Name: Dr. Saurabh Naik
Title: Ashvarajya
Sub-Title: ek cockroach ki aatmakatha
ISBN: 978-93-7900-008-8
Publisher: Inksight Publishers
About the Book:
Ashwarajya: The Autobiography of a Cockroach is a sharp satirical allegorical novel that dares to explore the complex relationship between power, society, history, memory, and democracy through the eyes of a cockroach. Set in the fictional world of Ashwarajya, horses symbolize authority and privilege, while donkeys, mules, sheep, and cockroaches represent different sections of society, diverse social attitudes, and lived experiences.
The protagonist is an ordinary cockroach who survives within the cracks of the system and becomes a witness to truths that are often hidden behind grand speeches, slogans, myths, and propaganda. Through his journey, readers gain insight into the nature of power, the making of history, the politics of fear, collective memory, the courage to question, and the enduring strength of satire.
More than just the story of an imaginary kingdom, this book serves as a mirror to every society where the struggle between truth and image, memory and history, and authority and the people continues without end.
Dr. Saurabh Naik is a distinguished scholar, poet, translator, and author whose work reflects deep intellectual understanding and literary excellence. With a strong academic background in Hindi and Russian literature, he has built a unique identity as a writer who combines creative storytelling with meaningful social and philosophical ideas. His book Ashvarajya: Ek Cockroach Ki Aatmakatha is a fine example of his ability to use imagination as a powerful tool to explore society, power, and human behaviour. One of the most impressive qualities of Dr. Naik’s writing is his ability to present serious subjects in an engaging and creative manner. Instead of discussing social and political realities directly, he uses satire and allegory to encourage readers to think deeply. In Ashvarajya, a cockroach becomes the narrator of a story that reflects the complex relationship between power, history, democracy, and society. This imaginative approach makes the book both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Dr. Naik believes that literature should not only tell stories but also encourage readers to question, reflect, and understand the world around them. His writing invites readers to look beyond appearances and explore the hidden truths behind social systems, authority, and collective memory. Rather than offering simple answers, he allows readers to draw their own conclusions through meaningful storytelling. His academic journey also adds great depth to his literary work. Having completed his M.Phil. and Ph.D. in Russian Literature from the University of Delhi, Dr. Naik has developed a strong understanding of world literature and comparative literary studies. His research on contemporary Hindi and Russian poetry, language, culture, and social transformation has given him a broad perspective that is clearly reflected in his writing.
Apart from being an accomplished author, Dr. Naik has made significant contributions to strengthening literary and cultural relations between India and Russia. Through his teaching at prestigious institutions like the University of Delhi and Amity University, as well as his work with the Russian Service Division of All India Radio, he has actively promoted intercultural understanding and literary exchange. His efforts have helped build stronger cultural connections between the two countries. Another important contribution of Dr. Naik is his book Narendra Modi and Vladimir Putin: Indo Russian Intercultural Dialogue. This work explores the cultural and diplomatic relationship between India and Russia from a unique literary and intellectual perspective. It reflects his interest in understanding how culture, history, and diplomacy shape international relationships.
What makes Dr. Naik’s writing stand out is his balanced combination of scholarship and creativity. His stories are rich in symbolism, yet they remain emotionally engaging and easy to connect with. He has the rare ability to transform complex social ideas into meaningful narratives that ordinary readers can enjoy while also appreciating their deeper significance. His writing style is thoughtful, expressive, and rich in literary imagination. Even when dealing with serious themes such as power, identity, truth, and social change, he maintains clarity and simplicity, making his work accessible to a wide range of readers. His use of satire allows readers to smile while also reflecting on important issues affecting society.
Overall, Dr. Saurabh Naik is an author who successfully bridges academic excellence and creative literature. Through his scholarship, translation work, and original writing, he has enriched contemporary Hindi literature while promoting cultural dialogue beyond national boundaries. Ashvarajya: Ek Cockroach Ki Aatmakatha showcases his remarkable ability to use fiction as a mirror for society, encouraging readers to think critically about truth, authority, and human nature. His dedication to literature, research, and cultural understanding makes him a respected voice in modern Indian literary circles and an author whose work leaves a lasting intellectual and emotional impact.
