Dvarca is written by Madhav Mathur and published by
Fingerprint!.
The book is placed in 22nd century, it presents a
different India, which follows one religion called Navmarg. While going through
the story, I found an uncanny resemblance between Navmarg and our present
groups like Bajrang Dal, RSS,MNS etc. All these fractions, currently promote
Hindutuva or promote themselves as Indian culture and values protector.
Now
coming back to the story, it provides a very grim picture, of a society driven by
state religion and cutting-edge science. Imagine a society, where you cannot
become mother by your own choice. The state decides the time and the artificial
method, which will help you attain motherhood. The food given to every family
is rationed, no wonder many times, family members are left hungry. It sounded
worse than a Taliban regime. The author
has done a good job, in picturing such a society. But still, the story lacks
somewhere, the story seems half baked, after a point. Storyline definitely needed
bit more of attention.
I have already mentioned, where the story is placed. It
showcases the story of a common man Gandharva, financial bureaucrat, who is
living in such a society. His wife Jyoti is dutiful, she also works in Dvarca mill. One
day Jyoti forgets her way and lands up in a cordoned area, where terrorists
attack happens. Later it is revealed to Jyoti, it was no terror attack but a
planned attack done by the state, to create fear. In this society, genetic
engineering seems to be at its peak. As
a result kids born are genetically far ahead, they have all the required traits
needed by the state. Everything was going fine, but one fine day, little Nakul
son of Gandharva and Jyoti, did something which was considered unpardonable
under Navmarg. You need to unleash your imagination, when you read Dvarca. At
one point of time, I felt the pain and humiliation of belonging to such a
society.
I cannot fully write off the book, but wished for a better
and stronger plot.