Most of us must have read travelogues that invariably
describe the scenic beauty, historical significance in the brief history of
time and its picturesque location. This travelogue is quaint, as it deftly amalgamates
the marvellous grandeur of the places visited with her experiences and close interactions
with people she had during her brief trips. Hence the reader would have an all-encompassing
view about the place.
The author of the book “Tupaki mona pai vennela”, Kondaveeti
Satyavati is a social activist, feminist and a famous telugu writer. The book
is a travelogue containing vivid descriptions of several places in India from Far
East of India to Porbander in Gujarat and spanning from Kashmir, Leh in the
North to Trivandrum and Andaman Nicobar Islands in the South. It is a complete
a journey to almost all corners of our vast country. She is an ardent nature
lover and her writings too mirror the psychedelic beauty of nature. Her inexplicable
love for nature, ability to tune to the intricacies of the nature and her passionate
appeal for conservation of nature are clearly expounded in her writing which
leaves a deep impression on the mind.
Throughout the book descriptions of the places are interspersed
by inspiring stories, themes about collective social responsibility, anecdotal thoughts
and powerful messages which are thought provoking. Especially her trip to
Manipur as a part of Women writers meeting is very moving. The life in this eastern part of India is much
different as women take very strong roles in the existing patriarchal society.
They participate actively in all the protests and are known for their courage.
They successfully run businesses too. Indeed Imphal has the largest women
market with shops solely run and managed by women. The writer narrates the
troubles faced by the people due to the high handedness of the Armed Forces
which impose strict curfew regimes inadvertently. Her visit along with other
women writers coincided with the release of the Irom Sharmila, the Iron Lady of
Manipur who has been on an indefinite fast for more than a decade fighting
relentlessly for the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Protection Act (AFSPA).
The draconian law shields the armed forced from prosecution from crimes
committed. The author’s visit to the place coincided with the day Irom has been
released temporarily under the charges of attempted suicide. Though she couldn’t
interact with her, she says the mere sight of the fragile body of the
iron-willed lady would bleed a stony heart in pain. A flurry of the high
voltage emotional stirring is generated as the reader flips through the stories
of indisputable courage of Maira Piabi Manipuri women group which supports the
protests. The firm commitment and the tenacious will power of the fragile lady would
convulse the reader.
The writer has travelled extensively and her travel tips to
people travelling to Amarnath, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Leh and Chardham
yatra would be very useful. Her uninterrupted and complete narration makes
reading a lively experience. The writer has a knack to transport us into the
new worlds she has travelled and the reader would enjoy the exhilaration of
exploring the intricate beauties of the nature. Her walks through wild, untamed
jungles on full moon days and explorations to water streams in forests with a group
of friends are lovely treats to nature lovers.
Having played a very prominent role in bettering lives of
many women, she had coherent suggestions for women volunteers working for the
harassed and the destitute women to remain motivated, focussed and the need to
de-stress. The book embodies visits to interior tribal hamlets of Bhalluguda
where innocent women have been sexually harassed by police; to Vakapalli in the
Eastern Ghats where the displaced women and fishermen have been protesting
against the Gangavaram dam; to public hearing at Polepalli where villagers are opposing
the SEZ’s. This heart rendering tales of the vulnerable and hapless people
would definitely awaken the inner conscience of the reader. The book apart from
being a good travel guide would also enlighten us about the various problems
faced by the people living therein.
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