Ruktapur

This book is the diary of an alert and sensitive journalist, recording not only his eyewitness accounts but also a factual analysis of the situation. It shows that the average Bihari yearns for progress, but his feet are bound by heavy stones, from which even the political leadership, which came to power promising this very thing, has shown no urgency in freeing him. Written in a narrative style, this book speaks the language of ordinary Biharis, meeting them and uncovering their stories, and juxtaposing their suffering against government statistics. Thus, it sheds light on the chasm that, on one hand, presents the governments dazzling claims of double-digit growth, while on the other, there are shocking stories of deprivation, helplessness, and suffering of the deprived sections of society. At the heart of this book is Bihar, an account of the successes and failures of its policymakers over 73 years. However, the issues it raises are the reality of every state in the country. The questions this book raises, highlighting the persistent disconnect between the governments priorities and the needs of the common people, despite its rapid display of modern development, are, in fact, the very foundation of our democracy. This book tells the story of Bihars continued backwardness during a time of change. The way it presents ground realities through issues like floods and droughts, the poor state system, the question of land rights, educational disarray, unemployment, migration, and more, not only exposes the failures of policymakers but also raises questions about the very concept of development that, instead of improving the lives of the marginalized, conceals their hardships with statistical manipulation.