Storywriting is more than simple entertainment, it is a way to share ideas and help people learn about the world around them. More importantly, they can allow people to learn bout the less savory things happening, issues, problems, and other hardships that we might not realize or fully understand.
In this modern era, that ability has only further increased as writers have new ways to get their word out as well as new sources of information. One of these writers of this digital age is Indian-born Aravind Adiga who spent his time writing works on his home country like The White Tiger and Between Assassinations.
All of these works showcased the seedier parts of India. While it certainly is a beautiful country with a rich culture, it is also a place deeply rooted in corruption, with issues like poor infrastructure, pollution, poverty corrupt government officials, and businessmen being rampant.
While working on these books, he’s gained a reputation as someone not afraid to tackle hard issues and problems. One of the things Aravind never did was give his characters an easy solution. This would not be like Slumdog Millionaire where a lucky break allows someone to rise out of poverty.
Because of that, Aravind also takes the time to criticize the regular citizens. Although some complain about corruption and claim to fight against it, many of them enable and even admire it. some of the corrupt figures in their lives. The ones they can’t understand are the ones who are honest because they have gotten so accustomed to dealing with liars in charge, honest politicians are something they don’t understand.
“Like most people who live in India, I complain about corruption, but know that I can live with corrupt men. It is the honest ones I secretly worry about.”
-Aravind Adiga
