Mother India is a slim novel, which captures contemporary India from a worm’s perspective. Through two main characters, Mayank (a right-wing content creator) and Nisha (a salesgirl), Prayaag Akbar explores fake news, misuse of technology, extreme weather events and their dire consequences that are some prominent issues in our political and social milieu. This is a work of fiction set against the backdrop of known facts. Prayaag Akbar’s former book, Leila was turned into Netflix series directed by Deepa Mehta. The Goa-based author also spoke to us about the novel, changing aspirations amongst young people today and his own apprehensions. Here are edited excerpts:
Was there an event that led you to write Mother India?
No singular event triggered this novel of mine. I wanted to look at how two young individuals negotiate this new world we live in; this new economy: how does a young person today who has hopes and aspirations like every other young person across all economic backgrounds make it big? That’s what I want to know when I think about it. Then you see technology plays very big role in this (sic). Mostly nowadays technology plays huge part on them especially those between 21-22 years whom I write about because they were born during the times when internet and technology developed so fast mostly social media things also started during these times.
I also lecture at University level and deal with kids that are really bright, well-educated and hard working but very much plugged into the cyberworld too. But then again I see them suffering mental health issues as a result of it too… They are stronger in some ways but weaker in others,” he said.
These have become more informed since an age where most information transfer is done via online platforms like electronic books or libraries accessible on the computer or smartphones.
It starts with Mother India: all its characters have varying degrees of aspiration; can go very far for success. So, is the notion of aspiration different in India now?
In our case as demonstrated by last year’s wedding of Ambani family that turned into a public spectacle, what if it happened 15 years ago? Doesn’t this show a great shift in our cultural values and what we find tolerable? Even today, India is one of the poorest countries in the world. They (Ambanis) spend about ₹80 crore just to bring Justin Bieber here to sing for them. This amount would be astronomical to other Indians who are not poor though they are comfortable financially meaning it’s off their league. The fact that no one is abusing them openly makes us see why we celebrate such achievements in India. We should be like them: get rich or die trying. It is an American capitalist ethos which has trickled down to Indian society and maybe even Mayank, Nisha and Siddharth (in the novel).
Mother India features a right-wing content creator; an activist from JNU; death due to a bridge collapsing; among others, all of which have been inspired by news events.”
People begin to form the story. The bridge incident mentioned is about Mayank’s father and his death. As a journalist, I once covered the collapse of a bridge. My boss instructed me not to mention the name of the company that had constructed it. I was annoyed by that. The point at issue here was which contractor was responsible for the mess up in this case. Sometimes you can find something from your past that would work very well with your story as an author. It was clear to me that Mayank was born in 2001-2002. I included the bridge incident in his story. But you can’t just find news items and string them together:… I focus on my characters and see what is happening to them.
After your first book, Leila, you mentioned in an interview there were things you had been angry about over the years are there things you still get upset about?
I think I have grown up since then. Now, rather than being really angry at everything, like what used to be when I younger now do not feel so much anger towards society any more . Now, I have got a son so there is some level of contentment built into it Now though, it’s getting worried how my son will face this world if someone like him who carries a Muslim name as mine continues while right-wing nationalism does not stop.
Talk about Mother India as mother and symbol
Mother India is represented in different ways; Mayank’s mother, activist’s mother even dog’s mother is portrayed differently from other mothers we know from literature Motherhood has many aspects all around There is no one correct way or wrong way for motherhood There are many burdens placed on our mothers They loom larger than life: life-giver, beneficent goddess of joy and happiness provider She never gets tired of performing those duties This has been an idealization.
I wanted to contrast this with how we idealise Mother India. Mother India, at times even used as a divisive tool for political leaders is a powerful symbol of our [nationalism] and one that we can be proud of. It is an iconic representation of the anti-colonial struggle in our nation The very symbol itself idealizes motherhood. She is always depicted as young and pure and untouched. For this is what we want our mothers to be – unsullied, untouched, and perfect.
I wanted to explore the mother’s role versus the fantasy image created by us about it (living experiences vs. idealizations). Take for example Mayank and his mother who have a complicated relationship.
Would you class Mother India as a political or a social novel?
It is a political, sociopolitical rather, book. As much as I sympathize with Mayank my point is that actions he does are felt by many people close to him. This is what I am concerned about. The fact that some of the posts there talk about political theory and use memes scares me off. This results into an instant mess when we let religion and caste divisions take over our judgments. It’s shocking how it can get really nasty but also how people derive pleasure from it.
Why was “Mother India” set in Delhi? Is it because the book has both animosity and love throughout?
This had to be a novel of Delhi always because this is where I come from. Just like Mayank, I have seen the change that happens here which confuses him at first. Although aggressive, Delhi has got heart too. That town contains loads of good naturedness and warmth in it.
