Writer and journalist Shreesha Bhandari has launched a novel ‘Akathit’. The book is based on the issue of bullying, a sadistic tendency that has been increasingly affecting children and adolescents.

The book discusses the tendency to gain satisfaction after inflicting mental and physical torture on one’s friend or someone younger, which leads to problems in their personality development.

Sarthak is the main protagonist of the novel. His friends, including Biraj, bully him by taking advantage of his shy nature and lack of self-confidence. Despite awareness of this bullying, Sarthak’s classmates cannot stand up against it. His teachers and parents remain focused on academics, oblivious to this issue.

According to a press note released by the publisher, Eternal Publications, "Our classrooms house these latent but serious issues, and they could affect students’ lives as they grow into adulthood," the press note quotes the author as saying, “In the future, victims like Sarthak may end up in rehabilitation centres, struggling with mental health issues and depression, while bullies like Biraj may find themselves on a path towards criminal activity and imprisonment. The more effectively we intervene now, the healthier and safer our society will be.”

‘Akathit’ is an author’s attempt to make a positive intervention. With the widespread use of technology, recent times have also seen an increase in cyberbullying—sending unnecessary messages, obscene words, images, or videos or using offensive language to harass. Children and adolescents are equally affected by such acts, which fall under cyberbullying. This aspect of cyberbullying is also addressed in ‘Akathit’.

‘Akathit’ is Shreesha Bhandari's fourth book, following his previous book ‘Athot’.