INVC,
Delhi,
The Hon’ble Minister of State for Human Resource Development Dr Shashi Tharoor today launched ‘The Fly on the Wall and Other Stories’ by Ms. Shubha Sarma, IAS at the India International Centre, in the august presence of the Hon’ble Minister of Culture Smt. Chandresh Kumari Katoch. A collection of thirteen short stories, the book ‘Fly on the wall and Other Stories’ tells some realistic tales which are rooted deep in the Indian soil and appeal to the Indian sensitivities and sensibilities. Inspired by the great Indian storytellers such as Munshi Premchand and Sharat Chandra Chattyopadhyay, the young author tries to revive the old world charm through her innovative fiction. Gracing the book release ceremony, the Hon’ble Minister of Culture, Smt. Chandresh Kumari Katoch said, “The Fly on the Wall and Other Stories’ is a bold and candid piece of work written in a refreshingly simple, straightforward way which reveals the unnoticed facets deeply rooted in our society. She congratulated Ms Sarma on finding a new vocation beyond bureaucracy which she can continue even after retirement. Presently serving the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, Ms Sarma believes in simplicity of language which reflects in her writing as well. ‘The Fly on the Wall and Other Stories’ is the first book by Ms Sarma, who is a 1999 batch IAS officer of the Odisha cadre. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Tharoor praised the debut book and said, “A compelling read, overflowing with acutely-observed and cleverly-plotted stories that hold your attention from the first to the last, Fly on the Wall marks a remarkable debut by a gifted storyteller of undoubted promise. I look forward to more from her pen.” He also said that he was impressed by the clever plot making and yet simple story-telling which is the hallmark of Shubha Sarma’s writing. With it comes lucid clear, effective and crisp writing style. He also echoed Prof. Satchidanandan’s opinion that the book epitomises human values. The book release function saw the presence of renowned names of the Indian literary world such as Rukmani Bhaya Nair, Purabi Panwar and Professor K Satchidanandan along with other prominent faces from all walks of life. The evening saw a well conducted ceremony with the presence of the Hon’ble Minister of Culture, Smt Chandresh Kumari Katoch amongst others from the political circles. Commenting on the book, Professor K Satchidanandan said, “Ms Sarma’s subtle ways of critiquing the society’s cant, the hidden greed and violence in human beings, the nuanced condemnation of patriarchy in its various crippling incarnations, has created a publication crafted with an ingenuous sense of structural balance.” He particularly commended the way in which the author integrated sense of values into the stories.
