Sthabara Jangama

Sthabara Jangama (Static Kinetic), his only novel, a green best seller, is devoid of any human characters, a rarity in Indian literature. The novel starts with a young Sal (Shorea Robusta) tree's desire to have kinetic quality and it's desire to lead a different life. Trouble shadows other characters too, a female- monkey who has strayed away from her troop perseveres to be on her own and a weakened cock, who has survived death, continues to long for life. The novel is littered with what the novelist terms as "sabuja hingsa" (green violence). Despite the struggle, crisis, and cruelty, Sthabara Jangama is ignited with strokes of optimism. It is a glorious reminder that life is beautiful in all its myriad colours.
Kailash Pattanaik is a retired professor of Odia Language and Literature who lives in Deer Park, Santiniketan 731235, West.Bengal., India. Email: kailashpattanaik@gmail.com.