Her husband took her to Pune. She later applied to join the Army Medical Corps and donned the Olive green uniform with great pride, at being able to serve society in both capacities. Dr.Premanjali has rightly described the book as the journey from Besant Nagar to Baramulla. 

The book goes on to talk about her school and college life. Her army adventures are a good read. Now residing at Neelankarai, Dr. Premanjali is happy that her book will motivate the readers.

The book is priced at Rs 149 (e-book at Rs.49) and published by Clever Fox Publishing. The book is available at Flipkart, Amazon, Goodreads and Higginbotham.

The launch event was at Athulya Assisted Living, Neelankarai, on June 11. The chief guest was Dr. Premanjali’s mother, T.S. Sarojini Devi, who received the first copy from renowned author Padma Shri Indira Parthasarathy. 

Sarojini Devi was the first lady headmistress of a government higher secondary school in Tamil Nadu and an honorary Presidency Magistrate of the juvenile court. Other notable guests include Venkatesh – an artist from ITC, and Priya – a renowned film director, known for ‘Pon Ondru Kanden’, Advocate Rajesh Murugan, who wrote the book’s preface, and Colonel Shishupal Singh, a highly decorated officer of the Indian Army.

Adding to the event’s significance, 21 top doctors from the 1972 batch of Madras Medical College, Dr. Premanjali’s alma mater, were also present, underscoring the timeless nature of college friendships. Dr. Premanjali concluded the event with her heartfelt vote of thanks. She deeply appreciated everyone who has been part of her life’s journey, everyone who listened without judgement, helped without conditions, understood with empathy, and loved no matter what. Special recognition was also given to the dedicated staff of Athulya Assisted Living, Neelankarai, including Manager Dharmendra, who was the Master of Ceremonies.

From White Coat to Olive Uniform: A Story of Courage and Pride – is the synopsis of the book. The book is a compilation of recollections, musings, and defining events that have shaped her journey. Dr. (Major) P. Premanjali reflects on a life rich with diverse experiences.

Now residing in an old age home, with her mother, Dr. Premanjali finds joy in the twilight years of her life, emphasising that “ageing is a beautiful process that needs to be enjoyed in a stress-free and joyful manner.” The memoir vividly portrays the dual challenges and rewards of serving as a lady medical officer in the Indian Army.

The event was indeed a gathering of the erudite. Special mention must be made of the army officer Colonel Shishupal Singh, who reminisced about critical and challenging events during their tenure which was a sample of Dr. Premanjali’s courage and valour.

Dr.Premanjali can be contacted at 72999 66014; Email: premanjali1956@gmail.com.

The book is among the author’s favourites. It was originally written for the visually impaired to empower them to appreciate world literature and provide them a lifestyle view of Europe and England. The book is available on Amazon at Rs.239.

Pushpamma Chandy, life coach and psychologist (formerly associated with the Indian Consulate, Germany) released her maiden English poetry collection titled ‘Drops of Love’ at the  IIT Alumni Industry Interaction Center, on May 25.

‘Drops of Love’ brought together acquaintances and strangers, and generated an atmosphere of peace, positivity and pleasantness that lingered long after it was heard no more.

The prayer song ‘Shanti Nilava Vendum’ rendered by Sujatha Ganapathy, IRS, resonated well in the hearts and set the tone for the momentous occasion. Actor Urvashi Archana released the book, which was received by Indira Sisupal, IRS; both women have been associated with the Chandys for a long time. With no prepared speeches, the illustrious ladies left the audience in awe and admiration for the resilient lady who turned her sorrow into strength. Indira Sisupal read two poems from the collection.

Media person S.S.Sriram’s felicitation was rather emotional. Swathy Suresh seamlessly conducted the proceedings as Master of Ceremonies. Poet Pushpamma Chandy delivered the vote of thanks, after reading the ‘title’ poem.

Dedicating the collection to her beloved husband, Late K.C.Chandy, IRS, Pushmamma’s message to the readers is:  ‘May these poems serve as a beacon of hope for those who find themselves adrift in the sea of grief…’   For copies of this collection, contact: Email: pushpachandy@yahoo.com, Ph: 98416 09409.

Sathyamoorthy spoke in depth paralleling the research of U Ve Swaminathan and R.Krishnamoorthy, on the occasion of the 170th birth anniversary celebrations of U.Ve Swaminathan (fondly known as Tamil thatha), held on Feb.20 at the U Ve Swaminathan library, nestled at Kalakshetra Foundation.

The book ‘Aganaanooru moolamum Urayum’ was also released and its first copy was received by Sivalayam Mohan –  Secretary of Sekkizhar Research Institute. In his speech, Mohan recounted his time spent with the family of U Ve Swaminathan and their encouragement that led him to pursue engineering.

E. Sundaramurthy, Vice-Chairman of the Central Institute of Classic Tamil Studies, recalled the life of U Ve Swaminathan and the hardships and humiliations he faced to collect the manuscripts, much of which is documented in his autobiography ‘En Sarithram’, which also gives a glimpse of Tamilnadu of the 18th and 19th century. He added, “The books of U Ve Swaminathan helped R.Krishnamoorthy in searching, collecting and deciphering the coins of the Sangam era.”

R.Venkatesh, the editor of the student edition of Dinamalar encouraged the youngsters to read the works of U Ve Swaminathan.

Dr. Vijayalakshmi’s book, titled ‘Vijima’s medai pechugal’, is a compilation of all her speeches. She has already authored 16 books and has won many awards including Seva Rathna, Bharathi panichelvar etc. The book costs Rs.150 and has been published by Gangaaraani Pathippagam. Ph: 98840 57267, 70108 80184.

Her son has authored the book ‘Nadakka Thavariya Varalaru’. The book is the author’s thought process on what would have happened if certain historical events like the World wars and the such had not happened. The book costs Rs.199 and has been published at notionpress.com. 

Dr.Vijayalakshmi and her son are residents of Atrium, Kalakshetra Road, Thiruvanmiyur and can be contacted at 93848 97216.

The thrilling and adventurous journey of Maya, the protagonist, in search of the Unknown, is the crux of the novel. Maya’s perfect and planned life turned topsy-turvy by a dream. 

Thamarai Selvi is planning on publishing Part 2 of the thriller, shortly. The book costs Rs.250 and is available on Amazon.

The book chronicles the famous drama group ‘Boys Company’, a professionally run travelling theatre company. The group mushroomed throughout Tamil Nadu in the first half of the twentieth century, and some of the most famous Tamil actors owe their entry and training to it, including M.R.Radha, Sivaji Ganesan, MGR, M.N.Rajam, etc. The book is priced at Rs.240 and can be obtained by contacting Nathan Publishing House at 98840 60274. T.V.Radhakrishnan is a resident of Thiruvanmiyur and can be contacted at sowmyatheatres@gmail.com.

Authored by R.Vijayaraghavan, the book is a compilation of songs by the acclaimed duo. It was released on Dec.16. The book costs Rs.125 and can be obtained by contacting the author at AP 1155, Door No.4, 12th Sector, 75th Street, KK Nagar, Chennai 600 078. Ph: 88255 17783.

The book was released by Dr Nalli Kuppuswamy Chettiar and the first copy was received by R Sundar, the son of Subramania Bharathi’s nephew. Film lyricist Nellai Jeyantha reviewed the book. The book showcases Bharathiyar’s poems and its effects on promoting patriotism and motivating women to become empowered through education.

Dr Vijayalakshmi is a resident of Atrium, Kalashethra Road, Thiruvanmiyur and can be contacted at 93848 97216.

The book costs Rs.125. It can be obtained by contacting the publisher at Manivasagar Padhipagam, No.31, Singar Street, Broadway, Chennai – 600104. Ph: 93805 30884.