Maniben Alias Bibijan, reviewed by Arsh

Maniben Alias Bibijan

Reviewed by
Name: Arsh
School: Gyan Mandir Public School

Shilpa’s story is set against the backdrop of communal riots in Gujarat in 2002. But the account is not gory or of blood shed and violence. It depicts the woeful tale of an old Muslim whose T.V. shop had been attacked and looted. Manu, also appears to brought home one such T.V. Set. It became a talking sensation in the chawal. It attracted viewers from every home. But Maniben, the mother of Manu, showed no interest in it. In her son’s absence she switched it on and saw an old Muslim peeping out of it. The man appeared every afternoon. He related his sad story. He wept and asked for a glass of water. Mother gave him water in a cup which she had kept apart for the servant. She objected to bring called Bibijan. She didn’t let him read aloud the Quran. She developed a sort of sympathy for him but it remained subdued. Manu would never find her talking with that old man. But she noticed a chance in her likes and in her nature. She started wearing a printed sari and stopped frowning. She allowed him to marry a girl of his choice.