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श्यामची आई
'A novel of ideas'—Jerry Pinto
A child grows with mother's love
Also with its reverse.
The sun nurtures trees and flowers
The moon is equal nurse.
Thus do things grow and thrive
In this our universe.
The evening prayers in the ashram are over. Cowbells tinkle sweetly in the distance. The residents of the ashram sit in a circle, their eyes fixed on Shyam, who has promised them a story as sweet as lemon syrup. And so Shyam begins.
While on some evenings he tells them of his boyhood days, surrounded by the abundant beauty of the Konkan, on others he recalls growing up poor, embarrassed by the state of his family's affairs. But at the heart of each story is his Aai—her words and lessons. He reminisces of the day his mother showed him the importance of honesty and the time she went hungry just so her children could eat a full meal.
Narrated over the course of forty-two nights, Shyamchi Aai is a poignant story of Shyam and Aai, a mother with an unbreakable spirit. This evergreen classic, now translated by the incomparable Shanta Gokhale, is an account of a life of poverty, hard work, sacrifice, and love.
A child grows with mother's love
Also with its reverse.
The sun nurtures trees and flowers
The moon is equal nurse.
Thus do things grow and thrive
In this our universe.
The evening prayers in the ashram are over. Cowbells tinkle sweetly in the distance. The residents of the ashram sit in a circle, their eyes fixed on Shyam, who has promised them a story as sweet as lemon syrup. And so Shyam begins.
While on some evenings he tells them of his boyhood days, surrounded by the abundant beauty of the Konkan, on others he recalls growing up poor, embarrassed by the state of his family's affairs. But at the heart of each story is his Aai—her words and lessons. He reminisces of the day his mother showed him the importance of honesty and the time she went hungry just so her children could eat a full meal.
Narrated over the course of forty-two nights, Shyamchi Aai is a poignant story of Shyam and Aai, a mother with an unbreakable spirit. This evergreen classic, now translated by the incomparable Shanta Gokhale, is an account of a life of poverty, hard work, sacrifice, and love.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1857
470 people are currently reading
6098 people want to read
About the author
Sane Guruji
40 books13 followersPandurang Sadashiv Sane was a Marathi author, teacher, social activist and freedom fighter from Maharashtra, India. His literature, aimed at educating children, continues to inspire the young and old. After Gandhi's assassination, he became very upset. He then died due to overdose of his sleeping pills
Guruji wrote around 135 books and about 73 books have been published and almost all these books can be considered literature for children. His most well-known work in Marathi literature include Śhyamchi Aai which has been translated in almost all the Indian languages as well as in Japanese and English. The others include 'Bhāratiya Saṃskṛti' (Marathi: भारतीय संस्कृति; Indian Culture) and Patri- the collection of various songs and poems.
One of his books, 'Teen Muley', is a heart warming story of a group of three children and is considered classic and one of the best books written in Marathi.
He started a weekly journal named Sadhana (weekly) on 15 August 1948. This journal has been regularly published since then.
Guruji wrote around 135 books and about 73 books have been published and almost all these books can be considered literature for children. His most well-known work in Marathi literature include Śhyamchi Aai which has been translated in almost all the Indian languages as well as in Japanese and English. The others include 'Bhāratiya Saṃskṛti' (Marathi: भारतीय संस्कृति; Indian Culture) and Patri- the collection of various songs and poems.
One of his books, 'Teen Muley', is a heart warming story of a group of three children and is considered classic and one of the best books written in Marathi.
He started a weekly journal named Sadhana (weekly) on 15 August 1948. This journal has been regularly published since then.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
August 24, 2024
How will I write a review that would do justice to this precious classic?!
This is one book I wish I picked up sooner!
I can’t believe I would love Shyamchi Aai by Sane Guruji this much! Yes, I cried my heart out towards the last few chapters. When you read this collection, you will know what I am talking about!
The book is a collection of 42 narratives told from the perspective of Shyam on the memories he had of his mother and their family; their simple life together and how they faced ups and downs together as a family in different stages of his life.
Reading this book felt like I was reading a self help book, a philosophical guide and a memoir all put together!
I appreciate the honesty with which the translation is done showing the flaws of the characters and their doings which are not favourable to read about but quite necessary for us to know and learn from.
The characters seem so real that I just can’t believe it’s a fictional story! Just pick up this book any time any day whenever you feel like gifting a good book or for your personal collection.
A must read recommendation from my side 🙋🏻♀️
This is one book I wish I picked up sooner!
I can’t believe I would love Shyamchi Aai by Sane Guruji this much! Yes, I cried my heart out towards the last few chapters. When you read this collection, you will know what I am talking about!
The book is a collection of 42 narratives told from the perspective of Shyam on the memories he had of his mother and their family; their simple life together and how they faced ups and downs together as a family in different stages of his life.
Reading this book felt like I was reading a self help book, a philosophical guide and a memoir all put together!
I appreciate the honesty with which the translation is done showing the flaws of the characters and their doings which are not favourable to read about but quite necessary for us to know and learn from.
The characters seem so real that I just can’t believe it’s a fictional story! Just pick up this book any time any day whenever you feel like gifting a good book or for your personal collection.
A must read recommendation from my side 🙋🏻♀️
July 2, 2017
This is an Evergreen Book. I still remember when I was young, my mom used to read this book to me and my brothers. I was very young at that time and was not able to read Marathi. So I always kept staring at the Cover photo and think that when will I be able to read this book.... And finally when I read it by myself, I had tears in my eyes. Such a classic book. This will always remain one of my Top Favorite Books.
June 21, 2018
Shyamchi Aai is considered an iconic piece of work in Marathi literature even after so many decades, and reasonably so. It beautifully depicts how the greatness of a mother's love and her moral upbringing moulds her children - especially Shyam, who supposedly is the great author Sane Guruji himself as a teenager - into fine human beings. The book is a collection of fond maternal memories being narrated by an older Shyam to his friends at the ashram. Each story he shares rides high on emotions and imparts wonderful life lessons taught to him by his mother. Also, the author's writing is excellently fluent and vivid. Set in rural Maharashtra, we are taken back to the era of British rule in India, and the stories highlight the plight of poor people and contemporary social issues. Towards the end this book is sure to make the reader shed a tear or two - the book hasn't served its purpose if it doesn't manage to do so, as rightly mentioned in the preface. I recommend this highly for a soul-enriching experience.
April 6, 2014
Shyamchi Aai is a classic. I would say that every person should read this book at least once in his or her life.
April 10, 2021
Shyamchi Aai starts with a welcoming foreword by Jerry pinto much like a freind talking about a book he has read & loved reading. From his words , one could picture how much the book is rendered as a part of each & every Marathi household & esteemed as a classic of Marathi literature. Though this prolifically written book reflects stories brimmed with innate morales of life, also it's the story of Shyam's household underneath.
Shyam, an ascetic is much loved in the ashram for his pleasing talk & appealing gestures. Being pestered by his fellow mates in ashram, he starts telling stories of his mother- his backbone , his everything. Each story told by Shyam in memory of her is simple & laced tauntly with ethical values at the end. Eventually every evening after the prayer bell rings, this becomes a daily routine of listening story not only to his friends but also Shyam's magic in storytelling lures all the villagers irrespective of age.
Shyam's mother - Yashodatai is an embodiment of honesty , kindness & righteousness. Her generous & helping nature despite the family's penury shows her belief in humanity. She cares & guides her children like a friend. Shyam & her Aai shares a special bond when compared to his other siblings. She advises & teaches Shyam by exercpting incidents from mythology according to the situation which I loved reading the most.
Aai says helping women at household is not a belittle job for a men; it's mean to criticise a dish which involves so much effort; one should not be ashamed of exhibiting their own talent; bonding of siblings is the bedrock of further generations; also there are many feminist ideologies spoken by Aai which seems way beyond the time the book was written. She instills confidence & self respect in Shyam which helps him in becoming a noble human being.
All stories potrays the process of resurrection of a son by a mother with each & every flaw he has committed & beckoning him into the right path whenever he seems strutting away. For this she never thinks twice to daunt & even whack him ; everything for good of Shyam & his future. Like any mother she gives sturdy stares at her kids & her gestures seems harsh sometimes which again melts down like butter in a snap of a second.
This book could be read by children & adults equally. One could ruminate those petty quabbles we had with our mother & how she pacifies & lullaby us to calm. This book which is supposed to be a semi autobiographical account of the author Sane Guruji is dexterously translated by Shantha Gokhake liniently sprinkled with Konkan words all over the book. There are many Konkan dishes, cultures & festivals detailed in the stories with adequate information at footnotes.
The moralities told in stories convey often forgotten basics of living by mankind & remind us about kinship & brotherhood. They try their part to transcend twilight rays of dawn in our mauved monochrome lives.
Shyam, an ascetic is much loved in the ashram for his pleasing talk & appealing gestures. Being pestered by his fellow mates in ashram, he starts telling stories of his mother- his backbone , his everything. Each story told by Shyam in memory of her is simple & laced tauntly with ethical values at the end. Eventually every evening after the prayer bell rings, this becomes a daily routine of listening story not only to his friends but also Shyam's magic in storytelling lures all the villagers irrespective of age.
Shyam's mother - Yashodatai is an embodiment of honesty , kindness & righteousness. Her generous & helping nature despite the family's penury shows her belief in humanity. She cares & guides her children like a friend. Shyam & her Aai shares a special bond when compared to his other siblings. She advises & teaches Shyam by exercpting incidents from mythology according to the situation which I loved reading the most.
Aai says helping women at household is not a belittle job for a men; it's mean to criticise a dish which involves so much effort; one should not be ashamed of exhibiting their own talent; bonding of siblings is the bedrock of further generations; also there are many feminist ideologies spoken by Aai which seems way beyond the time the book was written. She instills confidence & self respect in Shyam which helps him in becoming a noble human being.
All stories potrays the process of resurrection of a son by a mother with each & every flaw he has committed & beckoning him into the right path whenever he seems strutting away. For this she never thinks twice to daunt & even whack him ; everything for good of Shyam & his future. Like any mother she gives sturdy stares at her kids & her gestures seems harsh sometimes which again melts down like butter in a snap of a second.
This book could be read by children & adults equally. One could ruminate those petty quabbles we had with our mother & how she pacifies & lullaby us to calm. This book which is supposed to be a semi autobiographical account of the author Sane Guruji is dexterously translated by Shantha Gokhake liniently sprinkled with Konkan words all over the book. There are many Konkan dishes, cultures & festivals detailed in the stories with adequate information at footnotes.
The moralities told in stories convey often forgotten basics of living by mankind & remind us about kinship & brotherhood. They try their part to transcend twilight rays of dawn in our mauved monochrome lives.
July 20, 2023
आईच्या प्रेममय थोर शिकवणुकीचे सरळ, साध्या व सुंदर संस्कॄतीचे एक करुण व गोड कथात्मक चित्र.
Shyamchi Aai has been a Marathi classic for the last 86 years, as famous as its author, Maharashtra’s beloved freedom fighter and social reformer, Sane Guruji. Most Marathi-speaking children must have read this book at home or in school. Puffin’s translation of Sane Guruji’s autobiography is the fourth English version of the classic.
The book transports you to an enchanting world, where nature is part of life, where rushing streams have feelings, and tiger sightings are routine during night-time bullock-cart rides through the forest. There are achingly beautiful dusk scenes: the tinkling of cowbells, the strains of a cowherd’s flute and, always, a stream flowing in the distance.
This is not an imaginary world. The book is about the author’s childhood in Palgad village in Konkan, which later became famous as Sane Guruji’s birthplace. One wonders whether it is still as beautiful.
While the book is a reflection of the rural Konkan Brahmin lifestyle, at its core is the relationship between Shyam and his mother, a woman both deeply traditional and fiercely independent. For Shyam, she is no less than god. Whatever he is, he attributes to her. She teaches him to do what is right, be it helping her in her endless household chores or performing her rituals for her, even if it means braving ridicule.
The bond between Shyam and his mother is sometimes unbelievable. Which child tells his mother things like: “Are you disappointed in me?’’ or “When I see the love in your eyes, I feel strengthened”? The book is replete with such tear-filled conversations between mother and son. In her translator’s note, Gokhale writes that she had to underplay Shyam’s tears and use language less sentimental than Sane Guruji’s, keeping today’s young readers in mind.
It's a must read for everyone.
Shyamchi Aai has been a Marathi classic for the last 86 years, as famous as its author, Maharashtra’s beloved freedom fighter and social reformer, Sane Guruji. Most Marathi-speaking children must have read this book at home or in school. Puffin’s translation of Sane Guruji’s autobiography is the fourth English version of the classic.
The book transports you to an enchanting world, where nature is part of life, where rushing streams have feelings, and tiger sightings are routine during night-time bullock-cart rides through the forest. There are achingly beautiful dusk scenes: the tinkling of cowbells, the strains of a cowherd’s flute and, always, a stream flowing in the distance.
This is not an imaginary world. The book is about the author’s childhood in Palgad village in Konkan, which later became famous as Sane Guruji’s birthplace. One wonders whether it is still as beautiful.
While the book is a reflection of the rural Konkan Brahmin lifestyle, at its core is the relationship between Shyam and his mother, a woman both deeply traditional and fiercely independent. For Shyam, she is no less than god. Whatever he is, he attributes to her. She teaches him to do what is right, be it helping her in her endless household chores or performing her rituals for her, even if it means braving ridicule.
The bond between Shyam and his mother is sometimes unbelievable. Which child tells his mother things like: “Are you disappointed in me?’’ or “When I see the love in your eyes, I feel strengthened”? The book is replete with such tear-filled conversations between mother and son. In her translator’s note, Gokhale writes that she had to underplay Shyam’s tears and use language less sentimental than Sane Guruji’s, keeping today’s young readers in mind.
It's a must read for everyone.
Read
August 6, 2016This book is about the greatest tribute to Mother's love. There is no unit to measure the mother's love, which is bigger than the sky and deeper than the ocean. All the stories in this book gives a learning for life. It made me cry while reading some of the stories, one of the finest book I have ever read. Must read by everyone.
December 21, 2022
स्वामी तिन्ही जगाचा आई विना भिकारी.
जगत कोणाहीपेक्षा जास्त 9 महिने ओळखनारी एकच व्यक्ती असते ती म्हणजे 'आई'.
Must read book to understand emotions from mother to child, from child to mother also towards family.
जगत कोणाहीपेक्षा जास्त 9 महिने ओळखनारी एकच व्यक्ती असते ती म्हणजे 'आई'.
Must read book to understand emotions from mother to child, from child to mother also towards family.
November 4, 2013
Pure, lucid, lilting, heart-felt.
This is sheer mother-worship spoken from a child-like innocent man.
It explores the world of little Shyam and his mother Yashoda. broken into tiny snippets from their everyday life as it spiralled from prosperous to poor to uber poor.
The protagonist is fiery, exquisite in her simplicity, profound in her genuine wisdom and a beacon of inspiration.
Sample this: Little shyam steals money from a guest to buy books for his further education. When his mother learns of it, she doesnt give elaborate lectures. just a stunning one-liner, 'Your earlier classes taught you that stealing is a sin. If you havent learnt those lessons yet, what makes you think you are qualified for the next level?'
Dont miss this one. It cannot but leave you stirred to the core.
additonal stars for the details; the recipes for delicious ancient dishes, customs of pre-independence India etc.
This is sheer mother-worship spoken from a child-like innocent man.
It explores the world of little Shyam and his mother Yashoda. broken into tiny snippets from their everyday life as it spiralled from prosperous to poor to uber poor.
The protagonist is fiery, exquisite in her simplicity, profound in her genuine wisdom and a beacon of inspiration.
Sample this: Little shyam steals money from a guest to buy books for his further education. When his mother learns of it, she doesnt give elaborate lectures. just a stunning one-liner, 'Your earlier classes taught you that stealing is a sin. If you havent learnt those lessons yet, what makes you think you are qualified for the next level?'
Dont miss this one. It cannot but leave you stirred to the core.
additonal stars for the details; the recipes for delicious ancient dishes, customs of pre-independence India etc.
September 15, 2014
My mom gave me the first book to read :)
January 28, 2024
For time immemorial, stories and anecdotes from life have been a very powerful medium to share tenets of philosophy with the wider audience. There’s something magical in listening to stories, more so events from someone’s life. This book is a collection of stories narrated by Shyam about his experiences and lessons learnt from his Aai (Mother). The events revolve around their lives, childhood and the various challenges faced by the family over the course of time. These stories act as medium to impart age old Vedic, Upanishadic wisdom through metaphors embedded in each of the stories.
The stories are very simple life experiences which leave a lasting impression on Shyam who shares it with his friends in Ashram after the evening prayers. These stories revolve around simplistic virtues like not stealing, focus on being a good human as compared to a great person to a more deep involved nuanced commentary on the social fabric of the society of the yore encompassing subjects like untouchability, gender equality in truest sense where men partake women’s responsibilities in household etc. Each of these stories has a unique lesson to impart on the reader and I am quite certain a lot of them stick.
Shyam’s Aai becomes his guru, philosopher, guide and the beacon of light for the rest of his life. I personally believe the choice of names as in Shyam, Yashoda (Aai) and the eventual separation is inline with Krishna’s experiences in Gokul. Shyam’s stories become similar Krishna’s Geetopadesha, except the source or rather the inspiration is his mother. The author’s biography at the end of the book reveals the empathetic, evolved mind which looks at the larger canvas of country and society. Written during his jail sentence, this work is sort of autobiographical as claimed by the book also (but was apparent around 30% of the book). The last few chapters of the book are really gut-wrenching and very emotional. I wouldn’t be surprised if a tear or two escape the eyes.
Please have very young and impressionable minds read this book. This is a book for all ages. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED MUST READ
The stories are very simple life experiences which leave a lasting impression on Shyam who shares it with his friends in Ashram after the evening prayers. These stories revolve around simplistic virtues like not stealing, focus on being a good human as compared to a great person to a more deep involved nuanced commentary on the social fabric of the society of the yore encompassing subjects like untouchability, gender equality in truest sense where men partake women’s responsibilities in household etc. Each of these stories has a unique lesson to impart on the reader and I am quite certain a lot of them stick.
Shyam’s Aai becomes his guru, philosopher, guide and the beacon of light for the rest of his life. I personally believe the choice of names as in Shyam, Yashoda (Aai) and the eventual separation is inline with Krishna’s experiences in Gokul. Shyam’s stories become similar Krishna’s Geetopadesha, except the source or rather the inspiration is his mother. The author’s biography at the end of the book reveals the empathetic, evolved mind which looks at the larger canvas of country and society. Written during his jail sentence, this work is sort of autobiographical as claimed by the book also (but was apparent around 30% of the book). The last few chapters of the book are really gut-wrenching and very emotional. I wouldn’t be surprised if a tear or two escape the eyes.
Please have very young and impressionable minds read this book. This is a book for all ages. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED MUST READ
July 26, 2025
Beautiful book, It’s not just a story,it’s a tribute to every mother’s love, sacrifice, and strength. Through Shyam’s eyes, we see the quiet power of a mother who teaches values with love, not punishment.It made me cry, smile, and feel proud to be raised by a mother. Every page is full of emotions, simplicity, and deep meaning.A must-read for anyone who misses their Aai, or wants to understand what true love means.
March 25, 2025
मी नेहमीच श्यामची आई वाचण्याची इच्छा ठेवली होती, कारण हे एक अजरामर आणि लोकप्रिय पुस्तक आहे. अखेर जेव्हा मी ते वाचले, तेव्हा आईच्या प्रेमाचा आणि त्यागाचा उत्कट अनुभव घेतला. श्यामच्या व्यक्तिमत्त्वावर त्याच्या आईने दिलेल्या संस्कारांचा प्रभाव इतका सुंदरपणे मांडला आहे की तो थेट हृदयाला स्पर्श करतो. सत्य, प्रामाणिकपणा, त्याग आणि परोपकार यांसारख्या मूल्यांचे प्रभावी वर्णन पुस्तकाची ताकद वाढवते. साने गुरुजींची सरळ आणि साधी भाषा वाचकाला सहजपणे या भावनिक प्रवाहात घेऊन जाते. हे पुस्तक वाचताना अनेक प्रसंगी मला माझ्या आईचे प्रतिबिंब दिसले. आई म्हणजे प्रेम, त्याग आणि कष्ट यांचे अद्वितीय मिश्रण आहे.
जरी हे पुस्तक मुलांसाठी लिहिलेले असले, तरी मोठ्या व्यक्तीने वाचतानाही त्यातून खूप शिकायला मिळते. लहानपणी हे पुस्तक केवळ कथा म्हणून वाटते, पण प्रौढपणी वाचताना त्यातील भावना आणि शिकवणी अजून खोलवर समजतात. श्यामची आई केवळ एक कथा नसून, पिढ्यान्पिढ्या संस्कार आणि मूल्ये पोहोचवणारे अमूल्य पुस्तक आहे. त्यामुळे हे प्रत्येकाने एकदा तरी नक्कीच वाचावे.
जरी हे पुस्तक मुलांसाठी लिहिलेले असले, तरी मोठ्या व्यक्तीने वाचतानाही त्यातून खूप शिकायला मिळते. लहानपणी हे पुस्तक केवळ कथा म्हणून वाटते, पण प्रौढपणी वाचताना त्यातील भावना आणि शिकवणी अजून खोलवर समजतात. श्यामची आई केवळ एक कथा नसून, पिढ्यान्पिढ्या संस्कार आणि मूल्ये पोहोचवणारे अमूल्य पुस्तक आहे. त्यामुळे हे प्रत्येकाने एकदा तरी नक्कीच वाचावे.
October 12, 2015
It is a wonderful book.
I am one of those children who grew up listening to stories from this book.
It is an inspiring book that teaches you humanity and other values.
But most importantly it teaches you about mother's love.
I have read this book numerous times and every time I tear up.
It is a must read for every little kid to know what mother's love means.
Many will find it melodramatic but in reality it is hard to find someone who won't like this book.
I am one of those children who grew up listening to stories from this book.
It is an inspiring book that teaches you humanity and other values.
But most importantly it teaches you about mother's love.
I have read this book numerous times and every time I tear up.
It is a must read for every little kid to know what mother's love means.
Many will find it melodramatic but in reality it is hard to find someone who won't like this book.
June 22, 2018
To many thinks to learn from Shyam's Mother. All these thing definitely make you better person in like.
October 3, 2013
This book is must read for book lover. It is emblem of Hindu society.
This is the first book I read and helped me to nurture reading as hobby.
He makes characters alive and makes you feel like you are witness of events in the book.
It truly describes the ethical base of Hindu society.
This is the first book I read and helped me to nurture reading as hobby.
He makes characters alive and makes you feel like you are witness of events in the book.
It truly describes the ethical base of Hindu society.
July 11, 2013
I really liked this book despite that fact that I generally dislike books with heavy drama. It is difficult to say why. But if anyone should come across it, they should give this book a try.
November 19, 2018
Like a river of pure sacraments.. will never stop flowing! open any page, start reading and enjoy the stream..
July 24, 2024
मी वाचलेलं पहिलं मराठी पुस्तक❤️
July 14, 2021
काळ पहाटेच श्यामची आई वाचून झाला आपण मुदाम इथे संपवून टाकला किव्हा संपवून झाला असा म्हंटलो नाही कारण अशी पुस्तके कधीच संपत नसत.. खरोखरच गुरुजींनी शाईने नव्हे तर आपल्या अश्रुंनी हे पुस्तक लिहिला आहे . गुरुजींनी इतक्या सुंदर रिते हे पुस्तक मांडला आहे कि जणू आपण आश्रामातच अहो असा आपल्याला भासत , संपूर्ण पुस्तक छान येतं काय वादच नाही परंतु दोन एक भाग ज्यांनी माझा मन भरून घेला व जे अविस्मरणीय आहेत , एक प्रसंग म्हणजे जेव्हा गुरुजींची आई त्यांना फुले आणायला सांगती आणि तेव्हा ते नुकताच अंगोळ करून बाहेर आले असता आणि त्यांचे तळ पाय ओलें असता तेव्हा ते आईनं म्हणता कि माझे तळपाय ओले आहेत ते खराब होतील म्हणून तू अगोदर माझे तळपाय पुसून दे तेव्हा आई त्यांचे पाय पुसून देते आणि म्हणतेय "श्याम पायाला घाण लागू नाही म्हणून जपतोस ! तसाच मनाला घाण लागू नाही म्हणून जप हो . देवाला सांग शुद्ध बुद्धी दे म्हणून .." किती मार्मिक विचार आहेत ओ , खरंच आहे अगदी म्हणजे आपण बाहेरील सुदंरता किती जपतो पण अंतरंगातील सुंदरतेचा काय!
दुसरा प्रसंग म्हणजे भूतदया यातून ,एकदा एका झाडावरून पक्षाचे पिलू खाली पडले , गुरुजी व त्यांच्या भावंडानी त्या पिलूला वाचवण्याचा खूप प्रयत्न केला पण दुर्दवाने ते पिलू मेला आणि नंतर गुरुजींनी नंतर त्या पिलूस पुरून घरी परत घेले व एक बाजूस कोपर्यात बसून राहिले , त्यावर आईनं त्यांना विचारला कि "कारे बाजूस का बसलास ?" गुरुजी म्हणाले "मला त्या पाखराचे सुतकं आहे! आई हसली व म्हणाली अरे वेड्या सुतक नको दारूस जा हातपाय धून घे म्हणजे झाला .. गुरुजी म्हंटले "आपल्या घरातले कोणी मेले म्हणजे आपण धरतो ना सुतक .यावर आईने इतके सुंदर उत्तर दिले आई म्हंटली "माणूस कोणत्या तरी रोगाने मारतो यासाठी त्याच्या असणाऱ्या मंडळीनी इतरांपासून काही दिवस दूर राहणे बरे म्हणजे सातीचा रोग असतात त्याचे जंतू फैलावत नाहीत म्हणूनच सुतक पाळत असतात . खरोकरच किती ओ ज्ञान त्या माउली कडे . खूप लोकं म्हणतात कि श्यामची आई हे खूप सेंटीमेंटल आहे म्हणजे माझेही काही ˈकॉलीग् पण हेच म्हंटले पण खरोकरच शामची आई हि सेंटीमेंटल नसून आम्हाला ज्ञान देणारी, आमच्या मनावर सुसंस्कार घडवणारी आहे , जगण्याची नवीन दिशा देणारी आहे .
"सृष्टीचे अंतिम स्वरूप प्रेम आहे युद्ध नाही"-शामची आई
दुसरा प्रसंग म्हणजे भूतदया यातून ,एकदा एका झाडावरून पक्षाचे पिलू खाली पडले , गुरुजी व त्यांच्या भावंडानी त्या पिलूला वाचवण्याचा खूप प्रयत्न केला पण दुर्दवाने ते पिलू मेला आणि नंतर गुरुजींनी नंतर त्या पिलूस पुरून घरी परत घेले व एक बाजूस कोपर्यात बसून राहिले , त्यावर आईनं त्यांना विचारला कि "कारे बाजूस का बसलास ?" गुरुजी म्हणाले "मला त्या पाखराचे सुतकं आहे! आई हसली व म्हणाली अरे वेड्या सुतक नको दारूस जा हातपाय धून घे म्हणजे झाला .. गुरुजी म्हंटले "आपल्या घरातले कोणी मेले म्हणजे आपण धरतो ना सुतक .यावर आईने इतके सुंदर उत्तर दिले आई म्हंटली "माणूस कोणत्या तरी रोगाने मारतो यासाठी त्याच्या असणाऱ्या मंडळीनी इतरांपासून काही दिवस दूर राहणे बरे म्हणजे सातीचा रोग असतात त्याचे जंतू फैलावत नाहीत म्हणूनच सुतक पाळत असतात . खरोकरच किती ओ ज्ञान त्या माउली कडे . खूप लोकं म्हणतात कि श्यामची आई हे खूप सेंटीमेंटल आहे म्हणजे माझेही काही ˈकॉलीग् पण हेच म्हंटले पण खरोकरच शामची आई हि सेंटीमेंटल नसून आम्हाला ज्ञान देणारी, आमच्या मनावर सुसंस्कार घडवणारी आहे , जगण्याची नवीन दिशा देणारी आहे .
"सृष्टीचे अंतिम स्वरूप प्रेम आहे युद्ध नाही"-शामची आई
December 23, 2024
While I was hunting for books by Indian authors or themed on Indian culture and traditions, to gift kids of my friends settled abroad, I very pleasantly stumbled upon this book! It is an English translation of a very famous Marathi book ‘Shyamchi Aai’ which translates to ‘Shyam’s Mother’ written by a very famous author and poet fondly known as ‘Sane Guruji’ (Sadashiv Pandurang Sane). The original Marathi book is very well known and I am sure those who study and read Marathi have definitely read it or at least encountered snippets or stories from the book at some point of time. This book is an autobiographical compilation of the childhood memories of Shyam (Sane Guruji) about the love, affection, discipline and lessons taught to him by his beloved mother. Life experiences of Shyam’s mother had made her a very able woman and inspite of being uneducated, her sensibility and intelligence reflects through the day to day events and experiences the author conveys in the book. Since the author was based in Palgad, a small village in the coastal Konkan region in the state of Maharashtra, India, the author gives very beautiful and scenic descriptions of his hometown and places he visited for perusing education. Through his stories we get to read about many core Maharashtrian cultures and traditions followed then, especially in the rural regions of India . The thoughts and ideas expressed in the book are very practical, idealistic and righteous and they are described not in a preechy manner but a very emotional and heartwarming way.
I must mention that the translation does great justice to the original work, translated by yet another renowned author of Marathi literature, Shanta Gokhale who has several literary accolades to her name.
It proved to be a perfect gift for kids and adults of Indian origin settled in different parts of the world to connect them to our beautiful culture and history!
I must mention that the translation does great justice to the original work, translated by yet another renowned author of Marathi literature, Shanta Gokhale who has several literary accolades to her name.
It proved to be a perfect gift for kids and adults of Indian origin settled in different parts of the world to connect them to our beautiful culture and history!
October 23, 2022
This book had been recommended to me by Jyotibhai Desai, a freedom fighter by introduction and a beloved teacher by legacy. 'One is not an Indian if they have not read this book' is what he had said.
There wasn't any chance that I would waste time reading it. And there wasn't any chance I would regret the time I spent reading it.
This was a twenty first century english translation of a book written in 1935. The culture, the setting, the people, the kind of language were all completely different from what I was used to. But I had been made aware of the book's significance and timelessness before I had even picked it up, and that made the experience of reading even more moving.
I generally lament the loss of the original words whenever I have to read a translation, and even now I felt an inevitable urge to learn to read Marathi to experience these words in their finest. But as the foreword had said too, I held a good translation in my hands.
I have not cried because of a book or any other kind of media for a long time (probably because there was always a constant sense of distance from my reality). But as Shyaam's mother was saying her last words, I found tears wetting my face.
I have never seen the situation they were in, I probably never will. But I could see my own mother written in stories told to me from a century ago; my own father and brothers and sisters in the roles they play in my family, in the society, within themselves. I could see the responsibility I hold towards my family, and concrete things I could do with my life.
Most importantly, I could feel gratitude towards Jyoti dada for telling me to read this book, towards Shanta Gokhale for translating it, and Sane Guruji for writing it. I now have an urge to read more books like these, that make me think about life like this.
There wasn't any chance that I would waste time reading it. And there wasn't any chance I would regret the time I spent reading it.
This was a twenty first century english translation of a book written in 1935. The culture, the setting, the people, the kind of language were all completely different from what I was used to. But I had been made aware of the book's significance and timelessness before I had even picked it up, and that made the experience of reading even more moving.
I generally lament the loss of the original words whenever I have to read a translation, and even now I felt an inevitable urge to learn to read Marathi to experience these words in their finest. But as the foreword had said too, I held a good translation in my hands.
I have not cried because of a book or any other kind of media for a long time (probably because there was always a constant sense of distance from my reality). But as Shyaam's mother was saying her last words, I found tears wetting my face.
I have never seen the situation they were in, I probably never will. But I could see my own mother written in stories told to me from a century ago; my own father and brothers and sisters in the roles they play in my family, in the society, within themselves. I could see the responsibility I hold towards my family, and concrete things I could do with my life.
Most importantly, I could feel gratitude towards Jyoti dada for telling me to read this book, towards Shanta Gokhale for translating it, and Sane Guruji for writing it. I now have an urge to read more books like these, that make me think about life like this.
June 11, 2021
साने गुरुजी म्हणजेच पांडुरंग सदाशिव साने हे समाजसुधारक, शिक्षक, श्रेष्ठ प्रतिभावंत लेखक होते. त्यांच्या अनेक कथा, कादंबऱ्या, कविता, लेख, इ. प्रसिद्ध आहे.
यांपैकी श्यामची आई हे पुस्तक त्यांनी नाशिकच्या तुरुंगात असताना लिहिले.
लहानग्यांपासून ते थोरामोठ्यांच्या आवडीचे पुस्तक म्हणजे श्यामची आई.!!!
साध्या सोप्या भाषेत लिहिलेले हे पुस्तक म्हणजे साहित्यप्रेमींसाठी एक अनोखी पर्वणीच.
फक्त मुलांनीच नव्हे तर आईवडिलांनी सुद्धा आवर्जून वाचावे असे हे पुस्तक.
छोट्या छोट्या गोष्टींमधून साने गुरुजींनी त्यांच्या बालपणीच्या आठवणी सांगितल्या आहेत.
लहानग्या श्यामचा साने गुरुजी म्हणून ओळखले जाईपर्यंतचा प्रवास वाचणं म्हणजे आयुष्यभरासाठी प्रत्येक वळणावर उपयोगी पडेल अशी शिकवणचं जणू.
लहानपणीचं वागणं, आजूबाजूचे वातावरण, आईची शिकवण, वडिलधाऱ्यांचा धाक, या साऱ्या गोष्टी त्यांचे जीवन घडण्यास अत्यंत महत्त्वाच्या ठरल्या.
त्यांची आई यशोदाने दिलेली शिकवण त्यांच्या आयुष्यात कुठे कशी प्रभावी ठरली हे वाचणं मायलेकराचं नातं कसं असू शकते याचं उत्तम उदाहरण आहे.
गरिबी, कष्ट, त्याग या वातावरणात आईने अत्यंत मोलाची शिकवण दिली आहे.
आईने त्यांना स्वाभिमानी आणि आत्मनिर्भर व्हायला शिकवले. चुकांमधून शिकायला सांगितले. अभ्यासाचे महत्त्व पटवून दिले. खरेपणा आयुष्यात किती महत्त्वाचा आहे हे सांगितले.
श्यामची आई हे मातृत्व,प्रेम, करुणा आणि शिस्त यांचे प्रतिरूप आहे.
आई आणि मुलामधल्या निस्सीम प्रेमाची कथा जी साधारण असूनही असाधारणतेचा कळस गाठते.
आईने दिलेली शिकवण, अनेक अनुभव उत्कृष्ट रित्या वर्णिले आहे.
त्या आईने दिलेली शिकवण आज पूर्ण जग अनुसरू शकते.
या पुस्तकामुळे कित्येक पिढ्या घडल्या आहेत आणि न जाणे अजून कितीतरी पिढ्या घडतील.
प्रेम, माणुसकी,करुणा, कृतज्ञता,भक्ती, जिव्हाळा,संस्कार ,माया इ. चा अर्थ या पुस्तकाकडे पाहून कळतो.
या सत्यकथा वाचताना डोळे भरून येतील.
हे हृदयस्पर्शी जिवंत लिखाण एकदातरी नक्कीच वाचून पहा.
यांपैकी श्यामची आई हे पुस्तक त्यांनी नाशिकच्या तुरुंगात असताना लिहिले.
लहानग्यांपासून ते थोरामोठ्यांच्या आवडीचे पुस्तक म्हणजे श्यामची आई.!!!
साध्या सोप्या भाषेत लिहिलेले हे पुस्तक म्हणजे साहित्यप्रेमींसाठी एक अनोखी पर्वणीच.
फक्त मुलांनीच नव्हे तर आईवडिलांनी सुद्धा आवर्जून वाचावे असे हे पुस्तक.
छोट्या छोट्या गोष्टींमधून साने गुरुजींनी त्यांच्या बालपणीच्या आठवणी सांगितल्या आहेत.
लहानग्या श्यामचा साने गुरुजी म्हणून ओळखले जाईपर्यंतचा प्रवास वाचणं म्हणजे आयुष्यभरासाठी प्रत्येक वळणावर उपयोगी पडेल अशी शिकवणचं जणू.
लहानपणीचं वागणं, आजूबाजूचे वातावरण, आईची शिकवण, वडिलधाऱ्यांचा धाक, या साऱ्या गोष्टी त्यांचे जीवन घडण्यास अत्यंत महत्त्वाच्या ठरल्या.
त्यांची आई यशोदाने दिलेली शिकवण त्यांच्या आयुष्यात कुठे कशी प्रभावी ठरली हे वाचणं मायलेकराचं नातं कसं असू शकते याचं उत्तम उदाहरण आहे.
गरिबी, कष्ट, त्याग या वातावरणात आईने अत्यंत मोलाची शिकवण दिली आहे.
आईने त्यांना स्वाभिमानी आणि आत्मनिर्भर व्हायला शिकवले. चुकांमधून शिकायला सांगितले. अभ्यासाचे महत्त्व पटवून दिले. खरेपणा आयुष्यात किती महत्त्वाचा आहे हे सांगितले.
श्यामची आई हे मातृत्व,प्रेम, करुणा आणि शिस्त यांचे प्रतिरूप आहे.
आई आणि मुलामधल्या निस्सीम प्रेमाची कथा जी साधारण असूनही असाधारणतेचा कळस गाठते.
आईने दिलेली शिकवण, अनेक अनुभव उत्कृष्ट रित्या वर्णिले आहे.
त्या आईने दिलेली शिकवण आज पूर्ण जग अनुसरू शकते.
या पुस्तकामुळे कित्येक पिढ्या घडल्या आहेत आणि न जाणे अजून कितीतरी पिढ्या घडतील.
प्रेम, माणुसकी,करुणा, कृतज्ञता,भक्ती, जिव्हाळा,संस्कार ,माया इ. चा अर्थ या पुस्तकाकडे पाहून कळतो.
या सत्यकथा वाचताना डोळे भरून येतील.
हे हृदयस्पर्शी जिवंत लिखाण एकदातरी नक्कीच वाचून पहा.
June 19, 2023
Sane guruji's writings has always inspired me and motivated me to do more. To write more.
Well ,what can I say about this book? I remember sitting in the my class and reading this book even in other lectures cause I wasn't able to put it down.
Guruji describes what was the condition of India not too long ago.
The book is set in a small village of Konkan and focus on shyam a sweet ,little, clever boy and her mother.
Well other characters like shyam's siblings, his aunt , his father ,and his friends makes the book much more fun.
The chapters are named as nights. As in 'Night 1', 'Night 2', ....and so on. The reason behind this is simple. Shyam a grown up man is telling stories of shyam the child/teenager to other kids and locals. Each Night a different stories.
The way guruji described the mother's love, her sacrifices, her sorrows and her joys is truly amazing.
By the end of the book I was literally crying.
However if you Don't know marathi go for this English version. But if you know marathi and can understand it then definitely go for the marathi version .
Peace:)
Well ,what can I say about this book? I remember sitting in the my class and reading this book even in other lectures cause I wasn't able to put it down.
Guruji describes what was the condition of India not too long ago.
The book is set in a small village of Konkan and focus on shyam a sweet ,little, clever boy and her mother.
Well other characters like shyam's siblings, his aunt , his father ,and his friends makes the book much more fun.
The chapters are named as nights. As in 'Night 1', 'Night 2', ....and so on. The reason behind this is simple. Shyam a grown up man is telling stories of shyam the child/teenager to other kids and locals. Each Night a different stories.
The way guruji described the mother's love, her sacrifices, her sorrows and her joys is truly amazing.
By the end of the book I was literally crying.
However if you Don't know marathi go for this English version. But if you know marathi and can understand it then definitely go for the marathi version .
Peace:)
Read
October 20, 2019Hallow Readers,
The Writer Mr Sane Guruji was a social worker and freedom fighter, this book "Shyamchi Aai" represents his childhood and memories of his Mother narrated by Sana Guuji at his "Ashram" for his fellow student kids. This book is a collection of moment in his life which leads for some excellent learnings about Indian Society traditions. it also shows the positive attitude of His Mother towards Life and how from Childhood to Younger age how her thoughts and behaviour influenced as a life lessons for her Child "Pandurang Sadashiv Sane" Aka "Sane Guruji" to become a very kind hearted person, by her Excellent Parenting and leanings she molds a life of "Sane Guruji" to become a prominent freedom fighter and a kind heated social activists.
This book is a classic example of Good Parenting and life values, and I request everybody to must read this book once in a life time.
Thank You
Prashant Vyawhare
https://storytellerpv.blogspot.com/
The Writer Mr Sane Guruji was a social worker and freedom fighter, this book "Shyamchi Aai" represents his childhood and memories of his Mother narrated by Sana Guuji at his "Ashram" for his fellow student kids. This book is a collection of moment in his life which leads for some excellent learnings about Indian Society traditions. it also shows the positive attitude of His Mother towards Life and how from Childhood to Younger age how her thoughts and behaviour influenced as a life lessons for her Child "Pandurang Sadashiv Sane" Aka "Sane Guruji" to become a very kind hearted person, by her Excellent Parenting and leanings she molds a life of "Sane Guruji" to become a prominent freedom fighter and a kind heated social activists.
This book is a classic example of Good Parenting and life values, and I request everybody to must read this book once in a life time.
Thank You
Prashant Vyawhare
https://storytellerpv.blogspot.com/
October 24, 2023
Pandurang Sadashiv Sane, also known as Sane Guruji was an author, school teacher and freedom fighter. This book is a compilation of anecdotes through which he talks about the teachings of his mother that made him what he is and expresses his gratitude. The book starts with his younger self, fondly called Shyam, narrating the anecdotes to his friends in his dormitory.
My favourite anecdote is where Shyam is jealous of his neighbour for knowing Ramraksha. His mother does not hesitate to correct him but also, does not hesitate to shower love on him. That is how a kid should be raised, isn't it?
I have read this book a couple of times as a kid but I realised I need to read this as often as possible as an adult. Every time every story brings tears to my eyes. It is not a book that you should read in one go. I would suggest to read one story per night for 42 nights.
One should read this book as a kid to understand his mother. And again, in adulthood to remind himself of the importance of his mother.
My favourite anecdote is where Shyam is jealous of his neighbour for knowing Ramraksha. His mother does not hesitate to correct him but also, does not hesitate to shower love on him. That is how a kid should be raised, isn't it?
I have read this book a couple of times as a kid but I realised I need to read this as often as possible as an adult. Every time every story brings tears to my eyes. It is not a book that you should read in one go. I would suggest to read one story per night for 42 nights.
One should read this book as a kid to understand his mother. And again, in adulthood to remind himself of the importance of his mother.
January 15, 2018
Shyam's Mother(श्यामची आई) is about teachings from a mother to his son (Pandurang Sadashiv Sane साने गुरुजी) about how should he live his life, with which values? Master Sane(साने गुरुजी) followed these teachings of his mother about virtues and principles till the end of his life. He actively participated in Indian freedom movement led by Mahatma Gandhi.
This book tells us how to live with doing more for society and without expecting a lot from it. It also teaches us Nation does not mean a collection or group of states but its her people who live peacefully with one another.Who help one another to grow.
This is definitely a book needs to be collected and shelved in your own library for its teachings to the younger generation.
This book tells us how to live with doing more for society and without expecting a lot from it. It also teaches us Nation does not mean a collection or group of states but its her people who live peacefully with one another.Who help one another to grow.
This is definitely a book needs to be collected and shelved in your own library for its teachings to the younger generation.
March 9, 2025
This book offers a poignant reminder of the simple yet profound lessons we often forget as adults. As I turned the pages, I found myself nostalgic for the innocence and ideals of my childhood. The story gently nudges readers to reclaim the values and aspirations that once came so naturally.
The narrative is reminiscent of the wisdom my mother shared with me when I was young. Reading this book felt like revisiting those cherished moments.
I highly recommend this book to mothers of toddlers (around 2 years old). Its timeless teachings will inspire and guide you in nurturing your child's character and upbringing.
The narrative is reminiscent of the wisdom my mother shared with me when I was young. Reading this book felt like revisiting those cherished moments.
I highly recommend this book to mothers of toddlers (around 2 years old). Its timeless teachings will inspire and guide you in nurturing your child's character and upbringing.
August 9, 2022
This book was one of the earliest books I have ever read and taken so much from. It teaches us the things which we usually take for granted, the things we don't even realise that we are not paying attention to.
Sane guruji was a great socialist of Maharashtra. His life provides lessons to the young kids who are reading his book. He tells us that all his life is only because of his great mother who taught him everything. That mother's love and teaching made him a man which now the whole world learns from.
Sane guruji was a great socialist of Maharashtra. His life provides lessons to the young kids who are reading his book. He tells us that all his life is only because of his great mother who taught him everything. That mother's love and teaching made him a man which now the whole world learns from.
January 18, 2022
For a person used to reading fast/medium paced books, this one will require a lot of patience. While the book has some problems (period typical sexism, glorification of mothers, biased narrator), it is overall a good book, filled with morals and values a person should inculcate in themselves, though told in a roundabout way. I now know why it is considered a Marathi classic, but I would not read it again.
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