31 December 2078 is the first work of fiction by Mohinder Pal Singh. Published by Readworthy Publications, New Delhi the book is a attractive colourful paperback with 136 pages and worth Rs. 99/-. Fiction embedded with an endeavour on futuristic sight on the wings of fantasy. It provides a fast and a wonderful reading for the present generation that is techno-savy. It is a big leap and diversion from his previous writings of motivation and self help category, a huge shift from concrete psychological into the realm of imagination. The idea of developing a Jeevan Malhotra who migrates from India to USA in year 2023 and lives there till 2078 is a unique plot weaved with social, scientific, religious, empowering women and relationship issues in the times to come.
Amidst these overwhelming issues is the moot question of old age care for the ever increasing population of old people. The author seems to have found a new panacea and the protagonist Mr. Malhotra embraces it too willingly. Finally he ends his life to begin a never ending life with God. He also seems to reflect the four ashrams of the Hindu mythology. At 90 he desires to be one with the creator. Inspite of the orthodox school of thought Mr. Malhotra intricately weaves problems that earthily being would face in future that is child birth, housing, alienation of relationships, man lost in his comforts.
Looking at the troubles of an era, one often wonders how would things change with time. Will they become better, or will they become worse. Entangled in the notion of better or worse is an opinion, on what is better, and what is worse. Such an opinion can be personal, or be more widely prevalent in a generation, or be valid still across a wider spectrum of a people. The book "31 December 2078" tackles several of the issues of this day, and provides possible ways in which these issues are addressed over time. Religious and political dogma, inter-generational relations, international relations, energy security, food security, population control, disease control and as a consequence of disease control, death itself are issues which are
discussed in this book.
Keeping in mind the need for globalisation, the writer had imagined a mini-world where everything was interlinked and shared including education. “31 December 2078” presents a utopian view of a world which is composed of a few countries, which largely provide extreme care at the cradle and before grave time to all their inhabitants. Worldwide religious harmony is the order of the day. New terminology invented by the writer will enrich the vocabulary of the language. He also paved the way for the new inventions for the coming generations.
On occasions the flight of imagination is too fantastic for the readers which separate him ‘n’ Malhotra in two chambers. The author presents a view point of where we are, and where we are likely to end up, including the path we take to get there. Different flavours of food for thought, as these viewpoints are all good debate starters. Thus the book in all is a good reading material for those who often hurdle technical jargons and take to wingless flight of imagination.
[ Reviewer is a lecturer in KVS ]
