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Bhrashtachar Bharat Chhodho: A Retrospective of Robert Mccloskey's Iconic Hindi Novel

Kazuo Ishiguro

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Published in Bhrashtachar Bharat Chhodho (Hindi) Robert G McCloskey

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Published in 1946, Bhrashtachar Bharat Chhodho ("Quit India of Corruption") is a powerful and evocative novel by American author Robert McCloskey. Written in Hindi, the novel is a scathing indictment of the rampant corruption that plagued India during the British colonial period and beyond. Through the lives of its characters, McCloskey paints a vivid picture of the devastating effects of corruption on individuals and society as a whole.

Bhrashtachar Bharat Chhodho (Hindi)

by Robert G. McCloskey

4 out of 5

Language	:	Hindi
File size	:	2623 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	152 pages

Historical Context

Bhrashtachar Bharat Chhodho was written against the backdrop of India's struggle for independence. McCloskey, who had witnessed the horrors of World War II firsthand, was deeply concerned about the future of India. He believed that corruption was one of the greatest threats to the country's development and stability.

The novel's title is a play on the Quit India Movement, a mass civil disobedience campaign launched by the Indian National Congress in 1942. The movement aimed to force the British to grant India immediate independence. McCloskey's novel suggests that India's true independence cannot be won without first defeating the scourge of corruption.

Plot Summary

Bhrashtachar Bharat Chhodho follows the lives of several characters who are affected by corruption in different ways. The protagonist, Ram Lal, is a young man who dreams of becoming a doctor. However, his father is a corrupt government official who embezzles money meant for the poor. Ram Lal is torn between his desire to help his father and his belief that corruption must be fought at all costs.

Another character, Lakshmi, is a young woman who is forced to sell her body to pay off her father's gambling debts. She is later rescued by a group of social workers, but she remains haunted by the trauma of her experience.

Through these characters, McCloskey explores the personal and societal consequences of corruption. He shows how corruption can destroy lives, families, and communities. He also argues that corruption is a systemic problem that requires a comprehensive solution.

Social Commentary

Bhrashtachar Bharat Chhodho is not simply a story about corruption. It is also a powerful social commentary on the state of India in the mid-20th century. McCloskey's novel exposes the deep inequalities and injustices that existed in Indian society at the time. He criticizes the British colonial government for its corrupt and exploitative policies. He also criticizes the Indian elite for their complicity in the system of corruption.

McCloskey's novel is a call for change. He believes that India can only achieve true independence and progress if it eradicates corruption from its society. He urges Indians to rise up and demand a better future for themselves and their children.

Literary Style

Bhrashtachar Bharat Chhodho is written in a clear and concise style. McCloskey uses simple language to convey complex ideas. He is also skilled at creating vivid and memorable characters. The novel is full of powerful imagery and symbolism.

McCloskey's writing is both realistic and idealistic. He does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of life in India. However, he also believes in the power of hope and the possibility of change.

Critical Reception

Bhrashtachar Bharat Chhodho was a critical and commercial success when it was first published. It was praised for its realism, social commentary, and literary style. The novel has been translated into several languages and is still widely read today.

McCloskey's novel has been praised by many scholars for its insights into Indian society and its contribution to the struggle for independence. However, some critics have argued that the novel is too simplistic and that it does not offer a viable solution to the problem of corruption.

Legacy

Bhrashtachar Bharat Chhodho remains an important and influential novel in Hindi literature. It is a powerful reminder of the devastating effects of corruption and a call to action for all those who believe in a better future for India.

McCloskey's novel has inspired countless activists and reformers to fight against corruption. It has also helped to raise awareness of the issue of corruption and its impact on society.

Bhrashtachar Bharat Chhodho is a classic of Hindi literature that deserves to be read and studied by generations to come. It is a powerful and moving novel that offers a unique perspective on the struggle for independence and the fight against corruption.

Bhrashtachar Bharat Chhodho (Hindi)

by Robert G. McCloskey

4 out of 5