Dispatches from Sowparnika

Most of us transit through life embracing and immersing in experiences, which are soon forgotten; but not Usha Kumar. Usha is not only gifted with the ability to recollect these passings of life be it trivial or significant but is also talented to pen them with clarity and simplicity into an interesting web of short stories.

Dispatches from Souparnika is a microcosm of the passage of human life. With stories of people and places, it is a compilation of everyday experiences as perceived by the author. If An Ode to My Mother, talks about the noteworthy qualities of the author's mom; A Sliver of History gives you an insight into indentured labour; Adieu, on a lighter note is about the dear old Ambassador car; while the pachyderm Guruvayur Kesavan is the focus in Blessed. Dispatches from Sowparnika has all of this and much more.

The book is a compelling, heartening and ebullient read and will surely leave the reader reflecting on the many forgotten times, places and people in their lives.

The author, Usha Kumar, had turned fifty when a cue from an amateur graphologist ignited her to write narratives on the world that passed by. This was further propelled by an intense desire to share with family and friends her thoughts, events, experiences and people in her life both important and inane. Despite being a science and mathematics fiend, she was surprised at the ease with which she was able to pen her reflections. With the sudden loss of her husband Kumar in 2015, Usha stepped out into the world of business and her days got busy with work. She currently spends her Sunday afternoons in the warmth of her beautiful home, Sowparnika, which has been the perfect haven to reflect on her life's journey.

Usha lives in Chennai with her daughter Sridevi and their black Labrador Prince.

The wide spectrum of topics made it a challenge to pick a title for my book. Sifting through several suggestions, Dispatches from Sowparnika, a title suggested by my niece Preetha seemed perfect.

Growing up, writing was neither my aptitude nor strength. However, when I turned fifty, there was a deep urge to chronicle and share my encounters and experiences with the world around me. Thus began my tryst with Microsoft Word.

All my writings were penned at Sowparnika, my home and a haven to me and my family for the last thirty five years. Sitting in front of the desktop on the first floor insulated from the madding world around, my thoughts seem to flow with no restraint. How can it be otherwise for she was named after the holy river at Kollur which is the seat of the Goddess of learning Mookambika Devi.

**Contents and Sample Pages**