Ode to Dignity by Vikrant Dutta, a man with NDA and Indian Air Force background, has made its mark as one of India’s rare ballad verse novels, of 1645 neatly rhymed stanzas.
A young lieutenant, bearing the scars of war, goes to disclose the sad news of the death of his senior to the wife. The emotional plight young widowed woman, crestfallen, in despair, moves the heart of the gallant soldier, and the strong codes he has been trained to observe as a man bearing arms.
As they talk things over, sharing thoughts, they manage to reach out to each other, in compassion. Can more be far behind?
‘Lieutenant, stay, I want you to,/ For time’s been nice and pleasant,/ Would’ve been tough dealing,/ What poured much vast, incessant.’
‘Your presence balmed my frayed nerves,/ And evolved a new woman,/ Yet to think that its passed, the storm,/ You’ve been an exception, so human.
Ode to Dignity
by Vikrant Dutta
Virgin Leaf Books (Leadstart)
Rs.245