Above all “Sagarika” is a celebration of commitment and glory of Motherhood. Thru it all, writer Sukla Dey threw the reader in front of a serious question, should one be conditioned to submit to tradition for greater good? Or, follow one’s intuition, tested with well reasoned principle, for evolution? The main character Sagarika and her lost friend Soma posed that question, for the reader to resolve. The writer spared no brushstroke to render the surroundings of Sagarika’s life as it floated down a river full with twists and turns. On its bank she pointed to a deep and permanent crater of male oppression surrounded by difficult terrain for women to navigate thru. On the other bank, she drew attention to the mountain of success achieved thru determination. The book gains pace as it draws the reader deep into the world of a courageous, ambitious and puritanical woman. At the end, as she fulfils her journey, a dark cloud dissolves in soothing rain. Author’s mastery of simple linguistic style made the book an easy read with plenty of contemplative material.