Astanayika: The Romantic Heroines from Natyasastra to Modernity (Foreword by Padma Bhushan Anupam Kher)

DR. JAYAKRUSHNA CHOUDHURY, a retired teacher from NCERT, is a rare confluence of scientific acumen and literary passion. Though deeply rooted in the world of science, he is an ardent lover of literature. A prolific poet, fiction writer, and essayist, his works span romantic, devotional, allegorical, and children's poetry, as well as thought-provoking short stories in Odia. With quiet perseverance and unwavering dedication, he has spent over three decades enriching the landscape of Odia literature. He guided Ms. Manorama Choudhury to write the book "Ashtanayika: Tatwa O Kabita" in Odia, which is the first of its kind to be written in any regional Indian language. Presently, he is writing a book on 'feminism' in Odia which is another first to be written in a vernacular language of Indian subcontinent. His acclaimed translation of Alberto Moravia's Italian classic The Empty Canvas, rendered in Odia as Shunya Chitrapata, stands as a shining testament to his literary finesse.

MANORAMA CHOUDHURY is a U.S.-based multilingual author, poet, songwriter, blogger, and mixed-media artist, originally from Odisha, India. Her romantic poems, reflective blogs, and travelogues in Odia, Hindi, and English resonate across cultures, inviting readers to pause, reflect, and rediscover beauty in the overlooked. Marked by emotional authenticity and simplicity, she brings her personal experiences to life in an honest and heartfelt voice not just to tell stories, but to awaken the stories within others. Her writing is marked by emotional authenticity, simplicity, and a heartfelt voice that awakens stories within others.

She is the author of Ashtanayika: Tatwa O Kabita in Odia and was recognized as India New England's Outstanding Woman of the Year 2023 in Art and Literature. A passionate social entrepreneur, she supports grassroots initiatives in rural India, championing education, health, wellness, and the preservation of indigenous handloom and artistry. At heart, she is a proud homemaker committed to serving and uplifting others. Learn more at https://manorama.me.

"This book, a luminous gem, is a poetic and scholarly exploration of love, emotion, and creativity, seamlessly bridging ancient wisdom with modern experience." -PADMA BHUSHAN ANUPAM KHER, Ex-Chairman, National School of Drama

"At a time when Näțyaśāstra has received global recognition through UNESCO, this work stands as a meaningful reflection of its enduring artistic legacy." -DR. SANDHYA PURECHA, Chairman, Sangeet Natak Academy, India

"The Śrngara Rasa Näyikā reflects every woman-as Prakriti forever seeking Purusha-inviting layered interpretations. -DR. HARSHA V. DEHEJIA, Professor of Indic Studies, Carleton University, Canada

This book is a cross-cultural journey where Națyaśāstra meets neuroscience, uniting the language of human emotions with the language of science. -DR. ARJUN PUROHIT, Professor (Retd.), Queen's University, Canada

"You'll find here how India discovers the journey of emotions that transcends time and space, culminating lust into love, revealing the divine rhythm of the soul." -His Divine Grace BABAJI SANAT SUJĀTĀNANDA DAS MAHARAJ