Exploring the Literary Odyssey of Dr. Geetha Kariappa: Unveiling “Vaidehi-the Long Journey”

bbadmin March 10, 2024 0 Comments

Today, we have the pleasure of diving into the literary world of Dr. Geetha Kariappa, a distinguished Professor of Literature and Education Consultant. Beyond her academic prowess, Dr. Kariappa is a three-time recipient of the prestigious IAA Author Award and the IAA Voice Award. Her latest masterpiece, “Vaidehi-the Long Journey,” takes readers on a captivating adventure through the life of a young woman, set against the picturesque backdrop of Coorg.

What inspired you to write “Vaidehi-the Long Journey,” and how does it reflect your own experiences as an educator and writer?

Ans The inspiration for my character Vaidehi comes from my close association with strong women in my own life and from my Kodava culture. In the martial race of Kodavas, women are egalitarian and shoulder the responsibilities of a family together with their husbands. Widows don’t face social stigma and are at the forefront in all sectors of society from entrepreneurship to social work. True to life, Vaidehi is a strong woman with an indomitable spirit and unremitting courage. Being an educator and a writer helped me translate my vision into reality.

The protagonist, Vaidehi, embarks on a journey at a tender age. Could you elaborate on the significance of her travels and how they shape her character throughout the narrative?

Ans The five-year-old Vaidehi displaced from her home in South Africa and separated from her parents embarks on a sea voyage to India. She bonds deeply with her guardian, Parvati Menon during the passage. A secret shared between them sets the tone for Vaidehi’s later years. Vaidehi’s

voyage leaves an indelible impression on her mind and shapes her into what she is as a woman. Her courage arises from her confidence in having endured her horrific journey. Her loyalty, gratitude, and capacity to move on from her tragic past help her develop a strong self. Vaidehi’s resilience is at the core of her journey, shaping her values and belief system. The early challenges in India of growing up in foster care make her resilient and hardy. My narrative sheds light on the struggles and strengths of women like Vaidehi and her daughters, echoing the stories of many unsung heroines.

As a self-published author, what challenges did you encounter in bringing your vision to life, and how did you overcome them?

Ans

A self-published author has to know the intricacies of editing, formatting, and publishing. The challenges for me were many such as time constraints, lack of motivation and the daunting scope of working

without a team behind me. The first book was a learning curve. I plan diligently to execute the work plan. Creating a deadline for the publishing date of my book and adhering to it strictly, I break it up

into smaller segments such as outlining, creating chapters, editing, formatting and other details. I list a timeline for each task. Writing is easier for me than editing and formatting.

“Vaidehi-the Long Journey” has garnered significant acclaim, including being listed as an Amazon bestseller. What do you believe resonates most with readers about Vaidehi’s story?

Ans Vaidehi has been well received by the readers. I give credit to the attractive cover and the engaging and thrilling plot line. One reader stated that he liked the delicate charm of my scripting and the compressed storytelling. For most readers, as in their feedback, it was the story’s well-developed characters, a wide range of ideas, fluid language, the felicity of the story evoking emotions and the

evolution of all the characters throughout the story. They valued my book spotlighting three generations of women whose stories intertwined against the backdrop of fate. The poignant exploration of

women’s lives, their fortitude, daily challenges, and unwavering resilience won the readers’ credibility and trust.

Your book delves into themes of resilience and confronting one’s past. How do you hope Vaidehi’s journey will inspire and resonate with readers?

Ans The struggle and conflict that women encounter daily is the book’s central theme. The reader learns that no mother or woman is ordinary;

she is extraordinary in every possible way. The fortitude and tenacity shown by Vaidehi and her family serve as a sobering reminder of the difficult circumstances that women in our society and at home face, a fact that is all too often forgotten in day-to-day affairs and despite that to stand strong in times of trouble. The book touches upon various concepts of friendship, love, family dynamics, life

goals, shattered dreams, forgiveness and many more. It shines a light on the human experience, a reminder that life is a journey with unexpected twists and turns. The resistance and resilience within oneself are the ingredients to navigate the strong currents of life and lead a grateful and joyous life. My story inspires readers to believe that.

Can you share any insights into your writing process and how you crafted the vivid settings and characters within “Vaidehi-the Long Journey”?

Ans I have recently published my 4th book, Curly Tales from Here & There, a compilation of 10 true short stories. My process is an established one for now. I ideate my story idea until a strong outline develops. The characters and plot line start emerging as I conceive how the characters behave in different set of circumstances, their traits, their goals, their motives, and their intentions. My settings are locales from Karnataka so far and it was easy to describe the places I enjoyed visiting. I do a lot of research before I start writing. The characters come to me from the snapshots of people I have met briefly or have had a long association with. I write longhand in a notebook as many as 5000 words a day until I am done. Later I digitise the notes and put the chapters together looking at the coherence of the story. Good editing is important to keep the story crisp and engaging. I get feedback on my story before publishing it.