Blaze: A Heartfelt Memoir of Love, Loss, and Unyielding Spirit

🖊️Manish Paul

At the 48th International Kolkata Book Fair, the book Blaze was launched by authors Nidhi Poddar and Sushil Poddar. The book, whose title literally means "fire," tells an emotional and inspiring story of resilience.

 

It follows the journey of their son, Divyan, who battled cancer, and the hardships his parents faced during this tumultuous period. The book is not just about the sorrow of losing a loved one, but rather about the spirit of overcoming challenges and finding strength in the face of adversity. It captures the essence of a mother and father’s spirit, their unwavering determination, and their emotional journey through Divyan's illness and eventual passing.

 

Speaking at the launch, Nidhi Poddar explained, "We didn’t write the book about our grief or Divyan's passing. We’ve written about motivation and the power of standing up after life knocks you down." Sushil Poddar, Divyan's father and co-author, added, "There are many 'blazes' around us every day. Fire both warms and burns us – this is the truth of life."

 

The book was launched in the presence of renowned writer Tridib Chattopadhyay and actor Ashish Vidyarthi, who praised the couple’s strength. Vidyarthi expressed his admiration, stating, "It’s not just about Divyan, but also about the spirit of his parents in accepting such a harsh reality. This book is truly commendable."

 

Blaze is more than just a memoir—it is a beacon of hope, a tribute to resilience, and a powerful narrative that will undoubtedly touch readers’ hearts.