wise and others

The book, "Hakim and Others: A Tribute to Life," contains sketches of different people from across the country. These stories are all based on the author's personal experiences and represent a diverse array of human situations and characters. The author, a teacher and social worker, has had close interactions with various sections of society. As a sensitive observer of people and their characteristics, she has been able to capture an endless array of experiences and emotions that transcend all barriers of class, religion, and location. "Hakim and Others: A Tribute to Life" contains a wide range of stories. A man leaves his father in a nursing home, rejecting any association with him. He quickly recalls his relationship with him upon his father's death to secure his inheritance. A young girl falls in love with her younger brother, only to be sold into prostitution, ironically on a rakhi day. A beggar goes to an earthquake-ravaged area, posing as a victim, and avails himself of any relief package designed for those affected by the disaster. "Hakim and Others: A Tribute to Life" narrates the story of a woman who never fails to express her gratitude even on her deathbed. There is the story of a young boy who catches crabs, earning a small amount each day to support his family. When asked what good this small amount of money is, he pragmatically replies that it is better than nothing. A man in a tribal settlement teaches the author that kindness and dignity can be found even in accepting gifts, not just in giving them. Written in simple and straightforward language, the author uses these stories to explore and analyze many different behaviors that cut across different segments of society. Ultimately, the book proves that despite the many differences in language, culture, class, and location, human nature is the same everywhere—capable of simple behaviors, but also capable of acts of altruism and sublime care.