Revolution 2020

Title: Revolution 2020, Cinta, Korupsi, Ambisi

Author: Chetan Bhagat

Translator: Reni Indardini

Publisher: Penerbit Bentang

Published date: October 2013

436 pages

I found this book at Big Bad Wolf Books Sale with a very friendly price, it's only IDR 20,000. Curious about this book when I read at the book cover, 'One of the author's novels was adapted into 3 Idiots the movie. As we know that 3 Idiots is still one the best Indian movies so far. 

Chetan Bhagat is quite popular in India. Lots of his books are best-sellers and even have been adapted into movies. 

Revolution 2020 is a story concerned with a love triangle, corruption and a journey of self-discovery. It follows childhood friends Gopal, Raghaf and Aarti who struggle to find success and love in a small town in India, Varanasi. Varanasi is one of the holiest places in India. Therefore it's a kind of irony to see the corruption takes place before people eyes in almost all aspects of life. Gopal gives in to the system and Raqhav fights it, who will win? Who will take the revolution?  And also who will get Aarti's heart? 

In India becoming an engineer is a life goal (if you watch 3 Idiots the movie, you get it). Parents put their lifetime's earning on stake for their children entering faculty of engineering and pray that they pass with flying colours and at last change the fortune of the family. This is the dream. But the reality sometimes sucks. Some students accomplish their dreams while others sink into disaster. 

This hard conditions leads some people to find a way to make money. When there is a will, there is a way. It's going to be good if it is done honestly. But it's a fishy business here. There are many new private universities opened. They try to promote and do whatever they can (sometimes in a very unethical way) to get new students. Some parts of this book remind me of our beloved country, Indonesia, since we also struggle now to combat the corruption.  

Inspiring story. An eye opener for the educational system, and how to encourage our children to follow their own dreams instead of following their parents' obsession. Yes, it's never easy to become parents.

Find more of Chetan Bhagat's website here.