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Ishwar Petlikar’s short story in Gujarati, “Lohini Sagai” (‘Ties of Blood’) is a moving account of the relationship between Mangu, a young girl with mental retardation and speech impairment and her mother, Amratkaki, and the latter’s extraordinary love for her daughter. Mangu is dependent on her mother for all her daily activities. Amratkaki prays for a ‘cure for Mangu’s condition’, tries all manner of traditional healing systems and dreams of getting her daughter married at some time in the future. The villagers and Amratkaki’s other children insist that Mangu be moved to a ‘hospital’ for people with mental disabilities for her own good. Amratkaki resists this for a long time but eventually gives way and leaves Mangu in the institution. However, acute anxiety and anguish gnaw at her heart. In the end, Amratkakiis consumed with grief and guilt at ‘abandoning’ her helpless daughter and loses her own sanity. 

Performed by: Nikunj Shah

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