Kaalatheetha Vyakthulu
What would you think of Indira, the "Nayika" of the novel "Kaalatheetha Vyakthulu" (Timeless People is too literal a translation ?) As I started out, just like all other characters in the novel, I found Indira a mean, manipulative and selfish woman. I had no problems with selfish. I had problems with her manipulativeness. So did Prakasham, the lover scorned, Krishna Murthy - Prakasham's friend, Kalyani - the sensitive victiom of Indira's manipulations feel about her. But Indira's manipulations arise from her dreams - her dreams to stand up, her dreams to live a good life, her ambition for her "rights" - and she's not bogged down by weaknesses. She refuses to cry at any stage, and if you are a cry baby, the whole world will conspire to make you cry.
Is it the virtue of selfishness that Indira encompasses ? Or is she fighting to defeat the defeatist attitudes of Prakasham-like people? Or inspiring rich vagabounds like Krishna moorthy to find a direction? Or indirectly teach weaklings like Vaidehi to stand up and fight against the world for what you beleive is yours? for what you beleive must be yours ? She does all that. And much more.
Kaalatheetha Vyakthulu, by Dr.P. Sreedevi, is an amazing attempt towards Objectivism ("virtue of selfishness"???). Written in the Post independence era, the novel talks of freedom - freedom to dream, freedom to do, freedom to acheive - through the character of Indira, a bold woman, who doesn't mind throwing the bricks that she doesn't want while buiding her beautiful house. Kalyani, a victim of destiny, losing her father, Prakasham, a place to live, et al. For most of the time, she's dependent emotionally on her father, and friends, until Indira's and Prakasham's betrayal opens up her eyes to the strength and belief she has in herself. Prakasham gives us an illusion as the hero of the novel to start with. But some one who can't decide what his preferences are, who his love is, and what he wants to do, can only be a spineless parasite.
In a way, Kaalatheetha vyakthulu is the discovery of Indira's character through the changing times and circumstances and of course, people. Through love, and war amongst personalities and consciences of people, Indira emerges as the heroine, who defines her life as she wants to live it. And so may be epitomising the heart of the Timeless People.