs and so much more.
Pokhran is a perfect blend of reality with an element of fiction, easily one of my best reads. ༄
September 17, 2020
Genre- Historical Fiction
This book talks about Pokhran, a village and a municipality located in the Jaisalmer district of the Indian state of Rajasthan which served as the test site for India's first underground nuclear weapon, ballistic missiles.
It is the place where India’s first nuclear weapon was tested named ‘Smiling Buddha’ in 1974. It was successful but the aftereffects of the test were not revealed to the public and media at the time.
No one had any idea what was about to come!
The consequences of the test were horrifying and it affected the people of Pokhran and around as well. The new generation born in and around Pokhran has affected adversely.
The book follows the story of Chaitanya, a boy who was born without hands and legs but this never stopped him. His father, an architect and a structural engineer tried a lot to make the government aware of the consequences but everyone turned a deaf ear towards him.
Thankfully Chaitanya had his sister Radhika and his friends to support him and he continued to fight along with his father against the people in power and making his career and goes all the way to Boston. It shows what all people can do to remain in power and they play dirty politics to save their name and position in the government.
The book also touches on a lot of sensitive topics like nuclear fallouts, gender inequality and many more which was very much needed. It showed how unstable the government was. It talks both optimistic and pessimistic side of life where we see how an especially disabled person, despite being in a complicated position tries to make the kit of his life and on the other, the people in power are trying to misuse their power in every way and hiding important information from everyone and taking part in cruel politics.
The best thing about the book is that it teaches you not to look in the past for long and try to earn from past mistakes and not repeat them in the present and future. I liked how the author has tried to reveal a great part of history to all of us!
Would recommend this to people who are a fan of historical fiction!
This book talks about Pokhran, a village and a municipality located in the Jaisalmer district of the Indian state of Rajasthan which served as the test site for India's first underground nuclear weapon, ballistic missiles.
It is the place where India’s first nuclear weapon was tested named ‘Smiling Buddha’ in 1974. It was successful but the aftereffects of the test were not revealed to the public and media at the time.
No one had any idea what was about to come!
The consequences of the test were horrifying and it affected the people of Pokhran and around as well. The new generation born in and around Pokhran has affected adversely.
The book follows the story of Chaitanya, a boy who was born without hands and legs but this never stopped him. His father, an architect and a structural engineer tried a lot to make the government aware of the consequences but everyone turned a deaf ear towards him.
Thankfully Chaitanya had his sister Radhika and his friends to support him and he continued to fight along with his father against the people in power and making his career and goes all the way to Boston. It shows what all people can do to remain in power and they play dirty politics to save their name and position in the government.
The book also touches on a lot of sensitive topics like nuclear fallouts, gender inequality and many more which was very much needed. It showed how unstable the government was. It talks both optimistic and pessimistic side of life where we see how an especially disabled person, despite being in a complicated position tries to make the kit of his life and on the other, the people in power are trying to misuse their power in every way and hiding important information from everyone and taking part in cruel politics.
The best thing about the book is that it teaches you not to look in the past for long and try to earn from past mistakes and not repeat them in the present and future. I liked how the author has tried to reveal a great part of history to all of us!
Would recommend this to people who are a fan of historical fiction!
September 16, 2020
I have read Bishwashghatak by Narayan Sanyal which is written on the basis of history of atom bomb. I know the story how scientists from all over the world worked for the creation of this horrible weapon, and what were the political agendas that time regarding the project.
I have also watched Parmanu: the story of Pokhran, but I didn't know the after effects of India's nuclear bomb test explosions which took place in Pokhran.
We knew that the explosion did not affect the civilians because it took place in the underground, but there were three layers of soil.
"The soil is sandy till about 50 feet, then hard clay for about 40 feet, and then it's the rocky core. This depth was not enough absorb the full output of the bomb. The hard rocky shell acted as a reflector of the blast, pushing it upwards."
So, a nuclear fallout happened and affected the people of this area. Many women died during childbirth, and the children born with physical disabilities even after few years of the incident.
I really loved the plot. The storytelling is also good. Beside the narration of the after effects of Pokhran nuclear blast, the book also covers the problems of LGBTQ community, and the importance of Paracratic society. Though the story is fictional, it doesn't feel like one.
I have also watched Parmanu: the story of Pokhran, but I didn't know the after effects of India's nuclear bomb test explosions which took place in Pokhran.
We knew that the explosion did not affect the civilians because it took place in the underground, but there were three layers of soil.
"The soil is sandy till about 50 feet, then hard clay for about 40 feet, and then it's the rocky core. This depth was not enough absorb the full output of the bomb. The hard rocky shell acted as a reflector of the blast, pushing it upwards."
So, a nuclear fallout happened and affected the people of this area. Many women died during childbirth, and the children born with physical disabilities even after few years of the incident.
I really loved the plot. The storytelling is also good. Beside the narration of the after effects of Pokhran nuclear blast, the book also covers the problems of LGBTQ community, and the importance of Paracratic society. Though the story is fictional, it doesn't feel like one.
September 4, 2024
This story is set in Pokhran and hence gets its name from it. This is a place near Rajastan which is famous for the nuclear tests particuarly the Smiling Buddha project which helped India emerge as a nuclear power. Everybody talked about the succesful tests but the failed tests and what happened to the lives of the affected inhabitants of Pokhran were tragically buried secrets .One such person is Chaitanya the protagonist of the story . He and many other such children born during the period had disabilities caused due to the radioactive fallout from the nuclear tests. The struggles that he goes through in life for survival and the hurdles he faces how he finds a motivation to live is what this story is about. His father is one of the other important characters of this book. This book has a lot of emotions in it. The author has done a great job indeed.
Eventhough this is an imaginary story its based on true life happenings and quite well researched. It is very well narated and thoughtfuly written. Also fact paced which was good except for a rushed up closure. Definietely an eye opener on diff issues in the society and a must read . I am a sucker for historical fiction and really liked reading the forgotten history of Pokhran .
My Rating: 3.5/5
Eventhough this is an imaginary story its based on true life happenings and quite well researched. It is very well narated and thoughtfuly written. Also fact paced which was good except for a rushed up closure. Definietely an eye opener on diff issues in the society and a must read . I am a sucker for historical fiction and really liked reading the forgotten history of Pokhran .
My Rating: 3.5/5
September 4, 2020
Smiling Buddha Nuclear test project of India, it became a hit in 1974. The side-effects and the radioactive fallout was buried with its greatest impacts. Chaitanya was born with physical disability during that time and his mother was succumbed after giving birth to him. His loving sister, Radhika took care of him from he was a baby. Chaitanya's father never showed his love openly and maintained his composure. Tougher upbringing from his stern father was to make sure that Chaitanya doesn't face life without anyone's support and embrace his life as a warrior and survive the hardest times.
.
.
The book was trending all over and I have got the chance to experience it for my own. Firstly, I thought it was going to be a fast paced thriller but all I got was a slow paced one with interesting story line. That was satisfying. I have never read a single book about protagonists with physical disabilities so far and Chaitanya becomes the inspiration now from this fictional story.
.
.
The book was trending all over and I have got the chance to experience it for my own. Firstly, I thought it was going to be a fast paced thriller but all I got was a slow paced one with interesting story line. That was satisfying. I have never read a single book about protagonists with physical disabilities so far and Chaitanya becomes the inspiration now from this fictional story.
September 20, 2020
Book Title: Pokhran - Novel
Author: Uday Singh
Format: Kindle
Book Title
The title of the book ' Pokhran ' is a proud remembrance and nostalgic too!
Book Cover
The cover image of the book is an abstract yet thought-provoking image of a city with a large building being build upon the land where the nuclear test was done. This image is hypothetical and argumentative.
Inside the book
The story is set in a remote village, Pokhran in the state Rajasthan, India. This is the story of a young kid Chaitanya, who was a victim of the Nuclear experiment named ' Smiling Buddha' in the year 1974. It often happens that the science and technology along with Research and Development comes with costly consequences, likewise, the lives of people like Chaitanya were affected due to the nuclear fallout that has changed their lives completely.
Coming to the story, Chaitanya’s father, Paramvir, an architect and structural engineer whose dream project was to bring a drastic change about a change in the canal system of Pokhran that would help the residents claim the drinking water. When Paramvir hears the successful experiment, he doesn't back-off but further confidently opines that his project will withstand any kind of disturbances such as earthquakes during the Smiling Buddha project.
As the saying goes, expect the unexpected, this nuclear test changes the lives of the people of the place forever. What happened is what the story is about.
My review
Of late I have been reading books that are either fantasy fiction or non-fiction. This book came as a surprise. It is derived from real events and if drilled deeper, can also be the real story of any person who is either a victim or a survivor of Nuclear Tests. We often keep reading about the ill effects such R&D tests result in. Such is the story that author Uday has picked up.
Many similar incidents came to my mind and for some time I have been thinking about people like Chaitanya, who are born with disabilities for no fault of them. It is impossible to even imagine life with such physical challenges. But, the best part of the story is the positive and zealous attitude the protagonist illustrates.
The book is a good combination of details, facts, and emotions. The missing feeling is we lose someone we love or the humanity aspects or love or relationship or friendship or revenge is shown coherently and strongly.
I also liked the author's extreme research, details about the places mentioned, known, and unknown facts of the project Smiling Buddha.
What to expect
Expect an action-packed emotional story that has all the elements. The best part of the book is it has lots of twists that will surprise and entertain the reader. The narration is so nice that a screen-play for a movie or a short film can be easily made of it.
My take on the characters
The story starts simple with a nuclear test and introduces the readers with three characters. One being Chaitanya, a newly born kid, his father Paramvir, and his mother. He loses his mother and hence the character has space in the story. Due to the radiation emitted from the nuclear test, Chaitanya is born with many physical disabilities. However, with great determination, his sister and father look after him and he becomes a successful person. During his study life at MIT, USA, he meets Zara who also happens to be one of the central characters.
With lots of empathy and unconditional love, the character of Devyani and Zara allure the readers. Chaitanya oozes with determination and hope and of late these characteristics are shown as the story progresses. The author has eloquently crafted the characters with scope and depth.
How good is the author's writing style
The storyline is very interesting as well as the author's writing. Narrated in the first person, author Uday takes a reader into the past and combines it with the aftermath of the incidents that happened in the past. As the focal point of the story is about India’s proudest moment, the Smiling Buddha project, the readers will be curious to read the story.
The author very vividly explains the pros and cons of such tests in the domestics areas that will affect the lives of people for ages. The narration also reminded me of the Bhopal gas tragedy and the Hiroshima Nagasaki incident for which the people along generations are paying the price.
The story then points towards Chaitanya and his quest to understand the mystery behind. He being the son of Paramvir who once had a dream is no more a thing to feel happy about. Why is it not a dream anymore? What happened with the canal linking project? This happens to the quest that Chaitanya, the protagonist must chase. The quest is never a cakewalk to him but is a rough road with many bumps that also include people's disownment and curses.
Who can read the book
The book is written in colloquial and basic language that can be read universally. It will surely interest the readers who are aware and have been during the Pokhran Nuclear test II during the reign of our lovable President Late. Mr. Abdul Kalam too in the year 1998.
As the title suggests, the novel is a life story of the protagonist Chaitanya. His life from childhood, his growth as a person, and his emotions that build up the central narrative. The book is written in simple language and even beginners can read the book.
Final Rating
4/5
Author: Uday Singh
Format: Kindle
Book Title
The title of the book ' Pokhran ' is a proud remembrance and nostalgic too!
Book Cover
The cover image of the book is an abstract yet thought-provoking image of a city with a large building being build upon the land where the nuclear test was done. This image is hypothetical and argumentative.
Inside the book
The story is set in a remote village, Pokhran in the state Rajasthan, India. This is the story of a young kid Chaitanya, who was a victim of the Nuclear experiment named ' Smiling Buddha' in the year 1974. It often happens that the science and technology along with Research and Development comes with costly consequences, likewise, the lives of people like Chaitanya were affected due to the nuclear fallout that has changed their lives completely.
Coming to the story, Chaitanya’s father, Paramvir, an architect and structural engineer whose dream project was to bring a drastic change about a change in the canal system of Pokhran that would help the residents claim the drinking water. When Paramvir hears the successful experiment, he doesn't back-off but further confidently opines that his project will withstand any kind of disturbances such as earthquakes during the Smiling Buddha project.
As the saying goes, expect the unexpected, this nuclear test changes the lives of the people of the place forever. What happened is what the story is about.
My review
Of late I have been reading books that are either fantasy fiction or non-fiction. This book came as a surprise. It is derived from real events and if drilled deeper, can also be the real story of any person who is either a victim or a survivor of Nuclear Tests. We often keep reading about the ill effects such R&D tests result in. Such is the story that author Uday has picked up.
Many similar incidents came to my mind and for some time I have been thinking about people like Chaitanya, who are born with disabilities for no fault of them. It is impossible to even imagine life with such physical challenges. But, the best part of the story is the positive and zealous attitude the protagonist illustrates.
The book is a good combination of details, facts, and emotions. The missing feeling is we lose someone we love or the humanity aspects or love or relationship or friendship or revenge is shown coherently and strongly.
I also liked the author's extreme research, details about the places mentioned, known, and unknown facts of the project Smiling Buddha.
What to expect
Expect an action-packed emotional story that has all the elements. The best part of the book is it has lots of twists that will surprise and entertain the reader. The narration is so nice that a screen-play for a movie or a short film can be easily made of it.
My take on the characters
The story starts simple with a nuclear test and introduces the readers with three characters. One being Chaitanya, a newly born kid, his father Paramvir, and his mother. He loses his mother and hence the character has space in the story. Due to the radiation emitted from the nuclear test, Chaitanya is born with many physical disabilities. However, with great determination, his sister and father look after him and he becomes a successful person. During his study life at MIT, USA, he meets Zara who also happens to be one of the central characters.
With lots of empathy and unconditional love, the character of Devyani and Zara allure the readers. Chaitanya oozes with determination and hope and of late these characteristics are shown as the story progresses. The author has eloquently crafted the characters with scope and depth.
How good is the author's writing style
The storyline is very interesting as well as the author's writing. Narrated in the first person, author Uday takes a reader into the past and combines it with the aftermath of the incidents that happened in the past. As the focal point of the story is about India’s proudest moment, the Smiling Buddha project, the readers will be curious to read the story.
The author very vividly explains the pros and cons of such tests in the domestics areas that will affect the lives of people for ages. The narration also reminded me of the Bhopal gas tragedy and the Hiroshima Nagasaki incident for which the people along generations are paying the price.
The story then points towards Chaitanya and his quest to understand the mystery behind. He being the son of Paramvir who once had a dream is no more a thing to feel happy about. Why is it not a dream anymore? What happened with the canal linking project? This happens to the quest that Chaitanya, the protagonist must chase. The quest is never a cakewalk to him but is a rough road with many bumps that also include people's disownment and curses.
Who can read the book
The book is written in colloquial and basic language that can be read universally. It will surely interest the readers who are aware and have been during the Pokhran Nuclear test II during the reign of our lovable President Late. Mr. Abdul Kalam too in the year 1998.
As the title suggests, the novel is a life story of the protagonist Chaitanya. His life from childhood, his growth as a person, and his emotions that build up the central narrative. The book is written in simple language and even beginners can read the book.
Final Rating
4/5
September 26, 2022
Reading the summary, the book gives an idea about parts of the plot. But while reading, my mind tried to figure out the actual genre. Only halfway through the book it accepted that there is no Sci-Fi going on here. The awaiting of a big revelation of something over-dramatic or a sudden turn from the norm or average happenings to something unbelievable is never fulfilled. This does not mean that the plot or the character appear to be living an average life. Instead the author presents a mix of everyday struggles of the people in the Rajasthani community in the 1970s and 80s, together with some special struggles of the protagonist.
In general, the plot is quite simple and at times also predictable. At the same time it is fast paced, keeping the reader interested. At least in the audiobook there are jumps in the timeline without warning. By this I am not talking about jumps in the timeline between chapters or paragraphs, but the jumps usually occur between two sentences within a paragraph. As it did not add to neither the story nor the suspense or atmosphere, I wonder why the author or producer decided to do it this way. Without an auditory cue, or a short break between sentences, it was more irritating than a lyrical feature.
Some parts of the plot definitely have their flaws. Especially the sums of money Chaitanya received for the “companies” or his projects just seem extremely exaggerated. The same goes for the effortless invention of a “truth-chair”, a device that can tell if a human is telling the truth or not. Here we finally got some Sci-Fi.
Similarly, the love stories of Chaitanya and Zara or his childhood crush, at times felt weird and unnatural, which is unlikely to be expalined by cultural differences.
I enjoyed the fact, that the plot itself continued without a pause, without any chance of going back. This just seemed how live sometimes can be. I hardly believe, that anyone’s life revolves about a single specific experience they had. This is the same for Chaitanya, who experiences difficult times, sometimes even traumatic, but still moves forward.
While I did not consider the book above average for most of the plot, I did enjoy the sudden focus on philosophy in the later chapters. Here a group of characters dive into the discussion of how to best manage society and end up debating on individualism vs. collectivism and capitalism vs. socialism. Earlier children used to inherit the debts of their parents in the so called bound labour. This was eradicated and these debts are not transferred anymore to the offspring. However, any accumulated wealth is still passed on to the next generation. A true equal level playing field for all players should also include that neither debts nor the accumulated wealth are passed on to the next generation. During the same debate, humans are positioned above animals. But still humans should behave “naturally”. Here the author states through the mouth of a liberal character, that even if that is the case for humans it does not mean that humans have to blindly follow each of their instincts.
The most interesting takeaway of the book is the introduction to a paracratic society, which is the aforementioned society in which parents neither inherit wealth nor debt to their offspring. This does not forbid a capitalist market system to be in place. But the wealth gap that can increase over generations in a capitalist system and grow so wide, that it becomes unbridgeable for the unwealthy to cross. By ruling out inheritance of any kind, this gap experiences a reset every generation.
The author chose to write a fictional story to introduce the concept of a paracratic society. In my opinion he ended up with a poor narrative to demonstrate his example. The protagonist started off neither especially poor or rich, when compared to the society around him, and rose to great wealth by his own means and without the help of his parents. Instead, the book deals with inequalities that are not addressed by a paracratic society, such as the physical disabilities.
In general, the plot is quite simple and at times also predictable. At the same time it is fast paced, keeping the reader interested. At least in the audiobook there are jumps in the timeline without warning. By this I am not talking about jumps in the timeline between chapters or paragraphs, but the jumps usually occur between two sentences within a paragraph. As it did not add to neither the story nor the suspense or atmosphere, I wonder why the author or producer decided to do it this way. Without an auditory cue, or a short break between sentences, it was more irritating than a lyrical feature.
Some parts of the plot definitely have their flaws. Especially the sums of money Chaitanya received for the “companies” or his projects just seem extremely exaggerated. The same goes for the effortless invention of a “truth-chair”, a device that can tell if a human is telling the truth or not. Here we finally got some Sci-Fi.
Similarly, the love stories of Chaitanya and Zara or his childhood crush, at times felt weird and unnatural, which is unlikely to be expalined by cultural differences.
It is in the service of others that you will find true joy and happiness”.
I enjoyed the fact, that the plot itself continued without a pause, without any chance of going back. This just seemed how live sometimes can be. I hardly believe, that anyone’s life revolves about a single specific experience they had. This is the same for Chaitanya, who experiences difficult times, sometimes even traumatic, but still moves forward.
While I did not consider the book above average for most of the plot, I did enjoy the sudden focus on philosophy in the later chapters. Here a group of characters dive into the discussion of how to best manage society and end up debating on individualism vs. collectivism and capitalism vs. socialism. Earlier children used to inherit the debts of their parents in the so called bound labour. This was eradicated and these debts are not transferred anymore to the offspring. However, any accumulated wealth is still passed on to the next generation. A true equal level playing field for all players should also include that neither debts nor the accumulated wealth are passed on to the next generation. During the same debate, humans are positioned above animals. But still humans should behave “naturally”. Here the author states through the mouth of a liberal character, that even if that is the case for humans it does not mean that humans have to blindly follow each of their instincts.
The most interesting takeaway of the book is the introduction to a paracratic society, which is the aforementioned society in which parents neither inherit wealth nor debt to their offspring. This does not forbid a capitalist market system to be in place. But the wealth gap that can increase over generations in a capitalist system and grow so wide, that it becomes unbridgeable for the unwealthy to cross. By ruling out inheritance of any kind, this gap experiences a reset every generation.
The author chose to write a fictional story to introduce the concept of a paracratic society. In my opinion he ended up with a poor narrative to demonstrate his example. The protagonist started off neither especially poor or rich, when compared to the society around him, and rose to great wealth by his own means and without the help of his parents. Instead, the book deals with inequalities that are not addressed by a paracratic society, such as the physical disabilities.
September 24, 2020
‘Pokhran’ by Uday Singh is a novel that takes place in Pokhran where nuclear testing was conducted. The story starts with the successful nuclear testing but there was some news that was not disclosed to the general public. During this testing there was nuclear fallout due to which many children born around that period were born with some sort of disability. Chaitanya’s father was very proud and happy of this successful nuclear testing but little did he know that his own son would be suffering due to this nuclear test. When Chaitanya’s mother went into labour the climate was conducive enough for her to be carried to the hospital so it was decided that the delivery would be done at their place only. But due to some complications she could not survive and when Chaitanya’s father saw him he was very sad to his only son born with disability. It was kind of shock for him because no one in his family ever had any disability and during Chaitanya’s treatment there were some revelations made by the doctor which later on cost Chaitanya and his family a lot. To know about Chaitanya and his story read ‘Pokhran’.
My Thoughts:
The plot was well written and how the author has set a fictional story in this real life event. We never know what the later results would have been from such a testing but there are multiple things that can go wrong like in this story. I must say the story is engaging and will surely make the readers curious to know what is going to happen next.
The characters are well written and relatable. I liked Chaitanya’s mother even after being born in a small village she was really determined to do something in life and always did what she felt was right. Chaitanya’s father who always used to behave strictly with him but also wanted to see his son strong and never back out in any situation whatever the situation be. Chaitanya is one character where we get to see him how once he was a shy and reserved person who always used to doubt himself due to his disability and later his transformation to a confident and independent person was very inspiring to see.
Language is simple and lucid and the narration is done beautifully. The pace of the story is also perfect which makes it a perfect read.
The cover page and the title of the book are apt to the plot.
Overall, I must say that this was a very inspiring read and at time would also make the readers very emotional too. I would surely recommend it to all.
My Thoughts:
The plot was well written and how the author has set a fictional story in this real life event. We never know what the later results would have been from such a testing but there are multiple things that can go wrong like in this story. I must say the story is engaging and will surely make the readers curious to know what is going to happen next.
The characters are well written and relatable. I liked Chaitanya’s mother even after being born in a small village she was really determined to do something in life and always did what she felt was right. Chaitanya’s father who always used to behave strictly with him but also wanted to see his son strong and never back out in any situation whatever the situation be. Chaitanya is one character where we get to see him how once he was a shy and reserved person who always used to doubt himself due to his disability and later his transformation to a confident and independent person was very inspiring to see.
Language is simple and lucid and the narration is done beautifully. The pace of the story is also perfect which makes it a perfect read.
The cover page and the title of the book are apt to the plot.
Overall, I must say that this was a very inspiring read and at time would also make the readers very emotional too. I would surely recommend it to all.
September 5, 2020
We have been the victims of three attacks. This fate should not repeat. We are not getting ready to attack anyone. We don’t have that intention. I was asked about the connection between Pokhran-2 and the Lahore bus service. They are two sides of the same coin - the strength of our defence and the hand of friendship -- the hand of friendship through honesty.
Former Prime Minister speaks in Lok Sabha following the nuclear tests in Pokhran
This book tells brief introduction about the true and real story ( Smiling Buddha ( Nuclear test )
The day was May 18 in the year 1974. On this day, the Indian government conducted its first nuclear test in the deserts of Pokhran, Rajasthan making it a peaceful nuclear explosion.
'Smiling Buddha' (MEA designation: Pokhran-I) was the assigned code name of India's first successful nuclear bomb test.
With the Smiling Buddha, India became the world's sixth nuclear power after the United States, Soviet Union, Britain, France and China to successfully test out a nuclear bomb.
This test also affects various people's who lived around the area of Pokhran where the nuclear test takes place including the newborn child's during that time. Chaitanya was also born during that period of time with deficiencies in his shape due to the harmful moistures of nuclear weapons. Chaitanya was born without Hands and Legs and His mommy disappeared just after his origin. After his mother's casualty, his sister whose Radhika takes to take care of the responsbility of her brother . Life was never easy for Chaitanya and his family after his mother but the completep support of his father and Radhika helps him to become a educated person and make his way to become successful. His abilities to do anything and everything else leads him to become his nuclear computer model.
To more about the story of the book you must read this book .
The story of the book proceeds with these characters
Chaitanya is the main character of this well story,
And all other characters are well written and beautifully described .
The title / cover of the book is perfectly matched with the story .
I really like the author's way to described the story in simple way.
4.5 ✍
Former Prime Minister speaks in Lok Sabha following the nuclear tests in Pokhran
This book tells brief introduction about the true and real story ( Smiling Buddha ( Nuclear test )
The day was May 18 in the year 1974. On this day, the Indian government conducted its first nuclear test in the deserts of Pokhran, Rajasthan making it a peaceful nuclear explosion.
'Smiling Buddha' (MEA designation: Pokhran-I) was the assigned code name of India's first successful nuclear bomb test.
With the Smiling Buddha, India became the world's sixth nuclear power after the United States, Soviet Union, Britain, France and China to successfully test out a nuclear bomb.
This test also affects various people's who lived around the area of Pokhran where the nuclear test takes place including the newborn child's during that time. Chaitanya was also born during that period of time with deficiencies in his shape due to the harmful moistures of nuclear weapons. Chaitanya was born without Hands and Legs and His mommy disappeared just after his origin. After his mother's casualty, his sister whose Radhika takes to take care of the responsbility of her brother . Life was never easy for Chaitanya and his family after his mother but the completep support of his father and Radhika helps him to become a educated person and make his way to become successful. His abilities to do anything and everything else leads him to become his nuclear computer model.
To more about the story of the book you must read this book .
The story of the book proceeds with these characters
Chaitanya is the main character of this well story,
And all other characters are well written and beautifully described .
The title / cover of the book is perfectly matched with the story .
I really like the author's way to described the story in simple way.
4.5 ✍
August 29, 2020
There are some incidents that one encounters in one's life which remains in the memory of that person forever. People usually see the amazing creation but the after effects are rarely considered. The protagonist of the book "Pokhran" is born with some birth defects that is without hands and legs. During the course of giving birth to Chaitanya, the protagonist, his mother dies. His father is left alone to care for him along with an elder daughter Radhika. Now the cause for his condition is revealed later in the story; the reason being the effects of the detonation of nuclear bomb which never saw the light of the day. At this time he was still in his mother's womb. We also come to know that there were other children too who suffered same fate as him. Then the story continues mentioning many events of his tragic life.
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Uday Singh, the author of this book starts the story with the mention of the success of the Smiling Buddha, a nuclear test marked in 1974, as a flashback. The story revolves around the struggles Chaitanya faced in his life beginning with his persistent efforts to adjust with his physical impairment. This book is filled with emotions,love, hatred, pride, guilt and loss. Chaitanya always remained strong emotionally and mentally to serve his best to others as his father wanted him too despite the tragedies he faced. He works on a computer model to prove that the nuclear explosion which took place was not as successful as it was considered. He was destined to bring out all the truth and carry out his father's uncompleted work. He even is accepted in MIT for his genius mind.
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The characterization is very nicely done by linking the Pokhran incident with Chaitanya's life. The book questions the social norms, how a disabled child is seen by the society, the psychological state of one's mind after several losses and with that a special bond between brother and sister is also shown. The language is lucid and narration is quite good and engaging. The title of the book is apt which is named after a village where the explosion occurred. The cover is amazing where a smoke is burning down the city which one can actually relate with the book.
.
Uday Singh, the author of this book starts the story with the mention of the success of the Smiling Buddha, a nuclear test marked in 1974, as a flashback. The story revolves around the struggles Chaitanya faced in his life beginning with his persistent efforts to adjust with his physical impairment. This book is filled with emotions,love, hatred, pride, guilt and loss. Chaitanya always remained strong emotionally and mentally to serve his best to others as his father wanted him too despite the tragedies he faced. He works on a computer model to prove that the nuclear explosion which took place was not as successful as it was considered. He was destined to bring out all the truth and carry out his father's uncompleted work. He even is accepted in MIT for his genius mind.
.
The characterization is very nicely done by linking the Pokhran incident with Chaitanya's life. The book questions the social norms, how a disabled child is seen by the society, the psychological state of one's mind after several losses and with that a special bond between brother and sister is also shown. The language is lucid and narration is quite good and engaging. The title of the book is apt which is named after a village where the explosion occurred. The cover is amazing where a smoke is burning down the city which one can actually relate with the book.
August 20, 2020
About the book:- POKHRAN book is written so beautifully and it's such a catchy book whether it is about the cover or content or writing style. I loved the way it is presented in front of the reader. I was imagining all the happenings in the book firstly as a pure desi movie and then just as Hollywood movie or more than that. It was grasping and I was unable to put it down. I'm curious to explore more from this genre as this book I found very interesting. This book is really a page-turner and I loved it from the very first page. The very first scene is so thrilling that you won't be able to put it down for once. How a historical event can change someone life is very well explained and imagined.
About the story:- Story revolves around a boy Chaitanya who took birth after the event of Pokhran successful nuclear testing. But because of the small nuclear fallout during the explosion had a great impact on the life of Chaitanya. He was born with disabilities like having no hands and feet. His father who took part in this event was also shocked after knowing this. No one ever tried to show this news in media and anywhere. Now the life of Chaitanya become miserable but he and his loving sister and his friends who were few become the great support of him. Few incidents in his life taught him so much and he became successful by working hard and through his magnificent mind, Do you Want to know how? Read this awesome book and find out.
There is a great message in this book. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
About the story:- Story revolves around a boy Chaitanya who took birth after the event of Pokhran successful nuclear testing. But because of the small nuclear fallout during the explosion had a great impact on the life of Chaitanya. He was born with disabilities like having no hands and feet. His father who took part in this event was also shocked after knowing this. No one ever tried to show this news in media and anywhere. Now the life of Chaitanya become miserable but he and his loving sister and his friends who were few become the great support of him. Few incidents in his life taught him so much and he became successful by working hard and through his magnificent mind, Do you Want to know how? Read this awesome book and find out.
There is a great message in this book. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
August 26, 2020
I was always fascinated about nuclear tests and energies. But I never actually wondered what goes behind such missions and the impact on people who are living nearby.Nuclear energy is really powerful but the after effects of testing are very harmful beyond imagination that continues to affect generations to come.
This book weaves a story of a possible conspiracy. I believe everything isn't fiction since there's no smoke without fire and history is a great witness to such experiments and endeavours
To make a country self sufficient with respect to various energy harnesses, and to improve it's defense systems, is totally fine and necessary to empower that country. I am not against it. But the people living nearby such sites get affected by a huge extent. We can see that very well through the eyes of our protagonist named Chaitanya. While reading and trying to assimilate what people like him must have went through, I feel that we are very fortunate and privileged enough to have never experienced such disastrous incidents. The pace of the story is real quick and will set your heart soaring. There won't be an instance where you would feel bored. Ultimately this book may be fiction but it is true to its core, since it is very well researched. It is indeed a book that combines multiple facets of revenge, betrayal and human emotions beautifully.
This book weaves a story of a possible conspiracy. I believe everything isn't fiction since there's no smoke without fire and history is a great witness to such experiments and endeavours
To make a country self sufficient with respect to various energy harnesses, and to improve it's defense systems, is totally fine and necessary to empower that country. I am not against it. But the people living nearby such sites get affected by a huge extent. We can see that very well through the eyes of our protagonist named Chaitanya. While reading and trying to assimilate what people like him must have went through, I feel that we are very fortunate and privileged enough to have never experienced such disastrous incidents. The pace of the story is real quick and will set your heart soaring. There won't be an instance where you would feel bored. Ultimately this book may be fiction but it is true to its core, since it is very well researched. It is indeed a book that combines multiple facets of revenge, betrayal and human emotions beautifully.
July 22, 2020
This book was not what I expected it to be. I don't know, maybe the title and the cover gave me a different idea so I was really surprised to read a completely another theme which I found super cool and stood out in the book. So the base as you can see from the title is that it's happening in the place called Pokhran near Jaipur after a nuclear test gone wrong and children are being born disabled. Our protagonist is one such special child. I found it really emotional at some point and in some places there were hopes and positivity that was so good to read about.
I also got to learn about Paracracy which is something like communism but not exactly. It is about individual having freedom to accumulate wealth as much as possible for themselves but they can't pass it to children. I don't think I completely agree with it. But I found it interesting. So at the base, the story is about how our protagonist, Chaithanya exposes the truth in the conspiracy of nuclear test gone wrong, brings justice and helps people in Pokhran. There was also an underlying romantic relationship(s) which I didn't like much. I mean it wasn't odd but the author could have done it well. And the writing could have been polished a bit. Otherwise it's a good read.
3.5 🌟
I also got to learn about Paracracy which is something like communism but not exactly. It is about individual having freedom to accumulate wealth as much as possible for themselves but they can't pass it to children. I don't think I completely agree with it. But I found it interesting. So at the base, the story is about how our protagonist, Chaithanya exposes the truth in the conspiracy of nuclear test gone wrong, brings justice and helps people in Pokhran. There was also an underlying romantic relationship(s) which I didn't like much. I mean it wasn't odd but the author could have done it well. And the writing could have been polished a bit. Otherwise it's a good read.
3.5 🌟
October 1, 2020
As everyone who ever had thought before reading this book, even I felt the same thinking that this book only talks about nuclear stuff by seeing the title.
Even I got fooled just like you people and this gave me a surprise which I haven't expected.
Pokhran by Uday Singh is a story of Chaitanya who is affected due to the nuclear fallout of the mission in Pokhran. His mother died giving birth to him, he is born with physical disabilities.
The journey of Chaitanya since childhood was very terrible with a lot of hardships, losing all his loved ones one after the other.
Each person he had lost, the reason behind had one or the other connection to be dealt with the society.
He never came down, always had the optimism of finding happiness in giving service to people.
He is smart with his programming skills and made a huge sum with his projects and came up with a plan taking the help of his best friends to build something to solve the problems faced by his adored ones with great founding principles.
The reader gets to experience an emotional flow as the book covers topics about riots, kidnapping, politics, journalism, nuclear fallouts, the Syrian crisis, physical disabilities, and many more.
The story gives a thought to think about the philosophy that could be adapted in this century.
Even I got fooled just like you people and this gave me a surprise which I haven't expected.
Pokhran by Uday Singh is a story of Chaitanya who is affected due to the nuclear fallout of the mission in Pokhran. His mother died giving birth to him, he is born with physical disabilities.
The journey of Chaitanya since childhood was very terrible with a lot of hardships, losing all his loved ones one after the other.
Each person he had lost, the reason behind had one or the other connection to be dealt with the society.
He never came down, always had the optimism of finding happiness in giving service to people.
He is smart with his programming skills and made a huge sum with his projects and came up with a plan taking the help of his best friends to build something to solve the problems faced by his adored ones with great founding principles.
The reader gets to experience an emotional flow as the book covers topics about riots, kidnapping, politics, journalism, nuclear fallouts, the Syrian crisis, physical disabilities, and many more.
The story gives a thought to think about the philosophy that could be adapted in this century.
August 24, 2020
This was the inspiring tale of Chaitanya, a boy who's misfortune was the Pokhran nuclear test. He came into the world limbless, a result of the nuclear fallout. And he died in an attempt to make Pokhran world's haven.⠀
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While I expected the book to be more about the Pokhran nuclear test than Chaitanya's life, I enjoyed it nevertheless. I thought I was signing up for something like Chernobyl, but this was something entirely different.⠀
⠀
The indomitable spirit of Chaitanya made for a story worth telling. The book was full of controversies and modern social evils, right from political goons to gay rights. The author also addressed the economic chasms between certain classes on people in India. Zara, the Yazidi love interest of the protagonist was a very strong character - a favourite of mine. ⠀
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I have mixed feelings about the ending and I don't entirely agree or appreciate the way the last few chapters turned out, but it did make for a compelling tale. The book made me think, formulate my own opinions and it definitely raised questions that I'd love the youth of the nation to ponder on. ⠀
⠀
Overall, I'd definitely recommend everybody to pick this up. ⠀
⠀
While I expected the book to be more about the Pokhran nuclear test than Chaitanya's life, I enjoyed it nevertheless. I thought I was signing up for something like Chernobyl, but this was something entirely different.⠀
⠀
The indomitable spirit of Chaitanya made for a story worth telling. The book was full of controversies and modern social evils, right from political goons to gay rights. The author also addressed the economic chasms between certain classes on people in India. Zara, the Yazidi love interest of the protagonist was a very strong character - a favourite of mine. ⠀
⠀
I have mixed feelings about the ending and I don't entirely agree or appreciate the way the last few chapters turned out, but it did make for a compelling tale. The book made me think, formulate my own opinions and it definitely raised questions that I'd love the youth of the nation to ponder on. ⠀
⠀
Overall, I'd definitely recommend everybody to pick this up. ⠀
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