Optimistic, even idealistic, Under the Bakul Tree was a heart-warming read.
To be honest, I started reading the book prepared not to like it. It seemed like it would be preachy and unrealistic–and it was! I found myself enjoying it nonetheless. I love the way it embraces the possibility of happiness, of hope, and of a bright future.
Ashim, whom Mahendra Sir hails as a ‘jewel’ has been steadily deteriorating in terms of his academic performance. The boy who was once a class topper is now at the bottom of the class. Like so many others, he drops out of school and starts working in a quarry. What is the point of continuing at school?
Were it not for Nirmal, who has only respect and affection for Ashim, the boy would have faded into oblivion. But Nirmal, who, in Ashim’s absence, is the class topper harbours no jealousy. He wants Ashim back, and he’s willing to keep trying to coax him back until he succeeds.
When a new, idealistic teacher with original ideas begins to teach them mathematics, Nirmal sees a ray of hope. Together, they make Ashim come back to school, and with the two boys, we begin to see the larger socio-cultural system that brings a child down.
Alcoholism, domestic abuse, the failing education system, the negative impact of religion … Under the Bakul Tree touches upon all this but remains optimistic. As we learn about the battles each character is fighting, we unearth hope, over and over again. A lovely story about compassion and kindness, the brief chapters and the simple storytelling style kept me reading on and on until I turned the last page.
| Title | Under the Bakul Tree |
| Author Translator (from Assamese) | Mrinal Kalita Partha Pratim Goswami |
| Tags | Young Adult, Translation, Assamese |
| Rating (out of 5) | 4 |
| Ages | 14+ |
This book was part of reading program for my daughter for this month and I too read it along with her. While most children fiction books are centred around fables ,adventure ,mystery lands ,this book dvelves in to realistic topic of school dropout covering the below points.
1.The struggles faced by rural or underprivileged children struggle to get educated and how a inspiring teacher can make a difference in their education and lives.
2.why the education system in India is more focussed on learning than application and how that can bechanged.Need for encouraging children to listen and hear great literature and music.
3. How relationship between two competing students can be mutually cooperative & friendly than being unhealthy.
This book is an eye opener to kids for its relavence to their school atmosphere.