A memoir with the essence of a life well-lived

‘Antargata’, (contained within), a memoir, has created quite a buzz in the world of literature as it documents the life of a nonagenarian from Karkala. B Vanajakshi, a retired teacher who is into her 95th autumn, has authored the book.

Born in an orthodox family in Sanuru village in Karkala, Vanajakshi was married into the famous Udyavara Badhya family at a very young age. She continued her education after her marriage and went on to become a Hindi exponent.

The 68-page autobiography, published by Tula Publications, unveils the social life during the 1920s in Karkala and continues with the narrative of her childhood, education and her career of 35 years as a Hindi teacher in Karkala, Belman and Mangaluru.

Psychiatrist Dr Prasanna Hegde, who is the consultant doctor for B Vanajakshi, spoke to DH and said that during a counselling session, he observed that she had immense clarity of thought and also a photographic memory. He then suggested that she jots down her memories. The doctor said that when he went through her very well written manuscript, he suggested that she publish it as a book. The doctor elaborated that Vanajakshi was a bit depressed earlier due to health related problems but after she started writing, he noticed a lot of change in her. “She regained her zeal for life to a great extent. The work is no doubt unique,” he said.

Vanajakshi’s daughter Dr U B Rajalakshmi, who is a senior journalist and the Executive Editor of a Kannada weekly, said that her mother’s rare achievement can be attributed to her undeterred devotion to Sri Vadirajaru and Bhootharajaru of Sode near Sirsi. Rajalakshmi said that her mother, after taking Dr Prasanna Hegde’s suggestion, wrote continously from morning till evening. In her autobiography, she has also made a mention of several miracles.

After going through the manuscript, Rajalaskhmi arranged her mother’s write-up sequentially in the form of an autobiography, all along retaining her style of narrative. Rajalakshmi meanwhile, recalled the timely cooperation of Bengaluru Sneha Book House proprietor Parashivappa, who arranged to get the book printed in record time.

Vanajakshi told DH that she took up writing after a long time. Earlier, her independent articles were published in Kannada magazines.

One of the memories in the book, goes thus: “At a time when the nation had to face a tough challenge by its neighbours, she along with her friends, used to string flower garlands and the amount obtained with the sale of garlands would be contributed to the Indian Army.”

Vanajakshi adores her pet cat, watches TV, talks to her visitors and also weaves foot mats during her leisure time. Even to this day her students visit her and recall her love and affection towards them.