SAMUDI/Introduction to the work of Shree Yogesh Joshi
As a renowned critic Shree Raman Soni writes; “Novella Samudi has manifested itself to Gujarati literature, like a crystal clean spring running parallel to the rush of modernity.” Published in 1984, this work enjoys multiple editions till 2017, which means that the work continues to be tremendously appreciated by staunch lovers of literature. Since its time of publication Samudi has been taught at universities over the past four decades.
Central figure of the novella, Samudi, a young simple-hearted housemaid from a remote village in North Gujarat, immediately wins the hearts of characters like Harshad, Shantafai, Tejo, etc. – and the readers too– with her playful, talkative, exuberant, hard-working nature. A straight connect among Samudi-Harshad-Nayana can be established but it is not a visibly straight line of a love triangle. Despite the simple, straightforward plot and fluid style, the novel has several complex shifts like that of Harshad's sentiments, the transformations of Samudi in her journey from village to Mumbai, and two parallel maneuvers of complexities that give the story a touch of novelistic artistry.
As Shree Jayant Kothri fondly writes that Samudi has “touched me as it has touched many while reading, if we ask what is the reason, I believe that everyone will first point to the pulsating personality named Samudi”. Samu not only inherits the primal instincts, but the entire human and non-human creation assimilates within her personality and consequently she reacts to her surroundings instinctively. The five senses at play is a unique part of Samudy's personality. The magnetism of sensory experiences inspires her not only to take up new ventures but also instills courage in Samu. Harshad-Samu relationship is full of psychological complexities which is ineffable. Such inexpressible human relations have been transformed into charismatic literary descriptions by Shree Yogesh Joshi in Samudi.
Dr. Rucha A. Brahmbhatt