MALAYALAM
Satire on political system
K. KUNHIKRISHNAN
VEDAPURATHE VYAPARIKAL: Tamil novel by Indira Parthasarathy; Translated by P.K. Sreenivasan, DC Books, DC Kizhakemuri Edam, Good Shepherd Street, Kottayam-686001. Rs. 65.
THIS IS a powerful satire on a political system that has lost its total identity. The ruling icons are omniscient and omnipotent, and the malevolence is everywhere. The system is based on fear and indoctrination of the worst order. People are forced to live in abject poverty and servitude. They build temples for the icons who they think have power over their tragic destiny and indulge in festivities propitiating them.
The powerless Vedapuram loses its individuality in the deceptive world of cinema. The novel is on the atrocities and the system of merchandising and mind-policing. There is also a centre in Indraprastha, which instead of protecting people indulges in trading of boxes! Ministers are puppets and universities only confer doctorates on rulers.
The story begins with Apurva, the main character, coming to study about Vedapuram and trace her family roots. She encounters a series of strange and incredible incidents. But she herself becomes part of the system, being anointed the queen!
The theatre of the absurd in a democracy and the rot that has set in the polity of Tamil Nadu are forcefully brought out.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Book Review
