By Shubhankar Shukla
In the fast-paced world of breaking news and headlines, it is rare to find a voice that forces us to pause and reflect on the quiet, often overlooked corners of human emotion. “Tamarind: Sweet and Sour Poems about Love, Loss, Longing, and Life” (Kitaab International, Singapore), the debut poetry collection by Akhila Mohan CG, is exactly that kind of pause.
For those of us who studied journalism under her guidance, Akhila Ma’am was not just a professor who taught the technicalities of reporting; she taught us the art of observation. It is fitting, then, that her poetry collection reads like a series of intimate reportages on the human soul—documenting the “sweet and sour” flavors of existence with the precision of a journalist and the heart of a poet.
The Essence of the ‘Tamarind’ Metaphor
The title itself is a masterstroke. Much like the tamarind, which is a staple in Indian households known for its tang, the poems in this collection do not shy away from the sharp, biting realities of life. Yet, there is an underlying sweetness—a resilience—that makes the experience worthwhile.
Akhila writes with a deceptive simplicity. Her background in media is evident in her economy of words; she does not hide behind flowery language. Instead, she uses crisp, evocative imagery to tackle heavy themes like domestic struggle, the pangs of separation, and the quiet dignity of moving on.
A Journey Through Love and Loss
The collection is divided into themes that resonate universally. In her verses about Loss and Longing, she captures the hollow ache of absence in a way that feels personal to every reader. Whether she is writing about the walls of a home that remember their former inhabitants or the silent weight of unsaid words, her poetry strikes a chord.
However, the book is not a tragedy. The sections on Love and Life offer a refreshing counterbalance. There is a celebration of small joys—the kind we often miss while chasing bigger stories. Her poems remind us that life is not black and white; it is a complex spectrum of flavors that must be tasted in its entirety.
Why You Should Read It
In an era where content is often loud and sensational, Tamarind stands out for its quiet power. It is a quick read, but one that lingers long after the last page is turned.
• For Poetry Lovers: It offers a fresh, contemporary voice that blends modern sensibilities with deep-rooted emotion.
• For Students of Life: It serves as a reminder that our scars and our smiles are valid, and both contribute to the unique flavor of our lives.
Tamarind is a triumphant debut. It is a proud moment to see a mentor who taught us how to tell the world’s stories now telling her own with such grace and courage. This book is a must-read for anyone who believes that even in the sourness of loss, one can find the sweetness of survival.
