Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi this evening organized another event in its meet-the-author series. Ms. Neena Kahlon, author of Remembering the Juice Mango (Rupa, 2009) interacted with an invited audience at the Sector 34 State Library. In conversation with the writer was Ms. S. Kalha, P.E.S. Retd.
Remembering the Juice Mango, Ms Kahlon’s latest novel, is about the partition and its aftermath. There is a saying that "A woman is like a teabag. You know her strength only after you dip her in hot water." The book tells the story of one such woman, Ratna, whose life is transformed as a direct consequence of a defining moment – the partition of India? Nine-year-old Ratna survives the wounds of partition, and walks the path to personal growth through love and healing. The novel is about victims of wars who are dubbed as "collateral damage" and then are forgotten. The author has given a voice to such "voiceless" human beings.
Neena Kahlon is an old student from the Dept of English, Panjab University. She was born and raised in Amritsar and is a descendant of survivors of the partition. She has lived in the US since 1974. As a writer she has featured in television interviews in the US.
Ms S. Kalha is well-known and much respected in Chandigarh. With exemplary dedication and commitment she has contributed immensely to the field of education, moulding several generations of young students. After a distinguished career as a college teacher, she retired as the principal of Govt. College for Girls, Sector 11.
Prof Manju Jaidka, Chairperson of the Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi, who introduced today’s chief guest and speaker, announced that the next function would be the launch of an Illustrated Dictionary published jointly by Collins and Ratnasagar. It will be held on 13th October at 4.30 pm. The venue will be the Sector 10 Museum Auditorium.
