The Guru and Shishya relationship in R. K. Narayan's The Guide
R. K. Narayan, a writer of ordinary humanity and ordinary emotions, aims at a comprehensive view of humanity. A born storyteller, he has gained a high place in Indo-Anglican Literature. The Sahitya Akademi stamped his genius in 1961 and therefore he gained universal approbation for ‘ The Guide ’, his brilliant masterpiece published in 1958. ‘ The Guide ’ tracing the growth of a corrupt tourist guide, Raju into a spiritual guide, focuses on the spiritual relationship between a Hindu Guru (Raju) and a Shishya (Velan). Narayan has tackled an invaluable relationship between the Guru and the Shishya with great interest. The climax of the novel and Raju’s life begins with his meeting with Velan, outside an abandoned temple in a village named Mangala on the bank of the river, Sarayu. Raju, Unable to face the people of Malgudi, hides himself to live in secrecy. The relationship starts with ambiguity and uncertainty for Raju who is not sure of his future after his release from prison...