Udaipur lamented the loss of her beloved Razia Tehsin this year (The Woman With a Golden Heart) Social activist, author, editor, educationist – Razia wore many caps, but there is not a single one that does entire justice to a life spent for others. She passed away on 30^th Jan 2012 after a long battle with cancer.

Born on 12^th July 1936, Razia was greatly inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and became a follower of Indian Socialist philosophy. Instrumental in the formation and running of many institutions and organisations, Razia never accepted any paid post nor married due to her devotion to the cause.

Three of her books released posthumously this year:

Shikari Shikar Jungle Se Pyar (in Hindi. Publisher: Praveen Prakashan)

A collection of jungle stories and experiences of one of the first big game hunters turned conservationists of India – Mr. T. H. Tehsin, who belonged to Mewar. In the words of the great naturalist Late Padamshree Rubin David, “Ms. Tehsin’s father was a very well-known Shikari of Mewar state. In that age, Shikar was not just a sport, but it was also the courageous task of ridding innocent villagers and poor tribal of their hardships caused by man-eaters and other fierce animals.

The style of narration and the pen of the author are so strong that one cannot leave the book unfinished. Creation of such brilliant prose happens when knowledge and experience intertwine with literature.

In the story Gul-Bagh Ka Shikar the reader walks on the jungle trail and sits on the machaan ready for the shoot. Naag Devata speaks about the adeptness of snakes. Bicchu Magri and Aarampura Ka Kala Saya contain good learning of the natural world. These stories also contain a brilliant account of the mysteries and their unfolding as well as the first time reporting of Flying Squirrel from that region.

Sunder Vilas Ka Bhoot portrays superstitions prevalent in the society and their renouncement. The entire collection is not only Shikar tales but is also an account of the society, nature and beauty of those times.

The description and style is powerful and rich with experience. The author deserves great acclaim for the way she has portrayed these issues and made them appealing for the general readers with her interest, experience and research.”

Romanchkari Shikar Kathayein (in Hindi. Publsiher: Praveen Prakashan)

A collection of real life jungle and hunting stories of various Shikaris during the British Raj. Some of the stories also bring forth strange and unexplained happenings in nature, which these Shikaris came across in their jungle wanderings. The book is packed with adventure, thrill, mystery and action.

Goolar Ke Jungle Aur Topi Wale Bandar (in Hindi. Publisher: National Book Trust)

A picture book for children. A group of cousins is visiting their Nana-Nani in their summer holidays. Instead of sending the children with their parents to a movie, the grandfather decides to tell them a story of a troupe of monkeys. With engaging illustrations, the story takes you to a forest where a few young monkeys decide to go to the city.

**All the Books will be available shortly at ARYA BOOK STORE, 2-D Hazareshwar Colony, Near Court Chauraha, Udaipur. Contact: Mr. Suresh Arya – 0294-2421087

***The first two books are also available for shipping anywhere in India. Shri Krishna Gupta can be contacted for the same on +91-9310675061. Also available at Praveen Prakashan, Darya Gung, Delhi