Novel Pursuits by Mech71ers

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As the 1971 graduates of the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi age and shed off some of their professional responsibilities they have taken to novel pursuits to fill the gap. One of them is writing novels. This task is not beyond the diverse talents of IIT graduates. Chetan Bhagat is proof of that. A leading Mech71er – Anand Julka also known as Bill Julka has finished writing his first novel. It is awaiting finishing touches before publication. Another Mech71er – Ashok Malhotra – who had authored a Novella earlier (Mystic and the Blossoms) released his new novel – Nude besides the lake earlier this year. Both books are available at Amazon.com (try this link). This is what H.S. Gill another leading Mech71er in USA had to say about it,



Ashok,

I have read your book from cover to cover, and some parts twice. The storyline flows well, it is pleasant to read, and I enjoyed the experience. I spent my childhood summers in Naini Tal or Simla, and have very fond memories of those times. Neel Tal, where the story takes place, took me back there and the descriptions were reminiscent of Naini Tal before it experienced its own version of urban sprawl.

The backdrop is wonderfully idyllic. All the characters are nice people, out to help each other, and the community as a whole. (The only exception is one Mr. Harbinder Gill, who abandoned his pregnant wife in India, emigrated to Canada and started a new family!) I don't want to reveal too many details lest they spoil the fun of others who have not yet read the book. Your depiction of nice people may be how you view the world - or how you would like it to be. If one comes across people who are not nice, the best option is to just not let them be a part of your life.

The story has a strong spiritual side, which, for reasons you well know, I could not relate to ----

There are a couple of weird ties in the book, which I found mildly amusing. Queen Victoria brief appearance, and Pimp's fig leaf would fall in this category. Again, I will not go into any details. Also very apparent is the author's familiarity with engineering principles as he describes the various technical challenges faced by an expanding township. It was fun to see many of our friends' namesakes peppered throughout the book, which makes it a must-read for Mech 71-ers.

Final word - I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Its faith in the power of good citizenship is particularly uplifting. There is hope for humanity.

I eagerly await your next book.

Gill

UPDATE: SINCE THIS POST WAS WRITTEN JULKA'S NOVEL MONA'S COMPULSION IS PUBLISHED AND AVAILABLE AT http://www.amazon.com/Monas-compulsion-A-family-saga/dp/0615627242

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