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Book Review
TAMIL
Ideals and reality
PREMA NANDAKUMAR
VAIKARAI VELICHAM (Light at Dawn): P.C. Ganesan; Tiruvarasu Puthaka Nilayam, 23, Deenadayalu Street, T. Nagar, Chennai-600017. Rs. 80.
THE GENERATIONAL history in this novel records a familiar scene in millions of households in India. The first generation is all Congress, following Mahatma Gandhi, wearing khadi and opting for simplicity and non-violence. The second generation is a frustrated one in post-Independence India. The third (present) generation, not less idealistic than fathers and grandfathers, would yet take up a career without political affiliations, while trying to reform the political set-up. This idealism evaporates quickly. Tamil Nadu is the setting for the novel. We have a committed reporter in Indu and a fairly decent news baron in Rajaguru. But we also have an utter womaniser-scoundrel in Kailasam, the minister for public works. With Indu’s investigations moving towards the drinking water scam of the minister, the issue is joined. Since the minister has the police inspector Guna in his pocket, things appear grim. Fortunately this is fiction, evil is routed, good wins and all is well that ends well with a double-wedding. It is interesting to note that the capitalist and the communist come off fairly unscathed, and the Congressman Periasamy (seen through his diary) reflects the glory and good in our culture. But Kailasam (his party is not named) is all evil and the super-star Surya justifies his raking up black money. An accomplished political commentator who passed away two years ago, P.C. Ganesan has presented a clear-toned, authentic witness to contemporary life in Vaikarai Velicham. A novel to read. And read again, lest we grow complacent.
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