BETWEEN HEAVEN AND HELL - TRAVELS THROUGH SOUTH ASIA

Soon after the nuclear tests conducted by India and Pakistan, Akhil Bakshi led the 18,000 km motoring expedition – Hands Across The Borders – to promote peace and development in South Asia. The journey, with activists from the region, was envisaged as a massive mass contact programme through the interiors of Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Pakistan. Between Heaven and Hell is an account of that momentous journey.

The book refracts the issues of development, religion, politics, society and culture through the prism of an observant, trenchant humor. Its compelling descriptions of people and places, haunting portrait of poverty, bold and entertaining accounts of events, cracking yarns on gods and saints, priests and politicians, make a fascinating exploration of South Asia.

Despite the mockery and jokes, the book confronts broad and challenging themes such as ethnic violence, terrorism, caste wars, corruption, criminalisation of politics, poverty alleviation, child labor, flesh trade, infanticide, widow burning and nuclear war.

Much distance has been traveled in the book, encompassing a region rarely glimpsed as a whole. Stretches of history are burningly recalled. Present aspirations of the people are sensitively echoed. The author’s enthusiasm for South Asia enlivens every page. Lyrical in style, the narrative pulls you along, leaving you properly thoughtful.

The sparkling wit, clarity of thought and elegant language make the book gripping, memorable and hugely enjoyable account of the expedition’s travels through South Asia.