Notes on a writer

MUKESH THALI

Noted Marathi writer, Monika Gajendragadkar’s initiation into the world of literature began early.

The daughter of the illustrious writer Vidyadhar Pundalik, Gajendragadkar spent her childhood listening to the discussions of top Marathi writers when they visited her house, and in this manner grasped the basic tenets of the
craft of writing.

And while she carries a rich heritage and legacy of reading and writing from her father, she has carved her own niche today in the realm of short story writers. Her stories have been translated into Konkani, English, and Gujarati.

Middle-class family stresses, relationship rifts, and the hostility of the relatives due to the characteristics of various individuals are depicted in a convincing manner in her stories. In a story like ‘Aadhaar’ (support), the author has boldly tackled same-sex relationships. The writer, being skilled in the sitar instrument, reflects the meticulous study and subtle nuances of music in stories like ‘Bhoop’.

In fact, it was her father who persuaded her to learn the sitar. “Today, whenever, a block appears in the thought process of a plot of a story, I play the sitar and the intangible melodies emanating from it trigger new thoughts in the mind rendering a clean clear breakthrough,” she says.

Having been groomed under the great critic, scholar and editor Poo Bhagwat, she also shoulders the responsibility as editor of Mauz Publications.

And though short stories and novels are her forte, Gajendragadkar writes essays and memoirs too.

The writings in her book ‘Shabdancha Zhula’ (swing of words) are small vignettes which are incredibly beautiful and emotional. While there are few breathtaking landscapes, there are also serious questions raised about the deep concepts of faith, spirituality, values and social and cultural life.

(The author is Sahitya Akademi awardee, Konkani writer,
and lexicographer)