Celebrating a literary legacy

The TS Central State Library in Sector 17, Chandigarh was abuzz with literary enthusiasm as it hosted a vibrant book discussion celebrating the illustrious career of Manju Jaidka, a renowned academic and poet. This event marked the 50th anniversary of Professor Jaidka’s academic journey, coinciding with the release of her latest poetry anthology, titled A World in Flames.

Jaidka, former Chair of the English Department at Panjab University and past Chairperson of the Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi, has been an important contributor to the literary and academic life in the region. After five decades of enriching the literary landscape, she has decided to retire from an active teaching career, making this event a farewell to a significant chapter of her life.

The discussion featured insights from distinguished academics, including Professor Anirudh Joshi, formerly of Panjab University, and Professor Roshan Lal Sharma from CUHP, Dharamshala. Their thoughtful analysis of A World in Flames illuminated the depth of Jaidka’s work. The session was expertly moderated by Aradhika Sharma, whose engaging style facilitated a lively and insightful conversation.

Neeza Singh, the librarian who has been instrumental in organising a series of literary events, served as the event host. Her dedication to making the TS Central State Library a cultural hub was evident throughout the proceedings.

A World in Flames — Jaidka’s third poetry collection — is a bilingual anthology featuring poems in both English and Hindi (Sulagata Sansar), reflecting her ability to bridge linguistic and cultural divides. The collection draws inspiration from the devastating forest fires in Himachal Pradesh, exploring themes of environmental destruction, human impact, and nature’s response. — TNS