Dr Yashwant Thorat introduction on Kaveri

‘Kaveri’ has received an award for excellent literature work by Vandana Publication Mumbai. It will be given on 30th November 2024. This is Kaveri’s third award….

At a deeper level, however, the book could also have been an enquiry into “Who am I?” – a question made famous by Raman Maharshi. But that, I am sure will be the subject of the book’s sequel!!

Dr. Yashwant Thorat
Ex. Chairman, NABARD

When asked to write an introduction to the book, I accepted it happily. Dr. Aparna Patil is member of our ‘self- chosen’ family – close to both Usha and me. She is also a remarkable person for unlike many, she has battled ceaselessly with all that has tended to limit her from time to time and inevitably emerged victorious.

It is doubtful whether an author attempting a work of ‘fiction’ can ever do so in a completely clinical and detached manner disassociating himself or herself from the story. Something of oneself is bound to rub off either by way of personal experience or belief. It is therefore, not surprising that the story deals with the conflict between what ‘Kaveri ‘wants to be and what society expects her to become. And therefore, despite the author’s endeavor to alter her challenges, I can see Aparna standing somewhere behind.
But I have an unfair advantage and this insight derives partly from the fact that I have been a fellow traveler in Aparna’s journey from trying to bend the world to her will to accepting herself as she is and people as they are reflecting what Harold Wilson, the British Prime Minister once counselled the late Sovereign “Your Majesty, one cannot be everything to everyone and remain true to oneself” meaning thereby that in trying to conform to societal expectations one often faces the danger of losing oneself.

At a deeper level, however, the book could also have been an enquiry into “Who am I?” – a question made famous by Raman Maharshi. But that, I am sure will be the subject of the book’s sequel!!
As a first effort I am inclined to overlook the deficiencies of style and form and see instead the author’s endeavor to grapple with a timeless question for which there is no right or wrong answer but only a personal point of view. In taking such a bold theme Aparna is only reflecting the essential courage which has characterized her life and for which she is admired widely.

If after completing the book one is left with a certain disquiet as to whether one has lived life on one’s terms or those of others and if so, inspired to find a humane balance between societal expectation and personal aspiration, the author will be amply rewarded.

Book Name – Kaveri
Author – Dr Aparna Patil
Publication – Bhagyashri Publication
Price – 350 Rs