One Burning LoveBook Review: One Burning Love, A pictorial biography of Sister Nivedita
Coffee Table book, Published by Ramakrishna Sarada Mission, Dakshineshwar, Kolkata.
Pages: 120 | Price : INR1500 |
ISBN 978-81-952101-0-7
Reviewed by : Varsha Sundararajan, Chennai
“One Burning Love” on the life of Sister Nivedita contains all components of a biography and a little more. Chronologically arranged, the pictures, brief narrative and prominently displayed highlights offer a wholesome reading experience. The cover carries a mystique, grace and sophistication that beckons the reader. The overall design and the colour of classic blue with gold trim delivers an understated elegance.
The preface and introduction describe what to expect and for those who have never heard of Sister Nivedita it is a compelling invitation to explore and be inspired by her life. The title of the book is from a letter written by Swami Vivekananda to her where he says, “The World is in need of those whose life is One Burning Love, Selfless”. Prophetic words that were made true by Nivedita’s short life.
The book is divided into time slots which cover significant spiritual evolutionary markers in her life. ‘Childhood’ paints a tapestry of Nivedita’s early life. Photographs of her birth place are significant as they provide the stark contrast to her life later on. The detail from her birth certificate is probably all that is available of her childhood. The formative years of Nivedita’s life, early efforts in education, service to the needy, the crisis of faith and her first meeting with Swami Vivekananda are covered in the pages until she becomes ‘the dedicated one’
The publication features hitherto unseen photographs and provides an insight into Nivedita’s mind. The narration and pictures on page 44, 45 bear witness to her walking the talk of preserving and highlighting Indian ethos in every activity. Her views on education of Indian women though revolutionary at that time, are still valid today, 125 years later.
The multifaceted nature of Nivedita’s personality is revealed through the inclusion of excerpts from her letters. Her circle of influence included scientists, artists, philosophers, educationists and independent thinkers who were impacted by her ideas and ideals. Her involvement in the Freedom movement is documented well. Another highlight is the inclusion of photographs of her sketches, embroidery and artwork of her students and decorative dried leaves. The text of the hand written letters/ notes would have been an added embellishment.
Sister Nivedita of Ramakrishna Vivekananda was indeed of Ramakrishna Vivekananda, her adherence to their ideals was even in tiny details. I am reminded of the summer of 1896 when Swami Vivekananda sent a few alpine flowers along with his letter to Sister Christine. [Ref: pg 23, A portrait of Sister Christine by Pravrajika Vrajaprana, The Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, Golpark, Kolkatta, 1996]. Nivedita had a good collection of pressed dried flowers which are preserved in the archives and find a place on the cover of the publication.
A stimulating record of history of the times, this coffee table book also provides glimpses into some of the material exhibited in the Nivedita museum in Kolkata. The book appeals to the sensibilities of a serious reader while triggering the curiosity of a lay person.
Book Review by Prof. Sumita Roy - https://youtu.be/w5rKk7LgTWU