• Title: Baduku Paarijaata 
• Author:  Dr. Geetha Seetharam
• Language: Kannada
• Pages: 108+iv
• Price:  Rs. 100
• Publisher:  Panchajanya Publications, Papareddypalya, Bengaluru

Life has been interpreted by many renowned writers in different languages that may help us understand its full import. The legendary writer D.V. Gundappa (DVG) opined that life is a mere cart and its reins lie in the hands of fate.

The author of this book has chosen to liken life to the flower Paarijaata, which was brought from Heaven, according to the epic Mahabharata.

The narrative, presented in nine chapters as distinct short stories, is in uncomplicated language compelling the readers to read on and on. Given the references to historical and epic characters, which are large in number, in addition to contemporary happenings of life, as in the second short story Paarijaata, one cannot deny that the author has done extensive study of literature in different languages including Kannada, Sanskrit, Tamil and English in which she is deeply conversant.

While the short stories that are connected with epics and scriptures are written in easy-to-follow language, those that are based on myriad social themes are highly absorbing and leave a long-lasting impression in readers’ mind. In particular, the story of a father insisting on euthanasia with his son is heart-rending.

A brief biographical note is included in the book with facts already familiar to the wide circle of her admirers, relatives, friends and reading public.

Dr. Geetha Seetharam’s diverse interests driving her to write copiously can be followed from the list of her published works appended on the back cover of the book.

The presentation of events and episodes, unique in style free from ostentation, merits prescribing the book as a text in schools and colleges. Although the price of the publication is Rs. 100, the amount being only the cost, its value is manifold of that amount. The literary work of the author has the added potential of egging on young writers to follow in her footsteps.—OSR