As real as it gets

Jasmine Singh

How often have you made a dash for the political or the economic section at a book store, unless you are a student of the subject. New India: The Reality Reloaded by Gurjot S Kaler, a police officer of Punjab, is likely to change your perspective about how a book — highlighting the concerns, conflicts and challenges of the country — can  be both engaging and informative. 

Kaler has had the chance to see the system from close quarters. In the 388 pages, he not only lists the various issues the country is dealing with, but also provides the possible solutions. The book covers problems like population explosion, climate change, the Kashmir imbroglio, farmers’ crisis.... The writer has covered all issues in great detail, quoting facts, figures and findings, all weaved together to keep the reader hooked.   

He has also deftly discussed the police, judicial and criminal justice reforms. A chapter is dedicated to the VIP culture and another one to jingoism and pseudo-nationalism. About the VIP culture, he suggests that nobody should get preferential treatment at the cost of others. 

True to the name of the book, some chapters focus on the millennial generation as well. He rues that due to lack of awareness, people do not feel comfortable visiting a psychologist. Candid shots of common people bring you closer to reality in the book.