Even though it’s a short novel, it offers an immersive reading experience to the readers. With a very riveting narrative style, this novel does have the power to take the readers in its grip.
While subverting the so-called stereotypes, stigma and prejudice, the study of disability valorises disability and advocates for its inclusion into the mainstream. A meticulous observation ensures that disability has been a blind spot in literature and other forms of art from the time immemorial. The negative portrayal of disability is quite conspicuous and evident in majority of literary creations and performing arts. However, some of the litterateurs have gone against the grains and represented the unexplored aspects of disability by dismantling the deeply rooted misconceptions and prejudice.
Dr. Binayak Prasad Pradhan
Dr. Biraja Routray’s debut novel, Olatpur:
Black Eagle Books, 2025, 114pp., ISBN: 978-1-64560-7519
Black Eagle Books, 2025, 114pp., ISBN: 978-1-64560-7519
A Land of Twilight Dreams amidst the Gloom of Despairs immensely contributes to the study of disability and opens up a new dimension. Though, Dr. Routray is a prolific writer with a voluminous oeuvre to his credit, he never tried his hands in novels earlier.
Coming to the theme of this novel, it revolves around the protagonist, Simadri who meets a deadly accident which shatters her dreams and leaves her a quadriplegic for the rest of her life. Embarking on this strenuous journey from normalcy appears as a herculean task for Simdari. This transition from her normal condition to such quadriplegia takes a toll on both her body and mind. Accepting this newly acquired disability seems to be excruciating and agonizing for Simadri. The unique saga of Simadri constitutes the core of this novel. Inspite of all the hardships, she does not give in, rather endures all her misfortunes with exceptional resilience and fortitude.
This novel stands apart by featuring some other disabled characters and their struggle to overcome disability and chase their dreams. The characters like Rony, Kalia, Arpita, Aishwarya and Bibhuti suffer from different forms of deformity but they are endowed with tremendous potential and capabilities. Kalia is a paraplegic but weaves magic on others with his mellifluous renditions of Hindi and Odia songs. Rony wins the heart with his joviality and placid demeanour. Arpita excels in painting and Aishwarya’s expertise in swimming stuns everyone. All these characters with their astounding attributes deeply influence Simadri and inspire her to realise her potential.
In addition to this, this novel traces the genesis of Swami Vivekandanda National Institute of Rehabilitation Training & Research (SVNIRTAR), Olatpur. It endears this institute to the rest of the world through vivid portrayal. The novel alludes to the Prachi River, Bilaswar Temple, Working Women’s Hostel and other places to offer a glimpse of the historical backdrop of SVNIRTAR and Olatpur.
Even though it’s a short novel, it offers an immersive reading experience to the readers. With a very riveting narrative style, this novel does have the power to take the readers in its grip. Locating the disabled characters at the centre of its narration, this novel persuades the people with disabilities to overpower their disabilities and reach new heights with their sheer passion, endurance and optimism. Unlike some traditional novels which move around the themes of love, romance and fantasy, this novel with certain novelties undoubtedly makes a good read.
