Shakila and Other Stories by L.R. Swamy
(Translated by T.S. Chandra Mouli)
ISBN: 978-939-2586-569, Price 375/-
Published by Aadi Publications, Jaipur, Pages 159. 2024

Shakila and Other Stories is an anthology of tales that highlights Dr. Lakshmana Iyer Rama Swamy's profound cultural and humanistic perspectives, a notable figure in Telugu short stories. The collection is translated by T.S. Chandra Mouli, a distinguished scholar and professor of translation studies. This collection showcases Swamy's astute depiction of middle-class Telugu life alongside the complexities of the industrial labor landscape. The fiction writer adeptly intertwines traditional elements with contemporary influences and contrasts rural principles with urban dilemmas, thereby illuminating the transformation of Telugu society and its literary domain. Dr. Swamy’s life journey is as fascinating as the narratives he shares. He is a Tamil Brahmin from Kerala who exemplifies the intricacies of traversing multilingual and multicultural landscapes, as manifested in his narrative craft. His works demonstrate a remarkable integration of Malayali and Telugu sensibilities, further enhanced by his command of Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and English. This multilingualism enriches his narratives, imbuing them with dialectical subtleties and cultural authenticity that animate his characters.

In the foreword to the book, Prof. Sushil Kumar Sharma, another multilingual scholar, emphasizes Swamy's captivating narrative style, which seamlessly blends a traditional zeal for storytelling with a modern sensibility. Professor Sharma posits that storytelling is an ancient and esteemed form of human expression that necessitates a skilled narrator who can enthrall audiences through the artful interlacing of narratives. Swamy’s body of work rejuvenates this age-old craft, which remains frequently neglected in critical discussions, but he establishes it solidly within contemporary narrative traditions.

Swamy's identity as a polyglot and a chemical engineer enriches his narratives with a distinctive depth. His encounters within various cultural contexts which enrich his writing, rendering it exceptionally profound. Through a prolific collection of more than forty original short stories, translations that bridge Malayalam and Telugu, and journalistic endeavors enriched with a compassionate viewpoint, Swamy has positioned himself as a prominent contributor to the landscape of Indian literature. The highly regarded short story "Shakila," included in the anthology Hundred Stories Hundred Writers, is a testament to his exceptional storytelling abilities.

The works of Swamy are characterized as a writer who utilizes "pleasant metaphors" and straightforward language. He frequently incorporates Telugu phrases to articulate the essence of indigenous life. His nuanced depiction of characters that are grounded in authentic experiences reveals the profound intricacies of Telugu-speaking communities. His pragmatic disposition is evident in his secular and scientifically orientated narratives, which seek to confront superstition, advocate need for reform, and embody contemporary societal values. Instead of denouncing or amplifying life's adversities, he recounts them with empathy and a hopeful perspective.

In his introduction, Prof. Sushil K Sharma commends Swamy's tolerance and introspective disposition, and he highlights his substantial contributions to Telugu literature. His narratives promote secularism, social justice, and coexistence which profoundly impress the readers. Sharma's endorsement highlights Swamy's enduring creative vigor while motivating readers with his serene and intentional perspective.

Shakila and Other Stories illustrates Swamy's lasting influence on Telugu writing. The collection provides readers with an insight into the human experience through Telugu cultural and linguistic prism. The story "Shakila," included in the collection, explores complex issues of love, class, and cultural identity via the developing connection between a childless lady and her maid, Shakila. Over time, need evolves into fondness, leading her to see Shakila as a daughter. Shakila was adopted as a newborn and was raised in a foreign country. She internalizes her employer's ideals while staying estranged from her family she was born in owing to economic limitations. The narrative undergoes a crucial transformation when Shakila marries Kabir, a man of her religion. Despite her absence, her emotional connection to the narrator's family and their Hindu customs is sustained. The narrative's climax occurs when Kabir confronts societal opposition to his marriage with Shakila. His proposal to relocate nearer to the narrator's family highlights his regard for their interfaith cohesion and the reciprocal trust developed over the years. In Shakila's voyage, Swamy gently explores how love may transcend socioeconomic borders, if temporarily, when bolstered by experiences that transcend class and clan. Chandra Mouli has observed that Swamy skillfully integrates the ordinary with metaphysical aspects. In narratives like Shakila, The Sun and the Moon, and A Cry in the Wilderness, Swamy makes his characters struggle and survive despite impact of industrialization and globalization. He examines trajectories of lives that traverse through shifting environments. His characters contend with the conflict between traditional ideals and contemporary influences and provide a penetrating analysis of urbanization's effects on human relationships and the natural world. This aspect is quite apparent in his depiction of industrial environments, where natural organic life is placed against the mechanized existence of factory laborers — as encapsulated in his remark, “one who works among machines becomes a machine.” Dr. Swamy's writings portray the spirit of contemporary Telugu literature, tackling local topics with universal appeal. Realism, emotional depth, and startling twists make his stories remarkable. His depiction of women is particularly fascinating, since it challenges traditional practices, representing women as catalysts of change and symbols of resilience.

T.S. Chandra Mouli’s translation of Shakila and Other Stories is characterized by its adherence to the original text and its capacity to express the nuances of Telugu culture in English. Mouli uses a bilingual methodology and preserves certain Telugu expressions in Roman letters by offering contextual elucidations. This method maintains the essence of the original language while making it comprehensible to a worldwide audience. His insights on the difficulties of translating underscore the commitment necessary to overcome language barriers, particularly in a setting where translators in India often need more acknowledgement.

In Shakila and Other Stories, L.R. Swamy and T.S. Chandra Mouli accomplish an extraordinary task by intertwining several cultural and linguistic traditions while highlighting Swamy's deep humanistic perspective. The anthology transcends the boundaries of regional literature, offering a rich tapestry of themes that resonate universally. Swamy's characters, caught between tradition and modernity, reflect the nuanced realities of Indian society, making his narratives both timeless and relevant. Chandra Mouli’s meticulous translation further develops the impact of these stories. The stories also ensure they retain cultural authenticity while reaching global audience.

The collection establishes the lasting influence of regional Indian literature in catching and mirroring India's intricate socio-cultural landscape. It impresses the readers with clinical examination of resilience, ethical dilemmas, and the universal search for significance of identity. With anthologies like Shakila and Other Stories, Swamy and Mouli invite readers into a world that is at once deeply rooted in Indian ethos, yet universally relevant, proving that literature can be both a mirror to society and a bridge across cultural divide! Best wishes to the author and the translator!

This review was first published in 'Pioneer 'Daily, on Friday dated 6.12.2024 and is submitted on Boloji b Dr. T.S. Chandra Mouli.