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.
About the Author:
Dr. Saurabh Nayak is a scholar of Hindi and Russian literature, as well as a poet, translator, and researcher. He earned his M.Phil. and Ph.D. in Russian Literature from the University of Delhi. His academic research focuses on the comparative study of contemporary Hindi and Russian poetry, language, culture, and social transformation.
Dr. Nayak has made significant contributions to strengthening literary and cultural dialogue between the Hindi and Russian languages. He has been associated with teaching at the University of Delhi and Amity University and has also worked as an announcer with the Russian Service Division of All India Radio. For several years, he has been actively engaged in promoting India–Russia cultural relations, literary exchange, and intercultural dialogue.
His published work, Narendra Modi and Vladimir Putin: Indo–Russian Intercultural Dialogue, presents a distinctive study of the cultural, intellectual, and diplomatic relationship between India and Russia. The book examines the evolution of India–Russia relations during the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin from the perspective of intercultural dialogue. It highlights the long-standing friendship, mutual trust, and cultural cooperation that have remained the defining features of the relationship between the two nations.
Literature has always been one of the strongest ways to understand society. While some writers tell stories of love and hope, others use fiction to question power, injustice, and human behaviour. Dr. Saurabh Naik belongs to the second category of writers. Through his thoughtful writing, deep academic knowledge, and creative imagination, he encourages readers to look beyond appearances and think about the world around them. His latest book, Ashvarajya: Ek Cockroach Ki Aatmakatha, is a unique example of how satire can become a powerful tool for social reflection. Dr. Saurabh Naik is a respected scholar of Hindi and Russian literature. He completed his M.Phil. and Ph.D. in Russian Literature from the University of Delhi. His academic journey has been centred on the comparative study of Hindi and Russian poetry, language, culture, and social transformation. His research reflects his deep interest in understanding how literature influences society and how different cultures express similar human experiences.
Apart from being a researcher, Dr. Naik is also a poet, translator, and teacher. He has taught at prestigious institutions such as the University of Delhi and Amity University. He has also worked with the Russian Service Division of All India Radio, helping strengthen cultural and literary ties between India and Russia. His contribution to promoting intercultural dialogue has earned him recognition among scholars and readers alike. One of his important published works is Narendra Modi and Vladimir Putin: Indo–Russian Intercultural Dialogue, which studies the cultural and diplomatic relationship between India and Russia. Instead of looking only at politics, the book explores how trust, shared values, and cultural understanding have shaped the friendship between the two countries. It reflects Dr. Naik’s ability to connect history, literature, and society in a meaningful way.
With Ashvarajya: Ek Cockroach Ki Aatmakatha, Dr. Naik takes a completely different creative path while staying true to his intellectual depth. The novel is a sharp satirical allegory that explores power, democracy, history, and society through the unusual voice of a cockroach. Rather than presenting human characters, the story uses animals as symbols to represent different sections of society. Horses stand for authority and privilege, while donkeys, mules, sheep, and cockroaches represent ordinary people, different social attitudes, and hidden struggles. The central character is an ordinary cockroach who survives quietly within the cracks of the system. As an unnoticed observer, the cockroach witnesses many truths that remain hidden behind speeches, slogans, and carefully created public images. Through its experiences, readers are invited to question how power works, how history is written, and how fear is sometimes used to control society.
What makes this book special is the way it combines humour with serious social questions. The satire is sharp but never confusing. Instead of directly criticising individuals or institutions, the story uses imagination and symbolism to make readers think for themselves. Every chapter encourages reflection rather than giving ready-made answers. Dr. Naik believes that literature should not only entertain but also awaken curiosity. His writing reminds readers that democracy becomes stronger when people ask questions, remember history honestly, and refuse to accept everything without thought. Through simple storytelling, he highlights important ideas about truth, memory, courage, and responsibility.
His academic background gives strength to his creative writing. Years of studying literature from different cultures have helped him understand how stories can carry powerful social messages. This rich understanding is visible throughout Ashvarajya, where every symbol and every character has a deeper meaning beyond the surface. One of the biggest strengths of Dr. Naik’s writing is his balanced approach. He neither preaches nor judges. Instead, he presents situations that encourage readers to think independently. His storytelling allows different interpretations, making the book suitable for both general readers and those interested in philosophy, politics, and literature.
As a translator and researcher, Dr. Naik also understands the importance of preserving cultural dialogue. He believes that literature creates bridges between people, languages, and societies. His work reflects respect for both Indian literary traditions and international perspectives, making his writing rich and thoughtful. Ashvarajya: Ek Cockroach Ki Aatmakatha is much more than the story of an imaginary kingdom. It is a mirror that reflects the realities of many societies where power, image, memory, and truth constantly interact. Through the voice of the smallest and most ignored creature, the author reminds readers that sometimes the greatest truths are seen by those who remain unnoticed.
Dr. Saurabh Naik’s literary journey proves that knowledge and creativity can work together beautifully. Whether through academic research, cultural studies, translation, or fiction, he continues to encourage readers to think deeply about the world around them. His writing shows that satire is not merely about making people laugh—it is about helping them see reality from a fresh perspective. With Ashvarajya, Dr. Naik has created a meaningful work that combines imagination, philosophy, and social observation. His thoughtful storytelling and simple yet powerful ideas make him an important contemporary voice in Indian literature. Readers who enjoy intelligent fiction with deeper meaning will find his work both engaging and memorable.
