And the Teesta Flows… is the
biography of a mountain river—the Teesta. The book traces the river’s course
right form its origin in North Sikkim to its confluence with the Brahmaputra in
Bangladesh. However, what lies as an undertone in this narrative is the story
of a girl—Teesta, the river her namesake—who lived to see only thirteen
summers. Authors Utpal and Samita Chauduri have constantly travelled to the
Himalayas seeking a reflection of their daughter in the perennial flow of the
river Teesta. Thus begins a story. Written in the style of a diary without
chronology, the book sketches the diversity of the people living by the Teesta,
delineating the tales of their philosophies, their lifestyles, their
livelihoods and their emotions. The anecdotes that find place in the narrative
are the authors’ first-hand experiences of interactions with them. A memoir, a
piece of dedication, an offering in remembrance of a loved one, call it what
you may, this book is bound to touch your heart.