Chandigarh
22 January 2022
DIVYA AZAD
Inspired by his love for India and deliberated by his varied childhood experiences in India, Vikas Dhawan launched his literary celebration of growing up titled ‘India India Feeling’ here today. The book was launched by Vivek Atray, former IAS, author and motivational speaker.
“This book is a light-hearted exploration of India. It unfolds some of my wonderful experiences and fond memories of childhood, of growing up, of the warmth of family and friendships…sketching a vibrant essence of the country when it had an old-fashioned charm,” shared Dhawan, a former civil servant in the United Kingdom.
“As you flip through the pages of this book, you’ll take part in some entertaining journeys of horse-driven tongas to school, of whole families travelling on a scooter, impromptu street parties during power cuts, neighbourhood cricket matches and of kites that coloured the sky in a festival like no other,” added Dhawan with a satisfied yet nostalgic smile on his face.
He has woven an array of memories of the way of life in India during those days, which is sure to make you experience the beat of India. From humorous conversations with the author where the single household in a locality owning a telephone or a TV set received the iconic status, to taking a nostalgic stroll through the street food, TV programmes and newspapers that defined growing up – this book portrays it all!
A perfect read for everyone alike, this witty narration brings forth what India was like back then. Relive your memories or take a sneak-peek into the olden days, while cherishing your own memories, your own ‘India India’ feeling.
The book talks liberally of Chandigarh, with references to Sector 17 (bus stand, shopping plaza, the estate office, the court complex, Sindhi Sweets, Indian Coffee House), Tagore theatre, traffic rules in Chandigarh, newspapers in the tricity, Timber Trail at Parwanoo, Kasauli, Shimla, Khushwant Singh, Jaspal Bhatti and Flop Show, astrologer P Khurrana and his son Ayushmann Khurrana, columnist H Kishie Singh, Urdu poet from Panchkula T.N. Raz, amongst others.
Vivek Atray said, “Vikas Dhawan’s book India India Feeling provides the reader with a tantalizing flavour of our enormous, variegated, vibrant country. Through his own memories and experiences, Vikas takes us on a ride to remember.”
This book is available as a paperback and e-book worldwide through Amazon. You can also find it at Flipkart, and Capital Book Depot (Sector 17) and The Browser (Sector 8C) in Chandigarh.
