Padma and Other Poems

This book is a collection of poetry that deal with myriad themes. What connects them all is the human element. There are poems of love and longing. Then there are pieces about environment and pollution, about death and separation. These are themes and ideas that have touched me deep. Warmest gratitude and thanks are due to many people who are responsible for the book. First and foremost, my parents Minu and DevanandaTripathy, who have always encouraged me to pursue my interests. My mother has painstakingly gone through each piece of my writing, and her inputs have always enriched my work. My grandmother (aai), Mrs. Shakuntala Rath, is my inspiration for most things worth pursuing in life. My dearest friend and wife, Shatarupa, who is also my fiercest critic, thank you for everything. My wife's parents, Shashiprava and Premananda Mishra who are our pillars of support, and in whom I have a second set of parents. Thanks are also due to my friends Reghu Muralidhar Pai, Madhuryya Arindam, Shekhar Sumit, Mriganka Shekhar Dutta, Nilakhi Saikia and KaushikaVuppala.