Uttarsadhak

• Author: Bani Basu
• Genre: Novel (Upanyas)
• Publisher: Ananda Publishers
• Format: Hardcover
• ISBN: 9788172150723

Synopsis:
Born to a father from Meerut and a mother from Bengal, Medhashree, the third child of Ashok Bhatnagar and Leela Dattagupta, chose to shed the Shree from her name, becoming simply Medha Bhatnagar. This was not out of a disdain for beauty but as a rebellion against the societal expectations and injustices associated with the word. Though deeply rooted in Kolkata, Medha’s career as a history professor led her to spend two separate stints of five years each in the United States.

Medha’s personal life is a paradox—she is married, yet remains a virgin. Uttarsadhak narrates the fascinating journey of this extraordinary woman, intertwining her past with her present, where she plays a crucial role in shaping her students' futures. Through an intricate web of family dynamics, deep relationships, student activism, and the eternal struggle between ideals and self-interest, Bani Basu crafts a powerful and socially aware novel. Richly layered and deeply engaging, this novel, though set in contemporary times, holds a timeless relevance.

About the Author:
Bani Basu was born on 26th Phalgun, 1346 (Bengali calendar). She completed her education and career in Kolkata. She studied at Lady Brabourne College before earning her BA in English from Scottish Church College and later her MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta in 1962. She worked as a professor at Howrah Bijoy Krishna Girls’ College.

Bani Basu started writing during her student years, contributing essays, short stories, poetry, and translations. Some of her notable translation works include Shri Aurobindo’s Sonnets (Shrinwantu), The Best Love Stories of Somerset Maugham (1980, Rupa), The Best Stories of Somerset Maugham (1984, Rupa), and The Best Stories of D.H. Lawrence (1987, Rupa). Her first published short story appeared in Anandamela and Desh magazines in 1981. Her debut novel, Janmabhumi Matribhumi, was serialized in the Sharadiya Anandalok in 1987.