Prasanta Patnaik

The Infidel Prasanta Patnaik

Asati (original novella in Odia) was written in 1962 and published in 1966. The author was a fresh college graduate and only 21 years old when he wrote this novella; yet the same is being treated as one of the classic writings of modern Odia literature. The sensitivity of the author towards inequity and injustice is well echoed in the voices of the protagonist. The protagonist hopes for a better and just society where everyone has equal rights over life. The conflict between haves and have'nots is well reflected in the novel. The plot revolves around the conflict between an idealistic hero, his lady love and a set of wicked, selfish and rich characters. The issues and conflicts in the novella are so relevant that the story makes us hope for a better change even today. This book, in its true sense is immortal and talks about common man for more than six decades and will continue to do so. The new generation readers need to know the life, mind-set and conflict youth of the 1960s went through and their impact over what Odia society is today.