The NRC, when combined with the CAA, is a sophisticated and evil strategy that will not only exclude enormous numbers of Indians, converting them to non-citizens but will also place those citizens at the whim of the state – the government and bureaucracy will be able to decide whether someone qualifies or not. Every citizen will subsequently be required to verify that they are an Indian. This can be accomplished by providing papers from a pre-approved list. Even if one possesses the documentation - and millions of individuals may not - a bureaucrat may identify their flaws at this point. Except under highly unusual circumstances, birthright citizenship cannot be revoked – a freshly minted citizen with 'refugee' status may risk becoming uncitizened. This puts numerous individuals in danger and may keep them in the queue for fear of upsetting the authorities.
In the book "The Refugee" by Nikhil Khasnabish and published by Black Eagle Books, the protagonist Gunen Sarkar's journey, portrayed in this poignant narrative, is a testament to the enduring human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. His story, set against the backdrop of the 1964 East Pakistan riots, resonates with deep emotion as he is tragically separated from his wife and young children, lost in the unforgiving depths of a forest. The scars left by that horrific incident on his soul become the driving force behind his relentless quest to reunite with his family despite facing destitution and countless adversities in a small Assamese village. The reader is drawn into Gunen's world as they witness his unyielding determination and the flicker of hope that, remarkably, never diminishes over time.
The introduction of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam adds a layer of complexity to Gunen's story, shedding light on the challenges faced by many refugees who lack the necessary documentation to prove their citizenship status. His inability to provide the required legacy data catapults him into a world of uncertainty and fear. The impending threat of detention camps and potential deportation amplifies the emotional and logistical burdens he bears, all the while wrestling with the anguish of not knowing the fate of his family. Gunen Sarkar's narrative is a powerful reminder of the intricate web of human experiences, illustrating the resilience and the relentless pursuit of a better life that defines the lives of refugees and displaced individuals. This story offers a glimpse into the unwavering spirit that perseveres through even the darkest chapters of life, leaving a lasting impact on readers and prompting deep reflection on the global refugee crisis and its implications.
The plot of the story is a new form of emotional thriller. The storyline, with a good vocabulary and engaging narration of the contemporary issues that shook the country, makes the story more interesting. The reader can find definite high-action sequenced scenes while reading. It's a common nature of a thriller story somewhere to lose its grip on the main storyline, but the author here has done an excellent job of making the readers stick to it. All the characters are very perfectly and nicely plotted. Gunen and his wife are vividly portrayed with a humane touch. Keeping aside a few printing errors, the font and the paraphrasing style of the book are extremely attractive.
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