Garvel (Marathi)

by Shankar Patil

Garvel, a type of veil which keeps the surroundings cool was there since Shiva’s childhood. Now it had reached the huge tamarind tree and had actually halfcovered it. It had cleverly and artistically woven itself through the dense branching of the tamarind, occupying every inch of its blossom. So many years have passed. It was still standing erect, facing the storms, reading between the rains. It was many times torn apart from the stormy winds and the torrential rains. Yet, it was there, facing everything bravely. Neither the winds nor the rains have been able to root it out of its birthplace. But now the story had taken another route, completely. The famine since the last three years was starting to show its effect destructing the garvel. There was hardly any tinge of green left, forget the flowers. The branches were as good as the dried sticks. It was somehow surviving, looking forward to the dry summer pass away. It was sure of flourishing throughout the monsoon, if it could endure through the scorching summer. But this was not to happen. The famine continued throughout. The Sun baked everything. It made the garvel limp and go lame, it lost its last struggle and slid down from the ageold tamarind tree giving away its very living. It was so sudden; the old tamarind lay flabbergasted over this loss.

164 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 1980

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

[Vishnu Chipade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice, short and relatable stories depicting life in villages.