Monthly Archives: June 2023

That’s Me

My life is a cereal box half empty.
   My life is a book of poems
   The blank half of every page.
My life is the little vacua between branches
   of the humongous Banyan tree
Shooting down branches and rooting in.
My life is not your world
Filled with umpteen little meaningless objects.
It is the vast expanse of the sky
  Sporting Stars and Signs.
You cannot comprehend my life
 Until you will take in the total view of the sky.

 7.01.2023

Munipalle Raju. Beyond the Shores of the River Existentialism

Beyond the Shores of the River Existentialism By Munipalle Raju, translated by Nidadavolu Malathi.

An Anthology of short stories in Telugu by Eminent scholar and writer, Munipalle Raju, entitled Astitvanadam avali teerana, translated into English by Nidadavolu Malathi, under the title Beyond the Shores of the River Existentialism, and published by Kendra Sahitya Akademi, is available now at Swati, Temple Road, New Delhi, 110 001, India. You may also contact sales@sahitya-akademi.gov.in. Rs.270.00
This project had been quite a challenge for me. Among other things, the stories are imbued with Mr. Raju’s vast knowledge of ancient works, Indian and Telugu culture and traditions. In fact, had I provided notes and explanations for all the references he had woven into his stories, it would be one more book, possibly, bigger. I have noted some of the challenges in the book under the title, “Translating astitvanadam avali teerana; A Unique Learning Experience,” though.
In short, reading these stories would be a unique experience for readers interested in Indian culture, traditions and the essence of Indian philosophy.
I have provided some footnotes, sometimes, with the help of my knowledgeable friends. I am grateful to them.
With nearly twenty years of experience in translating fiction from Telugu into English, this is my best work yet, I would add. I hope you will enjoy these stories in English.
Much obliged for your kind comments. Thanks in advance.

Nidadavolu Malathi
6.22.2023