Summary of Chapter 3

Balram explains to the Premier, that he heard a radio report about a man called Castro, a man who banished many of the rich people out of his country. Because of this report, Balram starts to tell something about the democracy in India. He explains him the difference between China and India and their respective political situation. While he talks about the democracy, he mentions the elections in Laxmangarh and how he votes, after he got a date of birth from the government. He became 18 years old and has now the legal age to vote. He mentions the Great Socialist, who reigns in Laxmangarh. He talks about the three main diseases of this country: typhoid, cholera and election fever. Many people are against the Great Socialist. Balram tells about people like a policeman, who requested the people to vote against the Great Socialist. They think that he doesn’t improve the situation of Laxmangarh, because he just wants to support the rich people, not the poor ones. Balram tells that the Landlords want to vote out the Great Socialist. He learns from his father, that the course of these elections is always the same. Balram finds out, that 2341 people votes for the Great Socialist. Balram explains the Premier that many votes are a fake, that the politicians control the elections in Laxmangarh.

After this story, he goes on with telling some things about his life as a servant of the stork´s house. One day the Great Socialist visited the house. He had a peaceful charisma, when Balram saw his face. After the visit, the Great Socialist, the Mongoose and Mr. Ashok left the house and Balram tried to listen what they talk about while sweeping the ground, but it failed. The Great Socialist touched his back and asked him for his name. Mr. Ashok and the Mongoose wonder about the statements, when the Great Socialist stands in front of the servant Balram. Balram likes it, when the Great Socialists humiliates the masters like Mr. Ashok that is why many people vote for him. At the same night, Balram eavesdrops a discussion between Pinky Madam and Mr. Ashok about a plan to travel to Delhi. 

The next day while Balram washes the two dogs of the house, Ram Bahadur asks him, why they travel to Delhi, but he couldn’t answer the question. Ram explains him, that the driver gets 3000 rupees, when he travels together with the client. Balram is very surprised and asks him directly if he could get this job, but then he finds out, that Ram Persad was the one who got it.

The next day Balram observes Ram Persad because of his curious attitude. Then he finds out, that Ram Persad is a Muslim and that he goes away every night to celebrate Ramadan. Ram Persad and Ram Bahadur work in a team. After Balram tells the Nepali this story, Ram Bahadur tries to run away, but Balram catches him and give him a slap. From now on, Balram is the first servant. In the middle of the night, ex-driver number one Ram Persad comes in and packs his stuff. He doesn’t work any longer for the Stork. Now Balram is the one to drive Mr. Ashok and Pinky Madam to Delhi.

At the End of this Chapter, Balram announces that the next stories will be even more dreadful.

What I like/dislike in this chapter?
I dont like the political situation in Laxmangarh,because the people get cows from the political party.They have no own mind in their deals.What I like in this chapter is the part,when Balram gets the job as the first servant.At the end he seems to be proud of his new job and the travel to Delhi.

I found a link about the indian festival "Ramadan":
Ramadan in India 

That´s a link about the Servants in India,like Balram:
Servants in India