'Novel Bunch' releases NRI Punjabi author’s debut book “Chasing Dignity”
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, March 1, 2023: A novel by an NRI research scientist Dr Rachhpal Sahota, from the USA, “Chasing Dignity” was released here today at the Chandigarh Press Club.
Former chief secretary and chief information commissioner Ramesh Inder Singh, along with ex-IAS, author and motivational speaker Vivek Atray, and Novel Bunch founder Hardeep Chandpuri, SR Ladhar, former IAS, Harvinder Singh, former joint director of Planning Board, Prof Rajkumar Jethi, and Anchor Raavi released the book.
Author Rachhpal Sahota said that the idea of this novel had been in mind for several years, especially the deep impression it had left on my mind of the intolerant society and casteism that pulls back any person from chasing one’s dream.
The story is set in Punjab in the 1980s and 90s, of a young outcaste boy who sets out to succeed despite the societal pressures and castist discriminations, with great determination and support of many of the teacher and his mother on the way.
Ramesh Inder Singh applauded his efforts and said that it is essential to look back, stay grounded in one’s root and discover the strengths and potential within oneself to pursue one’s life’s goals.
Dr Rachhpal Sohota’s own life is an example who rose from a small village Slaura (Ropar) to become the research scientist in Proctor and Gamble in USA.
Vivek Atray said that everyone has a story to tell and one must share it because fiction or non-fiction, they change the lives of the readers, inspire them and show them the way.He said everybody want to maintain dignity above all other things.
Veteran journalist Baljit Balli who has ventured into publishing too through his Digital Media Paltform Tirchhi Nazar Media, said that the biggest challenge is to make these stories reach out to the right audience, and already Dr Sahota’s novel is receiving good response from various sections especially Indians settled abroad.
Hardeep Chandpuri, commended for venturing out into the publishing domain and bringing out this excellent novel.Novel Bunch, a group of like-minded individuals with a penchant for written word, literary pursuits, music, art and culture, came up early this year.
Hardeep Chandpuri, founder of Novel Bunch said that it is a must-read since the author captures the finer nuances of the village life in Punjab besides reviving interest in some of the forgotten folk traditions, social institutions and our cultural heritage.
"Intercaste marriages are taking place now. The story in this book is very relevant today. The character of the novel depicts real-life elements.The translation of this book in Punjabi will have a meaningful impact We need more readers than writers today," said Vivek Atrey, former IAS and motivational speaker.
Dr Rachhpal Sahota, writer of the Chasing Dignity, said the book is based on complexities of caste system, especially in Punjab
Harvinder Singh, who will Translate the book in Punjabi, said cast is our integral part and it is not ending Autobiography of Punjab, especially of the period after 1980 Depicting social life properly, which is very attractive. It is very unique step that novel has been written on this subject
"After 'The Untouchable', it is the first English novel based on caste system the caste system is irking us. This is a great effort by Sahota and he did a big contribution to our society," said SR Ladhar.
Most of the speakers were of the view that the cast devide in Punjab is much diffrent and dilluted from other parts of India due to teachings of the Sikh Guru and impact of Sikhism but this divide consinue to exist in very complex forms.
"The book is written in very simple and readable. The rural system of India has been captured very well in this novel.I hope thebook will achieve good heights," said former Chief Secretary Ramesh Inder Singh.