Once Upon A DharamYudh

by Vibhor Tikiya

Dharam is a dream institution for its founders and employees alike, who give it their sweat and blood. In time, it prospers owing to the fine acumen of its owners and efforts of its employees. Prakash is caught in the web of fulfilling his father's dying wish and gives up his dream job to take up the mantle of responsibility at Dharam. A radical thinker equipped with modern ways of working, he sets the company and workers on a path of development, though with much resistance to his methods. Uday's humble origins and difficult childhood inspire him to dream big, he dreams of equality and fair treatment for the weaker sections of the society. He believes it is his Dharam to raise his voice against any injustice. The fight between a man's belief and an institution's values becomes a tussle between the haves and the have-nots, acquiring magnanimous proportions. Both believe they are right and are willing to do what is needed to be done for their Dharam.

208 pages, Paperback

First published May 12, 2015

Reviews

[Bookish Indulgenges with b00k r3vi3ws · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I first learnt of this book, the title, its blurb and the cover created an expectation of lot of action and drama in my mind. And so it was with that expectation that I delved into the book.

Prakash, one of our protagonists, gives up his dream job to take over the reins of his family business to fulfill his father’s dying wish. Being a dynamic young man with dreams and ambitions of his own, Prakash soon devices new policies and strategies for the business, ‘Dharam’, so as to not only thrive but also to grow. His plans face opposition and resistance from the beginning, but he moves ahead taking care of each hurdle as and when they popped up. That is until Uday, our second protagonist, pops on his radar. Uday is hell bent on what he deems to serve justice to his people and makes it nearly impossible for Prakash to move ahead. Like in every war between two people, third parties get involved to make profit out of the situation. What started as a small hurdle in the face of change in an organization, soon spiraled out of control! Who will prevail? Will it be Prakash or will it be Uday?

Both Prakash and Uday are interesting characters. They are quite different from each other and yet somewhere their differences blur and we are left to wonder if they are really that different. Prakash is an ambitious young man who tries his best to fulfill his father’s last wish. He comes across as a mostly honest person who values integrity. At the same time I felt that he lacked the strength to stand ground at certain points where he should have. Uday on the other hand brings forward a back story that helps us understand him right from the beginning. He is all about justice and the strength to carry it out. It was really an experience to watch these two go up against each other.

The plot was something that I really liked. It was different and certainly refreshing to a point. However, the pacing was an issue. The slow start made it a bit difficult to get into the story. And even once the story really took off; there were moments here and there where the narration dragged a bit. Other than that the book is quite entertaining.

[Vibhor Tikiya]

Loved writing DADA. This book however evoked sentiments beyond that. Hope you guys enjoy the book

[Shrilaxmi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked that this book stayed true to its title. The plot was interesting and it was easy to understand everyone's point of view. There were several flashbacks that help you get a sense of the characters and their motivations. What I did not like was the writing. It is simple and that is usually fantastic, nobody wants to reach for a dictionary every five minutes. But here, that simplicity results in a story that reads monotone. At one point I even remarked to myself that the book seemed more like a factual report than a novel which is unfortunate.

I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway.

[Pink Wine · Rating 4 out of 5]

**** I received this book as a giveaway from Goodreads******
Life is always harsh for everyone, and we all have the potential to deal with our problems; sometimes we choose to fight and sometimes give-up! Our Indian religion revolves around the verves of Bhagwat Gita and it is believed that it provides solution to every problems of our lives.

It is the same in the life of Prakash, he is stuck in between the Dharam (also the name of his company) and Karma of life. He is forced to make decisions against his will and sometimes for the benefit of people around him. Struggle was part of his existence and his will to stand up and fight is what this book is all about. 'Battle for dreams' as it is called-for is a correct definition for 'Once upon a Dharamyudh'.

Initially, I assumed this book might turn into a battle between two brothers for a successful company, but as the story progressed I had stopped making any assumptions of what might happen next. I feel that's the best thing about this book, you will not get any chance to assume what could happen next. Just when I felt things are back in track and suddenly something would go completely out of hands; that's how life is, right!! We think we are doing right and then we realise this should have been the other way round. And we are bound to choose between Dharma and Karma.

The movie GURU (starring Abhishek bachchan and Aishwarya Rai), which was based on how business started by a man with no money in his pocket but a dream; the concept of business and the troubles faced by a businessman gave this movie a block-buster rating of 4/5 as per rottentomatoes.com. This book is the same concept (dreams of business and struggle to achieve it) with a different plot altogether in a good way ofcourse!
"You have the right to perform your actions,
but are not entitled to its fruits"
-- Gita
I rate this book 5 stars.

I had a great time reading it and the suspense of the store kept me captivated throughout every chapter, every page, every sentence. It was amazing and fun to read.

We all always have a hope in our heart that things should turn out good at the end but the struggle we go through to achieve that happiness is our learning process. And 'Once upon a Dharamyudh' is the struggle for the company Dharam that Prakash was made to believe in.

You can also view this at http://iread2express.blogspot.in/

[Ankit Saxena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, the Book is up-to the mark of its title. Author has really did a good job. It resembles his knowledge of textile Industry and its positive and negative side. His masters doesn't put him under the category of CB types of writers after reading whose work, you have to regret wasting time.
Vibhor's works based on the social responsibility and personal attitude towards the life. The way he chose to explain the theme behind his book is very impressive. There is love, care, responsibility, legacy to taken care of, relations, friendship, boss-sub-ordinate terms, etc. everything.

There is no ending to take risk and step forward to get success, he explained this not only by excerpts from Holy and sacred "Bhagavad Gita", but also by the way of responsibility that Protagonist shown towards his legacy of growing and sustaining the family business, even when he had lost his wife.

I will give it 3*s.

[Nishtha · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I'd like to start with the rating - Four stars, I took the one for a reason.

I don't know how many of you people have read Jeffrey Archer, but if you have then you'd know how I felt after reading this novel. I felt both excited and unsatisfied ( Wait I love and worship Jeffrey Archer's books , I felt discontent because of the story of this book) Why? Well, Its a story of two different people, both very potential and determined about their goal. I, of course liked both of them. But this story was lacking somewhere. Maybe I anticipated too much? Although, it did reach my expection where entertainment was concerned. I found it worth the time.



I also agree that I was a tad bit angry because....okay that will be a spoiler.


All in all, a very grasping read! I recommend it to SUSPENSE, NON-FICTION and INDIAN readers.

[Mounika Lakkakula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have received this book through Goodreads first reads-Giveaways.I sincerely thank the authore Mr.Vibhor Tikiya for sending me this book..It was a very interesting book and had inspiring story line..It showas the troubles faced in industrial aspects and social feelings of different people and the quotes from Bhagavadgita in the start of every chapter and very inspiring.It's a total inspiring book..It teaches us that we have to fight for what is true and eventually Dharam is the only thing that wins.

[Meera · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is quite a different one. The plot revolves around setting up a company Dharam and its journey. The book highlights the demands of the labour force relating to their rights/wages etc…and getting mixed up with political support. It also brings to light the corruption involved in the system. Overall it was a good story; just felt it was a bit draggy.

I won the book as a Goodreads giveaway.

[Sahil · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a giveaway in exchange for an honest review.

The book had me hooked from the preface! I really liked how the book drew (very relevant) references about the conflict of righteousness and ends. Even though I feel that the book could have been written better, I have to admit that it was profound on many levels. Brilliant effort by the author!

[Sreevatsa.haritasa · Rating 4 out of 5]

got this book in a giveaway.......story plot along with a message is nicely drawn. what are the problems faced by an entrepreneur and the unwilling ways which has to be followed to resolve is shown in reality. portrayal of personal emotions tied up with bringing up a dream a legacy is nice.

[Shaaer]

I have received the book as part of goodreads giveaway. Thanks to the author !!

[Aayesha Hakim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once Upon A Dharamyudh tells the story of Prakash, a young man, his mission in life, his passion for it and the journey of a lifetime.

The war is fought for the existence of a spinning mill called Dharam symbolising the war for the victory of Dharma.

The story is from an industry owner's perspective and the challenges they face. This book gives great management lessons on how to run a firm, some ethical tactics are shared.

All in all, it doesn't give you much turns and twists. Just a simple story with little love and romance. It is more about entrepreneurship, the battles, deceit, business and politics.

Once Upon A Dharamyudh is definitely a very engrossing read with generous sprinkling of verses from the Gita. Story moves from 60s to early 90s without hiccups.

Mighty impressed with Vibhor and loved the way he has kept it awesome within 208 pages.

Full review here: https://intheclassroomoflife.blogspot...

[Jitendra Vishen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book for free from the author as goodreads first read.

The books is about how a factory owner handles labour problems in his premises. how he handles the bureaucrats , local goons cum politicians. the book barely touches the problem. but given the size of the books it aptly conveys its core message - "quarrels should be kept within. When outsiders interfere, they take more than what they give to either side".

Though I am not convinced with this solution but given that the story in Indian context where corruption is very high, you can not expect a fair treatment at any level irrespective of whether a factory owner or a worker is right or wrong. whoever bribes more, wins.

I liked the end though I expected a fierce fight/battle between the factory owner and the labour, which never happened . 4/5.

[Suneel Madhekar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually do not read fiction but picked up this book for a peculiar reason. The book was enjoyable to read. The plot is gripping and interesting though it slacks just a little in the beginning. The characters are also well-defined.

[Swathi Shenoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Characters:

Meet Prakash, our protagonist, who gives up his dream job to fulfill his father's dying wish. Prakash, who has no knowledge about the industry in the beginning, soon learns the proceedings and also starts giving constructive ideas. An ideal boss who thinks about the well being of his employees and a humble human being - that's Prakash for you.

Meet Uday, the boy who went through domestic violence and the youth who is determined to fight against bad. Uday is the leader who is leading the workers to raise their voice against the injustice done towards them. If there is one thing about Uday that makes him a dangerous enemy, it is that he cannot be bought!

Plot:

When Prakash decides to take up his father's position in Dharam, it wasn't an easy job. But young and determined, Prakash excels in the field and takes Dharam towards new direction. But the road wasn't smooth. Deceptive Shah, Mill workers' strike led by Doctor Sahib - the difficulties were many. But just when Prakash thinks he has crossed the hurdles, the biggest of all hurdle appears in front of him - Uday!

The workers turn against Prakash, political parties back them with the greed of increasing their bank balance, Uday threatens to bring him down and refuses to back out. Prakash's life has suddenly turned upside down and when things go bad on the personal front too, he completely breaks down. Will he give up on his dream Dharam or will he fight back? Will he be able to eliminate the biggest threat in his path?

Things I Liked:

Read the full review here - Escape Reality - Book Reviews

[Akshatha Kulkarni · Rating 5 out of 5]

whoa! what an interesting read! I got this book for free in exchange for an honest review. thanks to goodreads and to the author.

the story revolves around this company Dharam, and everything that the employer Prakash has to do to keep it running. and there's Uday who rebels against the company for his rights. The author has very neatly described two faces of the same coin with these two characters. nobody is wrong. but still they're both not right. It's set in the backdrop of early 1990s and the reader gets a glimpse of how corruption could have crept inside our economic and legal system. the story brings about the fact that it's always the third party that wins in any situation. it offers a lot of lessons to learn, my favourite is the understanding that it's not about fighting on the right side or on the wrong, or about changing sides. it's about knowing when to accept defeat.

good work by the author, deserves full five stars!

[Vikram · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book through goodreads giveaway. The book is based on the continuous struggle between ideals of an individual and values of an institution. The protagonist of the book, Prakash faces the dilemma to chooses between 'Dharam' and Karma of life, between his company and his will. He has to take the bitter pill in life for the people around him, even against what he would have liked to do. The continuous struggle among people and 'dreams' of life along with unpredictability and suspense makes this book worthy for your investment of time to read it.

[Kalyan Panja · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book we can identify a first level of analysis where vices and virtues, as well as the complex emotions associated with them, are part of the order from which emerge different imaginary representations from cardinal to those classic virtues affecting not only as theoretical battlefield but also, above all, as the common forms of judgment involved in the arena of the political and cultural struggle.

Read the full review here...http://bit.ly/1MJOBuB

[Saurabh Chatterjee · Rating 4 out of 5]

the book had a great pace.i completed most part of this book when i was travelling form kolkata to mumbai.All the characters were well placed but my favorite was JHA!!He trully stood by his boss and did everything possible to save the factory.Somthing i liked was how a person,PRAKASH, after loosing his wife and factory could again bounce back and built a new firm to just see his people eployeed and not run out of food.I havnt read 'Dada' but this one is something i would recommend.

[Felicia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story is one that would make a decent Bollywood thriller. But the writing, in my opinion, is maybe trying too hard. The text is verbose and prosaic. There is a lack of flow. Also the characters are too polarized. People don't exist in binary, not everyone is 100% good or 100% bad. So in one line -> Had the potential but could not deliver.

[Richa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book through Goodreads giveaways. I enjoyed reading it. The book kept me hooked from pg 1. The story revolves around two different people. each character is likeable in their own manner. Nothing is right and noting is wrong…it is only the frame of reference which determines it.

[Manpreet Bhamra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the book - interesting read. Very inspiring and teaches us to follow our dreams even with all the hurdles. Recommended for sure.

[Aysha]

Received the book in goodreads giveaway. Thanks to Author

[Yamini ds · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't get d book, though I won.

[Ayush Jain · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very predictable kind of story. Unimpressive writing. Worth a pass.

[VISHAL SHARMA · Rating 2 out of 5]

An average book, nothing compared to Author's debut book “Dada”