Some of the Reviews of Nation’s Pride Dhanraj Pillay, a book that attempts to capture the life and times of the icon of our times through text and illustrations, as published in various Newspapers.
Mainly a photo feature, the 90-page book has some rare photographs of Indian hockey star Dhanraj Pillay right from his childhood. The text, written by famous hockey writer, K. Arumugam, also highlights the major points in Pillay’s career such as his goals at the 1998 Asiad, the highest individual score and the one that got India her second gold in 40 years. A useful book for children
Hindustan Times, New Delhi (India)
When Dhanraj Pillay moves, it is like river in spate. When rahul Dravid bats, you can go to sleep knowing that nothing, absolutely nothing will get past. Two books by Vedam Jaishankar and K. Arumugam say as much and more, reveals Anuj Kumar.
If Rahul Dravid sympolises method, Dhanraj Pillay stand for flamboyance but both epitomize a passion for excellence bordering obsession. Written by chronicler and historian K. Arumugam, ‘Nation’s Pride Dhanraj Pillay sketches the man, instrumental in bringing the national game back to the podium.
Coming from a deprived background, the book published by Field Hockey Publications captures the illustrious journey of the most capped player in the world who started from the ordnance factory ground of Pune, where his unlettered father used to work. A fighter and team man to the core, he kept fighting back the charges from media and management alike about his attitude perhaps because it doesn’t gel with his unprivileged beackground. Dropped several time, at times atrociously like after he led the country to Asian Games title in 998, Dhanraj has always let his stick do the talking and the age of 35 is still one of the fastest centre forwards in the world. Gelling well with youngsters like Gagan Ajit Singh, Dhanraj is the main force behind the revival of Indian hockey on the world stage and a golden performance Athens would be an ideal setting for him to bid good bye to the game.
However, black and white pictures and break free text doesn’t do justice to a character, who brought the colour back to Indian hockey and has inspired many youngsters to pause and think beyond willow.
Anuj Kumar, The Hindu.
There is not even any attempt to provide books other than academic ones to children who have abiding interest in reading. Even if some books are available, they are in general a boring variety running into many pages of dull and drab content. What is needed therefore is a book that is precise in presentation, provide essence of information and the one that attracts the readers’ mind. K. Arumugam has done exactly the same. The well known name in hockey circle, has rightly found a person for portrayal who is the most famous and highly eventful contemporary Indian hockey player.
Touching the salient aspects of Dhanraj Pillay, K. Arumugam has come out with a book entitled ‘Nation’s Pride Dhanraj Pillay’. Those who love hockey but don’t want to waste time in bulky books, this books is a god send. Arumugam knows what is required for young students, as his article on Major Dhyan Chand is part of the English Text Book in schools.
In this book, he tried to cover all significant aspects of Dhanraj Pillay’s career. This book is for the beginners and naturally the author has left controversial part of the legendary player. More attention has been paid on the positive side of Pillay. This Field Hockey Publications’ book consist of 90 pages and priced Rs.60.
Shailesh Chaturvedi, Hindustan, (Translated from Hindi)
During the Afro-Asian Games, a 90-page paperback on hockey, ‘Nation’s Pride Dhanraj Pillay’ was released by the Andhra Pradesh sports minister, P. Ramulu at the Viceroy Hotel in Hyderabad. The first copy of the book was presented to Sri. P. N. V. Prasad, Chairman, Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh. Top Indian Olympic Association officials, including its president Suresh Kalmadi were present during the brief ceremony.
‘Nation’s Pride Dhanraj Pillay’, written by hockey yearbook compiler K. Arumugam, traces the life and times of the great field hockey player of our times, Dhanraj Pillay. The book describes how Dhanraj, the poor boy from Pune, rose to become a sporting icon of the India. All those who contributed to his hockey interests, like his mother, elder brother Ramesh Pillai, various coaches and well wishers, have been properly highlighted in this work. The book has 45 photographs, and aims to target the younger generation in order to popularize the game of hockey.
The book is first under the Popular Hockey Series being brought out by the Delhi-based Field Hockey Publications. The next book under the series will be on tribal star Dileep Tirkey, which is expected to hit the stands by the end of the year