Suitcases, Sandcastles, and Little Anvik : All the way from Nikhil's Pune

 

When I see you holding my Suitcases, Sandcastles, and Little Anvik, all the way from your IISER Pune lab, I really run short of words, my surrogate brother. I miss and cherish our sincere days and moments of togetherness in the royal desert. You were and are always kind to listen to my amateur dreams, my vision, and passion for the life I fantasised. Thank you for being honest and loyal in the way, you treat me as always. I do miss you, da. Still, we could connect online and offline despite all the hectic work schedules. I am really grateful that you managed to pay a visit to my home and lavish a great time for all of us. Above all, thank you for showing the affection and magnanimity to meet us at our Steak House. I am glad that I could sketch you in one of my stories. You remain extremely special in the pages and the stages of my life book. We look forward to meeting you with the prefix, my dearest Nikhil, my Kunjapp's Nikhil Unkil!

Certificate of Merit: An honour as well as a Surprise

 

I am extremely excited to see my name in the Certificate of Merit list of the 6th Chidananda Dasgupta Memorial Competition for Best Film Criticism. I am neither a film scholar nor a film researcher. I am an amateur author with all my flaws, too. I just love and fall for the flicks that resonate with my domains of expertise. Honoured and humbled! Thank you, FIPRESCI, for this surprise. It's truly a recognition for a person far away from the domains and spheres of film. Thanks and love to my darling husband, my sweet little Anvik, PaapaUnkil and Achan Amma for the support and motivation. Love and hugs to my crew!

My Travelogue's Review from the Andaman Islands

 Thank you sooo much, Preeth Ji, for this lovely review. I am profoundly delighted to share that my book review was published from the Andaman Islands. Preeth Ji writes

"The book opens with a structural elegance that mirrors the fluidity of travel itself. Following a series of endorsements from luminaries such as National Award-winning filmmaker Dr. Santwana Bardoloi and poet Johanna D.S. Chittranjan, Dr Aparna presents a foreword, biography, preface, and acknowledgements before plunging into the journeys. This paratextual apparatus serves not merely as formality but as a framing device, positioning the travelogue within a continuum of literary appreciation. Bardoloi praises the “inimitable style” and “overwhelming love and passion for people and their places.” At the same time, Chittranjan highlights the author’s ability to transport readers to “hitherto unknown territories” through vivid observation. Such commendations, drawn from a spectrum of artistic and academic voices, underscore the work’s interdisciplinary appeal, bridging literature, cinema, and pedagogy.

Dr Aparna’s narrative commences with “Flight at 0.8,” a chapter that captures the exhilaration and trepidation of air travel with an infant. The title alludes to the Mach speed of commercial aircraft, a clever nod to the family’s naval affiliations and the accelerated pace of modern mobility. Here, Dr. Aparna describes the sensory overload of airports and the quiet heroism of parental vigilance: the careful packing of suitcases, the construction of ephemeral sandcastles on distant beaches, and the anchoring presence of little Anvik amid constant upheaval."

To read the full review, check Andaman Chronicle https://andamanchronicle.net/ephemeral-itineraries-family-mobility-and-memory-in-dr-aparna-ajiths-suitcases-sandcastles-and-little-anvik/

A Strange Coincidence!!

I met my dearest Sheela Tomy Madam, finally! That was a true coincidence. In the words of my publisher, Preeth Ji -  

" In a moment of quiet grace and literary kinship, the COVER PAGE of SUITCASES, SANDCASTLES, AND LITTLE ANVIK: A TRAVELOGUE BY DR. APARNA AJITH was unveiled by two of India’s acclaimed authors—K.A. BEENA and SHEELA TOMY.

K.A. Beena, who has written the book’s enchanting foreword, and Sheela Tomy, who contributes a captivating blurb, came together to honour this deeply personal and evocative work. Their gesture added warmth to an already luminous occasion.

To mark the moment, both authors presented copies of their latest works to Dr. Aparna Ajith. K.A. Beena gifted Aa Kasera Aarudethanu, and Sheela Tomy offered Kilinochiyile Shalabhangal, a quiet exchange of words, wisdom, and mutual admiration.

SUITCASES, SANDCASTLES, AND LITTLE ANVIK is a travelogue unlike any other—interweaving journeys through sacred landscapes with the inner terrain of motherhood, memory, and quiet transformation. Across twenty-two stories, Dr Aparna Ajith captures life in motion: tender, uncertain, and filled with wonder."

This is not just a travelogue—it is a quiet awakening, a sacred serenade to the seen and unseen. Order your copy and step into a world where love travels in whispers, and time unfolds in the footsteps of a child.

Releasing the cover page of my book

Though my post is very late, I am glad that Preeth Ji, as usual, is prompt in posting all the updates about my travelogue. When I happened to come across both motivational authors together, I had no better plans other than arranging a small release of the cover page. My dream did work out. Thank you sooo much for this lovely pic and the touching words. Loads of love to Sheela Ma'am for the support and cheerful words. I am humbled!

In the Fading Shades of Goa

 

In the fading shades of Goa, my cutie lives,

A cornucopia of memories, he daily weaves

Unaware of the unexpected sojourn

Unmindful of the unruly moments in the pattern

All set to travel anytime

Kunjapp in the sweet memoirs of Goan time

The tiny one in the infant to toddler stage

Is unfurling a novel life’s page

Withering are the gone days

Blooming are the new ways

It is time to bid adieu

From the accustomed earth to something new

                                                                          The Portuguese city of beaches and sea waves

                                                                          Shacks and snacks, he often craves

                                                                         Will those days remain in his memory?

                                                                          My darling infant, I really worry

                                                                           It is going to be tomorrow’s history

                                                                           For me, it is his treasured newborn story.

To read my full poem, please check the Vibes Literary Website. Thanks a lot for publishing this ( yet another delayed post)

Praise for my Travelogue by Vinita Agrawal Madam

 

Suitcases, Sandcastles, and Little Anvik is a delightful work of non-fiction penned by a Navy wife and a new mother, stationed at fascinating places like Kodaikanal, Tilari Dam, Kolkata, Havelock Islands, and Port Blair, to name a few. Aparna Jeeth writes this memoir with infectious ardour and genuine fervour. There is a lovely innocence underlying the narration of incidents. This travelogue-cum-motherhood-cum-memoir is fun and relatable! She engages the reader with guileless forthrightness. A most cheerful and congenial read!’ – 

Vinita Agrawal, Indian Poet, Writer, and Editor

Thank you so much, Vinita Ma'am for this lovely blurb. Thanks a lot for sharing the pic holding my precious travelogue.

Turtledove's Sunrise Serenade and Me!

 My dearest Johanna Ma'am,

                                             It is an honour to be a part of your touching poetry anthology by writing a blurb for it. Thank you so much for giving a space for my words and photo in the cover page of your poignant poetry collection, Turtledove's Sunrise Serenade. We are beyond grateful to you for the love and affection, you always bestow on us. For the lovely presence, affectionate words and sincerest laughter of conversations, we love you so much, my loving little Anvi Chellam's Jonaa Aunty!

I am pretty sure, the readers will  definitely fall for your word smithy and your raw emotion. Long way to go. My sincere best wishes, my darling sister, friend and guide! Love you soooo so much, Jonaa Aunty!

My Travelogue is out now!

Suitcases, Sandcastles, and Little Anvik: A Travelogue is my humble and honest endeavour to re-create and re-live the best-loved moments of my life alongside my husband and our darling boy baby. My creative smithy has unfurled what I have sensed, felt, and experienced in my real life as the mother of my little marvel. Having called four Indian cities and a serene hamlet my home, my stories carry the echoes of our days, filled with laughter, wonder, and the silent rhyme of everyday life. Each story is a fragment of my tiny world, a reflection of the love especially I share with the tiny soul I was blessed to bring into this world. Through these pages, I tried to make the readers witness the remarkable phases and faces of the travelling experiences that shaped us. All the narratives in this travelogue portray my tiny world in words with my loving husband, M.N.Sujeeth, and our precious tiny human being, Anvik aka Kunjapp. It is time for my readers now to go through the remarkable phases and faces we have encountered in our lives. Hereby, I offer my Suitcases, Sandcastles, and Little Anvik to the passionate readers. Thanks for picking up my book. May you find warmth, love, and a piece of your own story within these pages. Enjoy reading!

Dear readers, grab your copies online via Amazon....

 

Suhasini, the Smiling Presence

 I am coming up with yet another delayed post. It is a matter of profound happiness to receive an invitation to be a part of the Kerala State Film Policy Conclave 2025. In the galaxy of filmy intelligentsia and the glory of auteur discourses, I was sooo so excited to meet and click a picture with the acting queen I have admired since my school days. The images of the loyal wife, lover and daughter have always inspired and instilled in me a longing to have a glimpse of that eternal smiling persona. Her 'nettiyil poovulla swarna chirakulla pakshi' always sings my sweetest songs capable of murmuring all my inner pangs. Thanks a lot for this pic, Madam. The lamp and the light in the images of wife allure me every now and then. The rainbow in search of the flower whistles umpteen aspiring dreams. I don't have a count for the repeat mode of all these emotions. I feel privileged to be a part of the Film Policy sessions as an invited person despite my humble background, far removed from the grandeur of the celluloid imageries and glossy spaces. A social media reclusive being like me never felt like celebrating this pic anywhere but my space of my own space remains solely for me. The venue turned up to be a gathering to meet and greet good old friends who bestowed grand moments worth remembering.  Good Day!

Travelling through the pages of my Suitcases, Sandcastles, and Little Anvik

The birth of a child marks the beginning of a mother as well. A new journey of life begins here. A mother’s aspirations and aims gradually shift toward the life of her darling baby held close to her. The child becomes the focus of her journeys. In this process, the mother often finds her own life taking a quieter, supporting role. The journey with a baby companion can feel more precious and meaningful than any trips enjoyed before. In the warmth of these moments, a mother experiences the world anew through her child. Suitcases, Sandcastles, and Little Anvik, published by Writers International Edition, is a book that captures the travel stories of one such mother and her adorable baby, Kunjapp, also known as Anvik Sujeeth.  

Thank you, The Aidem, for giving a space for my humble creative non-fiction. I express my gratitude to K.A. Beena Ma'am, Indian Author, Journalist, and Columnist, for this touching presentation. To read the full article, please check the link:

https://theaidem.com/travelling-through-the-pages-of-suitcases-sandcastles-and-little-anvi/

My Suitcases, Sandcastles, and Little Anvik!

 I am absolutely thrilled to announce the launch of my book, Suitcases, Sandcastles, and Little Anvik: A Travelogue! 

According to Writers International Edition, this book is “a masterpiece that blends the intimacy of travel with the universality of human experience.” Grateful for all the love and support that made this day a reality!

𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗠𝗠𝗘

• Release of the Book: G. R. Indugopan

Indian Author, Screenwriter, Director & Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award Winner

• Receiving the Book: Navamy Sudhish

Principal Correspondent, The Hindu, Kollam Bureau

• Introduction: Dr. Anakha Ajith

Content Writer & Former Guest Faculty, University of Hyderabad

Felicitations:

• T. Sathikumar – I&PRD, Government of Kerala

• Binu Edanad – State Committee Member, PuKaSa

Response Address: Dr. Aparna Ajith

Date: 13 September 2025

Venue: Press Club, Kollam

My Book Launch ! It did happen finally....

Sharing with immense delight, the brochure of my book launch. My maiden creative non-fiction Suitcases, Sandcastles, and Little Anvik was officially launched by the acclaimed Indian author, screenwriter, director and Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award winner, G.R. Indugopan Sir. I never thought of organizing a book release or anything but I feel it was destined to happen. Thanks a lot to my family crew, friends, and students for joining me on this auspicious occasion. 

In the Translation's Tower of Babel

 I know it's a delayed post, but I wanted to share this article of mine, published in the magazine of the Kerala Government, on the special occasion of Kerala Piravi Day. When Chingam approaches one more time, I miss the bygone days and warmth of the relationships forged through the paths of translation.  The magazine was released by the Chief Minister of Kerala on Kerala Piravi Day. It was indeed an honour to have my article in the magazine. Above all, the pleasure of writing and getting published in my mother tongue. 

Thanks a lot for the sincere friendship that has strengthened over these months with such a humble soul all the way from Germany. Living in a world surrounded by umpteen fake emotions, statuses, and fake online affection, there exist some kind and genuine human beings who love us for what we are and who value us for our worth. Thanks a ton, our dearest Annakutty Chechy, for the warmth, affection, and concern for us. Above all, for the touching gifts that crossed the German shores and reached God's Own Country. Countdown for our real story begins......

PS: I felt like posting this before its first birthday😄

Queering the Routes in "Sancharram"

 

The term LGBTQ has gained significant importance in the academic parlance, too. The glimpse of lesbian life and the transgressive desires of women on screen through the Malayalam films often questions the moral and societal frame. “Sancharram” (“The Journey” 2004) tells the tale of a lesbian   relationship that ignited between two female teenagers who have known each other since their childhood days. The story unfurls the life of Kiran and Delilah, who decide to break the shackles of religion, sex, and gender for the sake of their love for each other. Although homosexuality is perceived as an aberration in society, the film boldly addresses same sex love, and how grounded sexuality is in the daily ways of life.

The film, directed by the Indo-American director, Ligi J. Pullapally, is a path-breaking film focusing on the travails and traumas of love-making that is forbidden or ‘abnormal’ in a heterosexual society. Albeit the movie revolves around the motif of lesbian love making, it hints at issues like gender, body, sexuality, male hegemony, matriarchal legacy, religion, etc., existing in the socio-cultural fabric of Kerala. They are neighbours, childhood friends, classmates, and their affection slowly and steadily takes the form of a romantic and sexual bonding.

The two childhood friends, Delilah and Kiran, are attracted to each other. Delilah is lively and mischievous, whereas Kiran is a potential poet with a quiet temperament. Kiran returns to Kerala with her parents to live in her ancestral home, and Delilah is shown as her neighbour, who is a visible presence in Kiran’s daily life. Their affection gradually takes the form of love, although Delilah does not accept it at the onset. Though Kiran loves Delilah deeply, she is hesitant and scared of expressing her feelings. 

To read my full article, check

 https://www.highonfilms.com/sancharram-the-journey-2004/