Our Santiniketan

Our Santiniketan is a memoir by Mahasweta Devi, one of India's greatest writers, that captures her childhood memories in Santiniketan, where Rabindranath Tagore founded a school and university. The book offers a glimpse of a forgotten Santiniketan, its people, culture, and values, and provides insight into the author's private life and early experiences.

Format: Hardback
Length: 120 pages
Publication date: 23 September 2022
Publisher: Seagull Books London Ltd

In her captivating memoir, "Our Santiniketan," Mahasweta Devi takes us on a nostalgic journey back to her childhood days in the 1930s. The author, one of India's most celebrated writers, vividly recalls the memories and experiences that shaped her formative years in the picturesque town of Santiniketan.

Nestled in the heart of West Bengal, Santiniketan is not just a place; it is a cultural and educational oasis founded by the visionary Rabindranath Tagore. Through the eyes of a young girl, Devi paints a vivid picture of this forgotten Santiniketan, capturing its essence and the profound values it held.

The book takes us on a tour of the school and university that Tagore envisioned and established. The campus, with its lush gardens, serene ponds, and architectural marvels, serves as a backdrop for Devi's memories. She describes the people she met, the teachers who influenced her, and the educational environment that fostered creativity and harmony between nature and human beings.

But "Our Santiniketan" is not just a memoir of a bygone era; it is also a personal journey into the inner life of Mahasweta Devi. We get a glimpse of her family, her close associates, and the early experiences that shaped her personality. Devi's writing is filled with warmth, humor, and introspection, making her memoir an intimate and revealing portrait of a remarkable woman.

The book also offers a poignant reflection on the loss of innocence and the rapid changes that have taken place in society over the years. Devi's memories of Santiniketan evoke a sense of longing for a simpler, more harmonious existence, where the values of simplicity, respect for nature, and creative expression were cherished.

"Our Santiniketan" is an invaluable addition to Mahasweta Devi's rich oeuvre, which has been translated into English for a wider audience. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring relevance of the human experience. Through her vivid prose and poignant insights, Devi transports us to a bygone era and reminds us of the importance of cherishing our memories and the values that shaped our lives.

Weight: 362g
Dimension: 159 x 237 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780857429018