The only commodity not at a premium in the battle between the poor and the very poor is life. Deep in the neglected interiors of India, the villages of Tesri and Bhagatpur lie on the same side of the river Kareh. While Bhagatpur is populated by the land-owning farmer caste, the low-castes live in Tesri, eking a subsistence from looking after the needs of Bhagatpur's high-born - but not much less poor - populace. Neither side has ever questioned this balance of power because the received wisdom is, to each their lot. Until the day the local barber Ramu Hajjam is beaten senseless for accidentally cutting Subedar Singh's cheek, and his son, burning for revenge, realizes the only justice open to them is the brutish kind the rebels provide... A spare, simple tale that looks through crippling impoverishment, centuries of caste divide and government neglect straight into the heart of a bereaved father.
About the Author
Sh. Taj Hassan Mohamed, an IPS (RR) Officer of 1987 batch, presently posted as Joint Commissioner Security. Initially he was allotted Bihar Cadre. In an encounter with the infamous gang of Eastern UP and western Bihar, the officer sustained bullet injuries in his right hand. In 1996 the officer’s cadre was changed to AGMUT. During his tenure in Arunchal Pradesh the officer took coordinated action against NSCN with the Assam Rifles as SP, Khonsa, Tirap. He also served as DIG (North Zone), CISF. As Jt CP Security in Delhi Police the officer gave excellent contribution for smooth management of transportation security, VVIP security, hotel security and Opening & Closing Ceremony in the VVIP area of Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium during the CWG, 2010. He was awarded DG’s disc for commendable work by DG CISF in 2005 and Police Medal for Meritorious Service in year of 2005, President's Medal for gallantry. |
Print
The Inexplicable Unhappiness of Ramu Hajjam