Kiran Mishan
NewDelhi
At the prestigious Festival of Letters, organized by the Sahitya Akademi in New Delhi, acclaimed author Dr.C.Ganesh mesmerized the audience with his poignant story of a 27-year-old tribal girl named Theni. The tale, which revolves around Theni’s unwavering desire to ride a JCB, is a metaphorical masterpiece that highlights the struggles and aspirations of India’s tribal communities.
Dr. Ganesh’s storytelling session, held at the Kaveri Sabhagar venue, was part of the Literature Festival, which took place from March 7 to 12, 2025. The session also featured esteemed authors Manikuntala Bhattacharya, Nandini Sen, and Jafa Gonsalves, who presented short stories in Assamese, English, and Konkani, respectively.
Moderator Dr. Jhansi James praised the stories presented during the session, emphasizing their social relevance and imaginative storytelling. She also underscored the importance of literary exchanges between regional languages, which can foster growth in literature and culture.
Dr.C.Ganesh‘s story, which was originally published in the Malayalam literary magazine Bhashaposhini two years ago, has been translated into English by Amrita K, an alumnus of Thunchathezhuthachchan Malayalam University. The English translation, titled “The JCB Girl,” was presented during the session.
The story sheds light on the tribulations faced by tribal communities in India, emphasizing the need for significant changes in public perspective to facilitate their integration into mainstream society. Dr. Ganesh’s powerful narrative has resonated with audiences, sparking important conversations about social justice and equality.
In an interview with reporters, Dr. Ganesh revealed that he plans to submit “The JCB Girl” for publication in the Sahitya Akademi magazine, ensuring that this vital story reaches an even wider audience.