A confluence of cultural, literary, language, regional, generational, and emotional expressions, the Book Launch and Book Discussion event of the book, ‘Chaubatiya’, was a grand success on World Heritage Day, 18th April 2025. Held at Waari Book Café, Pune, a place with the cozy comfort of a café and magical space of books, the place offered a perfect spot for blending the modernity of the new generation with the experience of the older generation during the book launch—a short story collection in Angika language, the Indo-Aryan language from Ang Pradesh, Bihar. Written by the renowned author (Angika), Dr Shivchandra Jha ‘Angiras’, the book presents heart-touching stories from folklore, highlighting the cultural essence of the region, Ang Pradesh in Bihar. Portrayed through the canvas of wonderous imagination, multi-coloured experiences, and observations from the walks of life, the book is significant for both the richness and suffusion of traditional and new stories. In this age of consumerism, where the generations are getting lost in the dazzle of city lights, these stories bring the ethos of authentic village life. From the simple household occurrences, these heartwarming 23 stories sketch the social milieu and economic conditions of people in the village.
MA, PhD, Dip in Ed, and LLB by qualification, Dr. Shivchandra Jha took to writing after retiring as Sub Divisional Education Officer from the Bihar Government. In his few years of writing journey, he soon became a prestigious litterateur in the Angika language because of his extensive literary contribution. He authored 8 books, several of his articles were published in newspapers and magazines, and many of his allegories were broadcast from Akashvani, Bhagalpur. His distinguished contribution to Angika literature is in the form of his translated work on ‘Srimad Bhagwat Rahasya’, published by Vikramsheela Research Institute. He was invited to be appointed from the Institute Governing Board of Editors for Biographical Inclusion (Millennium Edition), International Biographical Directory of Distinguished Leaders by the International Institute of Biographical Research Inc., India. His short-story collection ‘Chaubatiya’, originally written in the Angika language, has been translated into Hindi by his daughter Jyoti Jha.
An HR-turned-Author, Columnist, Senior Editor- Today Magazine, and The Times of India Write India Winner, Jyoti Jha has authored, edited, and translated several books in English and Hindi. TEDx speaker, Speaker at IITs and IIMs, Awarded ‘Vidya Vachaspati’ and Dr Shanti Jain Smriti Samman, Chief Coordinator of the Literary Chapter, Let’s Inspire Bihar, Jyoti is known for her book ‘Aanandi’ on women empowerment. Judge at IITBHU (Kashiyatra), featured in Femina and India Today, Interviewed at Radiocity Pune 91.1 FM, she has conducted Writing Workshops at IITs and NITs. Her books have garnered much appreciation from readers, prominent media houses, and the literary fraternity. Her upcoming book is on Autism. ‘Chaubatiya’ (translated from Angika to Hindi) is a literary tribute to her father. Pustaknama has published the book, and it is available on Amazon.
The book launch and discussion were graced by the prestigious presence of the Chief Guest Dr Lakhanlal Singh Arohi, Vice President, of Bihar State JDU Intellectual Cell, Patna and Former President, of Bihar Angika Academy, Patna, and Special Guests- Nandkumar Mishr ‘Aditya’, renowned poet and litterateur and Indrani Sinha, writer, author, poet, and member- Let’s Inspire Bihar. The wife of Dr Shivchandra Jha (Mother of Jyoti Jha), Indubala Jha, writer and author, was present as an esteemed guest at the event. While the event saw an illustrated presence of distinguished literary figures and enthusiasts, it caught up with the momentum of family spirit, too. There was also the supportive presence of members of Let’s Inspire Bihar. The names of some esteemed guests included- Vidya Saraf, Dr Nirmala Rajput, Sunil Joshi, Rupesh Bhardwaj, Nitin, Naresh Chauhan, and an enthusiastic youth participant. Jyoti Jha’s family, Santosh Jha (Husband) and Pratyush Jha (Son), were present with their energised support throughout the event. The event began with the felicitation of the guests and moved on with the emotional book launch, engaging speaking sessions, insightful exchange of thoughts, ideas, and experiences, and the refreshment of delectable snacks and beverages.
Initiated and supported by Nitish Raj, Editor-in-Chief, The Literary Mirror, and Vikash Saxena, Writer and Entrepreneur, the event was powered by The Literary Mirror, Literary Chapter- Let’s Inspire Bihar, and Infeanet Digital Marketing and Web Media. Rutuja Sathe and her efficient team organised, managed, and hosted the event with excellent conduct and active participation, adding a charm to the program with an emotional and heart-touching anchoring that beautifully captured the essence and sentiment of the occasion.
Whether it was the old generation providing its experienced knowledge and guidance to the new generation in the modern setup, or the sweet confluence of English, Hindi, Marathi, Angika, Maithili, Magahi and Bhojpuri languages; whether it was the rich culture of Pune or the amalgamation of affluent traditions of Ang Pradesh, Mithila and other regions of Bihar, the inclusion and infusion of all these aspects was an emotional experience in the form of a literary tribute on World Heritage Day. Representing the beautiful blend and affluent amalgamation of four generations of literary heritage, the translator of the book and daughter of the author of the original literary piece, Jyoti Jha, was overwhelmed as she presented ‘Chaubatiya’ to the litterateurs and learned people present during the event.
Extending her heartfelt gratitude to the abundant love and acceptance that her ‘Karmbhoomi’, Pune (Maharashtra) has provided to help flourish and prosper, she expressed her gratefulness to Let’s Inspire Bihar, a revolutionary campaign by the visionary Vikas Vaibhav IPS to change and develop the state reinstating its past glory, where she found a link and platform to reconnect with her ‘Janmbhoomi’ Bihar. She thanked the members of the campaign who had joined the event and extended their help and support in making the occasion even more inspiring. Through the medium of literature, she looks forward to her continued endeavours in fulfilling her duties and responsibilities to her home away from home, Pune, as well as paying her debt and accountability towards her homely roots, Bihar.
All the Speakers- the Chief Guest, Special Guests, and Esteemed Guests from the audience shared their insights and experiences through words of wisdom and extended their blessings and wishes for the whole family and the literary legacy to continue serving society through all the good work. Celebrating the spirit of literature and its important role in all change processes, and pledging to contribute towards the overall development of society and country, the event closed with a lovely thank-you note by the host, Rutuja Sathe, and a token of thanks by author Jyoti Jha.
