भेटीगाठी - Bhetigaathee

by Shankar Patil

NO SOONER DID SARJA SAT DOWN; THE WHIP STARTED ITS WORK OVER ITS BACK SEASONED WITH THE CONTINUOUS THRASHING OVER THE YEARS. BLOOD DROPLETS STARTED OOZING OUT FROM THE MARKS MADE BY THE WHIP. AS IF THIS WAS NOT ENOUGH, THE WIDE STICK PLAYED ITS PART IN HURTING IT. THROUGHOUT THIS HARASSMENT, SARJA REMAINED MOTIONLESS; AS ALWAYS. IT NEITHER TURNED, NOR MOVED. THIS HAD BECOME A ROUTINE. PEOPLE HAD STARTED CALLING THE IMMOVABLE OX. ITS OLD AGE WAS BLEMISHED BY THIS. WHEN THE MONSOON BROUGHT RAINS WITH IT, SARJA WAS LEFT IN A HOPELESS CONDITION. NO ONE HAD TIME TO FEED IT. THE OPTION OF EITHER THE HAY HALF EATEN BY THE BUFFALOES OR THE OIL CAKES SOAKED IN THE EXCRETIONS OF THE COWS WERE OPEN FOR IT. THOUGH THE HUNGER COMPELLED IT TO EAT AND EVEN ENJOY IT SOMETIMES, THE HUNGER WAS NEVER SATISFIED. THE ENDLESS WORK WAS ALSO TAKING ITS TOLL. NOW SARJA COULD EITHER STAND OR SIT DOWN.

Genres: Marathi

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Born on 8th August 1926, Shankar Patil was the most famous amongst the contemporary authors for his stories based mostly on the rural life. His language typically reflected the beauty of village life. Though he was a prominent story writer, he successfully tried his hands over the other forms of literature including the drama format. Initially, his themes appear to be simple but if studied at depth one is to see the many-fold dimensions involved in his writing process. Entertainment is not his solitary aim. His writing reflects his concern and commitment for the society. Instead of clinging to the rituals and traditions he aims at finding out new meanings for achieving better living standards. His writing has the base of a sensitive mind which is completely harmonious with the nature. He understands and accepts change as easily as one breathes under the normal circumstances.

Reviews

[Ravindra Bharati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bhetigathi
This is really one of the best books written by Mr Shankar Patil. He is known for depicting the rural life and specifics of people dynamics. I really had a nostalgia of going to my maternal uncle’s place. Rural language, the emotions, beliefs and the stronghold of hierarchical society.
This books is bunch of short stories. Stories that let you imagine the rural life and aspect of all their behavior. I can say this book is not for those who has not lived maharashtrian villege. But those who has this experience, they must read this book.
Writer has covered various topics like forced marriages and its consequences, problems faced by illiterate people, stubborn people who refuse progress in the name of ‘we never had this problem’, intense superstitions, opportunists of emotional poverty etc. Mr Patil has highlighted topics close to rural life like childhood lessons, farmer’s bull, communication within village etc.
One of the most interesting thing I found was, Mr Patil was able to lead the character and passed on the exact emotion that one can feel.

Really looking forward to read more from him.

[Ravindra Kharade · Rating 2 out of 5]

शंकर पाटील यांच्या ख्यातीला अनुसरून असे हे पुस्तक नाही.

शंकर पाटील यांच्या ख्यातीला अनुसरून असे हे पुस्तक नाही. काही कथा जमून आल्या आहेत. परंतु जास्त करून कथा अपूर्ण वाटतात

[Madhukar Sawale]

Madhukar