Jhara Pata

Author: Alo Basu
Genre: Atmajibani - Jibani - Smritikatha
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9789350400500
Pages: 136
Weight: 257 grams

Book Description:

In Jhara Pata, Alo Basu takes us on a poignant journey through the hazy memories of childhood. The book reflects on the passage of time, capturing the fleeting moments and the essence of lost innocence. From the domestic rituals like the Durga Puja at their ancestral home to tender recollections of childhood experiences, Basu brings to life the tapestry of her growing years.

The memoir unfolds a series of vignettes, each painting a vivid picture of simple yet profound moments. The scent of the Nageshwar flowers in the garden, the first attempt at making rabri, and a memorable encounter with a kind Englishman in Paris — all serve as fragments of a personal history. Through these tales, the author reveals her evolving world, shaped by love, loss, and the quiet wisdom of age.

A defining moment in the book is the description of her mother, overcome with grief after the untimely death of her father, singing “Jao He Anantadhame Priyadhan Amar,” a song of longing and separation. The book also recounts a heartwarming childhood memory, where an elderly relative, in a playful moment, comments on a wedding, declaring, “Apnar potir songhe hamar shadi holo,” a charming and memorable snippet from her life.

Jhara Pata is a collection of memories wrapped in nostalgia and emotions, a testament to the bonds that shape us.

About the Author:

Alo Basu was born on 2nd August 1937 to Hemantakumar Nag and Ashalata Nag in Kolkata. She completed her B.A. in Bengali and went on to earn the Sahityatirtha title from Vishwabharati Lokshiksha Parishad. Her interest in literature, music, and cooking developed at a young age, and she began writing poetry at the age of 10. Her work has been published in numerous little magazines and in the Bharatbhasha journal.

In her personal life, Alo Basu lived in Jamshedpur, where she also earned the Rabindrajnantirtha title from Tagore Research Institute, Kolkata. Throughout her life, she has been deeply engaged in various creative pursuits, particularly in writing poetry, short stories, and humorous prose. Her passion for art and literature has inspired countless readers and contributed significantly to the cultural sphere of Bengal.