Butterfly generation is about the generation that was born during the Emergency of the 70s. The book deals with the metamorphosis of this emergency generation that had to flutter among the changes to enjoys the liberal 21st century.
But Palash Krishnan Mehrotra does not really worry about not dealing with socialism in the book that goes by the same name - Butterfly Generation. On the Second Day of Odisha Literary Festival 2012 here on Saturday, the author of "Butterfly Generation" said his writings have influences of the new journalistic writings of Tom Wolfe who writes facts like fiction.
He was in conversation with Sujit Mohapatra of Bakul Foundation, who has taken volunteerism to a new level in the State. Palash described the flitting of his butterfly as a positive trait. He said the ability of the generation to accept the change from Doordarshan to MTV, from Peenaz Masani to the hip hop and from socialism to liberalism is incredible.
The influences of the west that was gradually becoming dominant has been well dealt in the book. Almost all the social strands have been distinctly portrayed. Social strata right from the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi to the wives of the rising middle class has been incorporated.
Palash read out some extracts from his book that had brilliant imagery. One that he read out said Rajiv Gandhi was a hip hop leader among the then leaders. He wore boots throughout and had them on even when he was murdered. Sonia Gandhi was called 'Sexi Italian'. The extract was full of such sarcastically humourous terms giving the true reflection of Palash's idea behind writing the book.
The young author faced questions about being anti-socialist in his book which to many seem a celebration of the liberalisation. "You seem to be very anti-Sociaism in yoiur book. It seems to be a celebration of liberaliation but some feel you conflate liberalisation with liberal outlook too simplistically," Sujit queried.