A slim booklet by well-known writer Devanuru Mahadeva, which takes a critical look at the ideology of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) titled “RSS: Aala Mattu Agala”, has not only sold over 40,000 copies in record time but is also now ready for translation to five languages: Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi, and English.
The book has also reinvented the publishing model in Kannada, creating a new enthusiasm in the sector, which had taken a beating during the pandemic over the last two years. Mr. Mahadeva does not claim copyright over the book and till date six publishers have brought out the book and priced it at ₹40.
“The response to the book can probably only be described as a phenomenon. Till date, the publishers have sold over 40,000 copies. We have sold 12,000 copies ourselves,” said Guruprasad D.N. of Gauri Media Trust. More reprints are in the pipeline and industry insiders say the book may even cross the one lakh mark in the coming months. “There have been many enquiries from other languages for translation and most of them have already been fixed and work is underway. Publishers in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and English have come forward and translations are underway,” he said.
