Desert Teacher

About the Book

This book is a collection of short stories. It’s based on my life’s experiences. In most of stories, characters are taken from my family. I tried my best to explain how a man can make a fine balance between tradition and modernization. My stories are my life experiences. India is such a rich, complex stew of contradictions, of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity, and of gregariousness and sly reserve. My voice as a teacher is important and authentic because I have the unique experience of being of two worlds—the rural Thar Desert and the educated city life of Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, not to mention my travels to Connecticut and New York and Washington. Taken together, the arc of my stories paints a clear picture of how India is evolving, especially rural India. There is a lovely thread of opening to new ideas generation by generation that my family represents. I am living this in such a conscious way that, although it’s maddening or heartbreaking sometimes, I also see the whole and have become wise enough to appreciate my place in all this. Jaisalmer, my town is popular among tourist all over world. Nicknamed “golden city”, it is famous for its prestigious history and unique beauty. My stories present a picture of life of people who live here.

About the Author

Arjun Singh Bhati acquired his MA in English literature before embarking on his writing career and currently lives in Rajasthan, India, where he is a senior teacher in the town of Jaisalmer. In addition to writing and teaching, he hosts the US radio show Around the World with Arjun Singh.