Times of India
28 September 2010
Bangalore, India

A novel on the struggle and grit of children afflicted with cerebral palsy – ‘Children of a Better God’– deals not only with dreams, hopes and uncertainties in these kids’ life, but also the adults surrounding them.

"Anyone who took one look at Shwetha could guess she was suffering from some serious physical or mental disability. What future did the Shwetas of this world have? Shobha would raise her hands heavenwards and say ‘Surely the same creator who brought them to the earth will look at them? I believe they are children of God, hopefully a better God than the one who looks after us’," reads an excerpt from the book.

Writer, actor and director Girish Karnad released the book, authored by Susmita Bagchi, on Monday evening. Titled ‘Debashishu’ in Oriya, the novel on children with cerebral palsy was translated into English by Bikram K Das. Theatre personality Arundathi Nag read excerpts.

"This novel is not to evoke pity but to make people aware and stop for a moment to realize the struggle and indomitable spirit of these children," Susmita said.

She began writing in Oriya in 1982, and has published five novels – seven collections of short stories and a travelogue. She received the state Sahitya Akademi Award in 1993. Her visit to Bangalore’s Spastic Society and her close encounter with children and parents there prompted her to write ‘Debashishu’.

Girish Karnad loved the book. "The inability of adults, their positive responses and insecurities have also come out well. The book is a metaphor of the world."

According to Rukmini Krishnaswamy of Spastic Society, the book sends multiple messages – it sensitizes, advocates and provokes deep thought about these special kids in the mind of a reader.