Splendid Signature: Rhythmic Strokes of a Quill falls under the category of women’s writing, a distinct presence in the cultural domain today. It tells us about the problems women face with respect to their right of equality, dignity and independence. In their case, motherhood is not the only issue, the family and traditional norms are not the only concerns. There are aspects stretching to the larger social expanse that exerts its influence at subtle as well as unsubtle levels. Expressing oneself poetically is a task of its own kind. One runs into the many ideological and value-related hurdles, making the scene problematic if not threatening.

While reading the poems of Malakshmi Borthakur in this volume, one is struck by their simplicity and directness. The words therein denote a message of deep questioning. The outlook working behind the poems seldom comes in the way of communication. It relates to the reader concretely and tellingly, making her/ him feel that all is not right with the world. Yet, there is expression of fulfillment at a few places in the same life-conditions that prevail. As such, the poetic utterances emphasize hope and positive intervention.