Mysuru: The English translation of K.P. Poornachandra Tejaswi‘s novel ‘Mayaloka’, translated by Dr. Krishna Murthy Chandar, was officially launched at an event organised by Mysore Literary Association at Kalpa Kshetra Auditorium in Vijayanagar 4th Stage on Sunday.

Former Vice-Chancellor of Kuvempu University, Prof. Chidananda Gowda, released the book. The first copy of English edition was presented to Kuvempu’s daughter Tarini Chidananda Gowda by Dr. Chandar.

Reflecting on old memories, Tarini recalled how her brother, Tejaswi, had gifted her the very first edition of ‘Mayaloka’ with a heartfelt inscription.

Sharing a nostalgic yet disheartening memory, she said, “I had read half the book. Once, while travelling with my family by bus to my mother’s house, I carried it along. During the journey, however, someone stole both my and my husband’s suitcases. Along with them, the ‘Mayaloka’ book gifted to me by Tejaswi also disappeared.”

She expressed her sorrow over losing the treasured first edition, which her brother had inscribed with the words: “To my beloved sister, from her brother.” Despite the loss, she expressed happiness at receiving the first copy of the English-translated version from Dr. Chandar. With affection, she added, “I had read half of the Kannada original; now, I will finally complete the book with  this version.”

Farming family life

Tarini also reminisced about their farming family’s vibrant life, where they raised chickens, sheep, dogs, cows and oxen in abundance. She fondly recalled her mischievous brother Tejaswi, known for his knack for humour.

Driven by his love for the outdoors, Tejaswi once took money from home, promising to buy chicks at the local market. Accompanied by another brother, he found the chick prices too high. Instead, spotting ducklings being sold at half the price, he bought them.

When questioned at home, Tejaswi cheekily explained, “The chicks were too expensive for their size. So, I got these larger ducklings for half the price!” His witty justification left the entire family in fits of laughter, Tarini recalled.

Tarini went on to share another fond memory, recalling how, while raising ducklings, the family would often tell the children not to make them run around, fearing they might tire out. However, when someone remarked, “If ducklings run, they’ll lay eggs,” the kids cheekily replied, “That’s why we make them run!”

She also recounted an amusing childhood incident during a holiday visit to their grandmother’s house. While they were there, a cow was about to give birth to a calf. To avoid disturbing the cow, the elders sent all the children outside to play. After the calf was born, cleaned, and fed by its mother, the elders called the kids back in to see it.

To their surprise, Poornachandra Tejaswi and his brothers revealed that they had already been watching the entire event from the attic. Their unexpected confession left everyone stunned, wondering how and when the mischievous siblings had sneaked in unnoticed.

Tarini fondly shared these playful childhood memories, offering a glimpse into her brother Tejaswi’s mischievous spirit.

The event was presided over by Prof. K.C. Belliappa, President of Mysore Literary Association and former Vice-Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh. Prof. Chidananda Gowda spoke about Tejaswi’s literary works, while retired Police Officer J.B. Rangaswamy reminisced about Tejaswi’s life and contributions.