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Book Review: ‘Hello, Bastar’ by Rahul Pandita
Category: Non-Fiction/Current Affairs
Publisher: Tranquebar
PP: 195 pages
ISBN: 978-93-80658-34-6
Reviewed by Gopinath Mavinkurve
Twitter id: @gopinathmm
The book is a detailed account of the Maoist movement in India. Beginning with the early origins of the movement in Naxalbari, which lent the other term “Naxalites” for the insurgent uprising of the downtrodden in tribal areas the author delves deep into the conditions of the people prevailing in the forest areas where adivasis were exploited by the landlords, the contractors, moneylenders, witch-doctors - and even the forest officers. The complete absence of development speaks volumes about the apathy of the governments for decades. In this backdrop, the book explains how the movement spreads to various areas mainly with an intention to free the oppressed from the clutches of the oppressors. The manner in which high-caste landlords were overthrown by the power of the gun to distribute land amongst peasants, providing the gory details of vengeful acts like beheadings being committed in the early stages of the movement to the more organized guerilla trained armies that would be able to combat effectively against the CRPF personnel in later times.
Several accounts have been narrated, of the sexual exploitation, rape and brutal killings of the tribal people, who are already victims of neglect and apathy of the government, which has not taken the least efforts for providing potable drinking water, food or electricity – let alone education, health and employment opportunities. The pittance paid as wages to tribal women for collecting tendu leaves, which are used in Bidi making by the contractors will shock readers of the levels of exploitation and hardships faced by them in hostile forest terrains of the interiors of India. The book traces the people who shaped the Maoist movement in various places where several groups and parties have been formed by revolutionary activists, with the state as their enemy and the only means of fighting it has been by picking up the gun!
All major events from the early days till the present have been narrated in a matter-of-fact manner without really glorifying or condemning the actions in this extensive reportage. Those interested in knowing more about the subject would find this book very informative – besides this book provides insights into the functioning of the insurgent Maoists, their agenda, plans as have been revealed during the recent arrests of some of their leaders. The book concludes with the author leaving the reader with some thoughts to mull about in his “Post-Script..” and an afterword by Kobad Ghandy which talks about how the disparities between the rich and poor, the skewed progress of a select few and the laggards forming large masses of our populace do not augur well for our country which needs inclusive progress and inclusive growth.
It is important to note that the author has spent over a decade in the remote jungles of Central India, interacted with the rank and file of the people involved in the Maoist movement, the tribals, some government officials to study the subject in great deal of detail. The result of his extensive study, by the author (which is indeed laudable), culminates in this excellent book - an extraordinary piece of investigative journalism for the readers.
Rating – 4.5/5
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