Devaleena Chanda

Ahimsa-Supriya Kelkar Ahimsa, by Supriya Kelkar is a book that gives us a picture of India’s freedom struggle through the eyes of a ten year old. It is a story of love, war and peace. It is not surprising that the word ahimsa means “non violence”. I would not only recommend this book as a quick read for entertainment as it comes with a few life lessons as well. For example, we get to know that everyone is of equal value and no one should be considered or treated as an untouchable. It is a simple yet compelling story about love and tolerance. Readers also find out how thankful we should be to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for our country many years ago. The story is based in a small town in India where everything is going as usual until Gandhi asks one person from each family to join the non-cooperation movement. Anjali, the main character expects her father to be going for it and is extremely worried. But it turns out to be that her mother is the one going. Just a few days after her mother left, Anjali’s life changed drastically, she had to throw all her clothes into a fire(because they are manufactured in Great Britain)and had to start using homemade and homemade techniques to sew clothes. This was just a small change, but the three biggest changes were that there were rioters everywhere, there was rivalry between Hindus and muslims and most importantly her beloved mother had been thrown into jail. Read the book “Ahimsa”to find out more. I would recommend this book to ages 8-10, not that it is inappropriate but it contains a few topics that emerging readers and beginners won't understand.