Book - Hi God How Are You by Manoj Kumar Sharma
Genre - General fiction
In this age and time it’s easy to find individuals driven by self-interest but truly selfless and giving people are a rare breed. Those who think about the society, its greater good and strive to create a positive change are few and far between. We all can do our bit but do we? We all have the potential to make a difference but do we? Author Manoj Kumar Sharma in his latest offering, Hi God How Are You poses this poignant question and compels us is to reflect on our core values and reality.
The book, Hi God How are You, is realistic in its approach, and presents a multifaceted, thought-provoking exploration on the concept of God, blending realism with imaginative and virtual perspectives.
Set in an app’s chat room where a mysterious user ‘Fairy’ posts profound and soul-stirring songs, igniting deeper conversation among the audience. Each song talks about a social issue that has plagued the society and the other users unwittingly reflect on the lyrics. Their comments reveal the unfiltered thoughts, biases, and hopes of a global community, in turn giving us a glimpse into the collective human psyche.
Written with certain linguistic fluidity, the author gives the core idea a modern twist by presenting contemporary mode of connection and communication. Instead of being preachy about the long afflicted issues and highlighting how people think or showcasing the ground reality, he builds a chatroom— where people from different walks of life can share their opinions in anonymity. This gives the audience a luxury to be free and honest with their opinions. That’s what impressed me the most— how spontaneously they share information, show support, and indulge in positivity.
For instance, in the chapter two, when Fairy, sings about differently abled children and how they feel, users share their own experience. Over discussions and explanations, one of them explains: “the world needs to get educated for the normalisation of body language, behavioural science, facial expressions, eye’s expressions and even control over tongue whenever coming across especially abled people… .”
In a way, these songs are raising awareness, questioning the grand narrative of the society, and urging ordinary people to realise their stands.
In another chapter called ‘Business of Birth Rights’, Fairy sings another song-
“I am not alone who is troubled,
Many children alike are in this world.
….
And they say, education is every child’s birth right,
Then why it became a business, and, fees are so high.”
This thought-provoking post serves as a wake-up call, confronting the audience with the harsh reality and the potential for positive change. Despite the inevitable presence of trolls attempting to disrupt the harmony, we see how overwhelming majority of followers rise above the negativity, thus amplifying the message of unity and solidarity. In a particularly poignant moment, one follower highlights the stark contrast between leaders’ rhetoric on equality and their failure to deliver on the promises, shedding light on the gaping chasm between words and actions.
The social commentary carries on in the chapter ‘Issues Blues’, as well. This time the protagonist gets bolder with her song. She writes:
‘Since ages why many often suffer starvation,
Full belly rulers often overlook their condition.’
With unwavering conviction, Fairy persists in challenging the entrenched power structures, boldly questioning the legitimacy and accountability of those in authority. She urges her followers to reconsider their allegiance and think how violence against women and terrorism are still on the rise. These thought-provoking questions continue to touch the nerves of the populace.
Perspectives about existence of God vary from person to person. But the harsh realities of human society and the inherent challenges can not be denied. So to sum up, Manoj Kumar Sharma’s Hi God How Are You is a enlightening social commentary, a philosophical exploration that strongly tackles the pressing social issues head-on inspiring us to think critically, analyse carefully, reflect deeply so that our actions strive to create a better tomorrow.
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