Padma’s self-told story A drop in the ocean

O P Sharma
The book under review is translation into English of autobiography of Padma Sachdev,  who has made a distinct mark  in Dogri literature. Starting as a Dogri poet, of late, she has been writing in prose as well. Her autobiography came out under the title “   A Drop in the Ocean’’ which was one of the few self-told story of life and works in Dogri language. Her autobiography has now come out in English language with a title “ A Drop in the Ocean” which has been published by the reputed National Book Trust of India, New Delhi.
Two eminent translators of Padma’s autobiographical work  are : Uma Vasudev, former editor of India Quarterly  and Jyotsna Singh,   daughter of Dr Karan Singh and Director, Dara Shikoh Centre  for the Arts, Srinagar. While Uma Vasudev is a reputed writer of politics and fiction, Jyotsna Singh has keen interest in arts and Dogri as also English literature. Both are well qualified for the daunting  job which they have done well by upkeeping the fundamental facts and flavour  of autobiographical discriptions. The result is the 342-page book has its own picture and personality.
Story of Struggle
I was really much impressed by the very title ‘‘A Drop in the Ocean” which remarkably carries deep meaning and significance. I fairly know the Dogri poet, Padma Sachdev but the style and substance of this book made absorbing reading. Numerous new facts about Padma’s life have come out in this narration. Her fateful thorny path to prominence was challenging but her deep faith in  God and her own-self with daunting courage of convictions  her to many attainments .
It is a matter of pride that a daring and  dauntless  Dogra woman has    come to occupy the place of prominence in Indian literary scene. She is recipient of  coveteous  title of Padam Shri and prestigious awards like  Soviet Land Nehru Award,  Sahitya Akademi and also numerous other honours. She is instrumental in enriching the Dogri language by being instrumental  in persuading  most popular Indian singer, Lata Mangeshkar to sing some Dogri songs. This popularised the Dogri language.
Facing Facts
Her contribution to Dogri language and literature is monumental indeed. Equally touching was the story of her life’s hard struggle coupled with the blessing of the Supreme Nature to clear her path to great heights. Her autobiography should be inspiring for the younger people to draw proper lessons and chart out their own plans to pinnacles of glory in the service of the people through their attainments in various fields.
Last word is that Padma is not merely a proud Dogri poet but is a  noted fiction writer of Dogri and Hindi, endowed with faculty of story teller and drama in a  picturesque manner, she has  an inimitable style to sustain the interest of readers. More autobiographical and biographies must be attempted by Dogri writers for the sustained progress of their mother-tongue in future as well.
Courage of Coviction
In the preface,  Padma Sachdev observes : ‘‘Life is like an ocean. An individual is just a drop. But when I sit down to look back in my life, I discover a virtual sea of people events, situations and relationships of a bewildering variety.’’ She is right and has drawn a graphic picture of her life and struggle, which is very instructive.
In translator’s Note, Uma Vasudev has  stated that real challenge of translating Padma Sachdev’s biography into English was to retain the buoyancy of her language and the astounding optimism with which she could translate tragedy into the will to live, and not only live, but to prove that the life was worth living.’’  This has been done superbly well.
The present well produced book in English will open up  new window of  opportunity for wider non-Dogri readership as well.
It also augurs well for Dogri language and its poetess Padma Sachdev. This 347-page finely printed book with some good photograhs has been moderately priced and will certainly  evoke keen interest among large segment of the people.
( Starline Syndicate Service)

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