Title: Sundara Kaanda
Author: Ikshvaku
Publisher: Leadstart
Genre: Literary Fiction
First Publication: 2023
Language: English
Book Summary: Sundara Kaanda by Ikshvaku
In Sundara Kaanda of the Ramayana, Hanuman takes the most perilous leap across cryptic waters… And Baabi is no less; always leaping over unmapped troubles.
In a little village called Vakkalanka in Andhra Pradesh, where he spends his childhood, Baabi comes upon various adventures. But who would have thought losing merely 15 rupees would turn his life around? His financial conflicts toss him into a life of brutal waters at the mere age of thirteen. Abandoning his pleasant life back home and his first true love, he travels to Hyderabad to make a living at a time when most kids don’t have to brood about anything in their carefree lives.
As he advances into becoming a youth of unyielding character, fate is never easy on him. His character, tarnished by scheming minds and friends, is driven to go far away. His stint as a drama artist earns him a great name in Bombay, yet, he remains a star-crossed man always overcome with problems. And his daredevil exploits of the most direful kind test the very core of his resilience, like the ocean tests Hanuman.
And so he leaps… through the most devilish of paths with withered slippers, leaving a trail of his manful blood along his journey of grave peril.
Book Review: Sundara Kaanda by Ikshvaku
Sundara Kaanda, a section of the Ramayana, is a timeless tale that has captivated audiences for centuries. It tells the story of Hanuman’s journey to Lanka in search of Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, who has been abducted by the demon king Ravana. The Sundara Kaanda is considered one of the most significant parts of the Ramayana, as it illustrates the ultimate triumph of good over evil. The book is filled with inspiring tales of heroism, selflessness, and sacrifice and has been cherished by generations of readers for its timeless themes and powerful messages.
However, in “Sundara Kaanda: The Unsung Leaps of a Common Man,” author Ikshvaku presents a fresh and insightful perspective on the classic tale. Through the character of Baabi, a common man facing a myriad of challenges, Ikshvaku highlights the universal struggles that we all face in life. Baabi’s journey is a microcosm of the larger struggles faced by many people in the country, who are forced to leave their homes and loved ones behind to pursue a better life.
Ikshvaku’s “Sundara Kaanda” is a novel that tells the tale of a young man named Baabi who faces numerous trials and tribulations throughout his life. Baabi hails from a little village called Vakkalanka in Andhra Pradesh, where he spent his childhood engaged in various adventures. However, as fate would have it, the loss of a mere 15 rupees tosses him into a life of brutal waters at the tender age of thirteen, forcing him to abandon his comfortable life and travel to Hyderabad in search of work.
Throughout the book, the author portrays Baabi as a young man of unyielding character who faces numerous challenges and obstacles that test his resilience and perseverance. In this review, we will explore the various themes and elements of the book in detail, including Baabi’s journey, his character development, and the challenges he faces along the way.
The Story of Baabi: From Vakkalanka to Hyderabad
The book opens by introducing us to Baabi, a young boy growing up in the little village of Vakkalanka in Andhra Pradesh. Despite facing several challenges growing up, Baabi manages to lead a relatively comfortable life until he loses a mere 15 rupees that change his life forever. This section of the story captures Baabi’s journey from his comfortable life in Vakkalanka to the bustling city of Hyderabad to make a living. It is a story of his struggles, triumphs, and setbacks, and the lessons he learns along the way that shape him into the person he becomes.
Baabi’s Journey: From Hyderabad to Bombay
As Baabi grows older, he begins to develop into a young man of unyielding character, determined to succeed despite the numerous obstacles that life throws his way. His stint as a drama artist in Hyderabad earns him a great name, and he eventually makes his way to Bombay. Despite the successes he achieves in Hyderabad, his journey to Bombay is far from smooth sailing. He faces new and dire challenges that test his very core. This section of the story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity and captures Baabi’s courage and determination.
Baabi’s Character Development: Resilience and Perseverance
Throughout the book, we witness Baabi’s character development as he navigates the turbulent waters of life. From a young boy who lived a comfortable life in a small village, to a determined youth who leaves everything behind to pursue his dreams, Baabi’s character undergoes a remarkable transformation. Each experience he has adds a layer of complexity to his personality, and as he grows older, he becomes more resilient, more resourceful, and more adaptable. Baabi’s character development is like a blooming flower that blossoms from a tiny seed. Through all of his ups and downs, Baabi never loses sight of his values and his goals, and it is this unwavering determination that makes him such a compelling and inspiring character.
The Challenges Faced by Baabi: Scheming Minds and Friends
The challenges faced by Baabi in the book are not only external but also internal. As he journeys through life, he grapples with his own fears, doubts, and insecurities, which threaten to derail him from his path. The scheming minds and false friends he encounters teach him valuable lessons about trust and the importance of self-reliance. Baabi’s challenges not only shape his character but also reveal the depths of his courage and fortitude.
The Parallel Between Baabi and Hanuman: Perilous Leaps
The author draws a parallel between Baabi and Hanuman, the legendary character from the Ramayana who takes the most perilous leap across cryptic waters. Ikshvaku’s comparison of Baabi and Hanuman goes beyond mere physical feats and highlights their shared determination and courage. Like Hanuman, Baabi’s unwavering faith in his abilities helps him overcome even the most daunting challenges.
Sundara Kaanda: The Unsung Leaps of a Common Man by Ikshvaku is a unique blend of mythology and contemporary fiction, with the author drawing parallels between Baabi’s journey and the epic story of Hanuman in the Ramayana. The use of mythology adds a layer of depth and meaning to the story, and the author’s interpretation of the tale is both engaging and insightful. The themes of perseverance, courage, and determination that are woven throughout the book are universal and timeless and will resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds.
The writing style is clear and concise, with a conversational tone that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged throughout. The author has a knack for creating vivid and memorable characters, and the descriptions of Baabi’s various adventures are both entertaining and thought-provoking. The book is also well-researched, with the author incorporating historical and cultural information to add to the overall richness of the story.
