Book Launch | Whispers of the Maple and Mango Trees

You are invited to the launch of Whispers of the Maple and Mango Trees, a captivating new novel by Dr. Jayashree Thatte Bhat.

This remarkable work bridges continents, cultures, and generations, weaving together the experiences of migration, identity, and belonging. Through evocative storytelling, Dr. Thatte Bhat reflects on the intertwining of her Indian roots with her Canadian journey—where the warmth of mango trees meets the quiet strength of maple trees.

The evening will feature:📖 Readings and insights from the author🫖 Refreshments and chai🤝 An opportunity to meet the author and connect with the literature community

Whether you are drawn to literature, art, or the shared stories of diaspora, this launch promises to be an inspiring and heartwarming celebration.

Get your own copy from , , , or .

Please RSVP through this page. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Thatte Bhat at ‭(403) 613-1992‬ or [email protected].

About the Author

Born and raised in India, Jayashree Thatte Bhat immigrated to Canada more than five decades ago. She holds a Master’s degree in Biochemistry from Canada, and Master’s and PhD degrees in Classical Music from India. An award-winning author of several books, written in two languages – English and Marathi, her books cover varied subjects, that being Indian Classical Music, Medical Science, real-life experiences of Canadian immigrants and Historical Fact-based Novels. Having served as an elected Senator of the University of Calgary, she is a Member of the Board of Trustees with many Canadian Non-profit Organizations. Jayashree is a Visiting Professor of Music at many Canadian, American and European Universities.

About the Book

Whispers of the Maple and Mango Trees is based on two major historical events of two secular, democratic and powerful nations of the world, Canada and India, which are strikingly similar in nature: the October Crisis of Canada and the Operation Blue Star of India. Both the events, supposedly freedom movements, done by the French in Quebec (Canada) and Sikhs in Punjab (India) for gaining sovereignty are documented as the most catastrophic events, sadly stamping ugly, dark blemishes in the historical pages of the respective countries. This book details information about those two crises with a comparative aspect.

The story captures the atmosphere through the portrayal of fictional characters, a few among them being based on real people, in its grand scope as well as the subtleties of circumstances of those times in Canada and India. It is narrated by wind, personified as Sir Wind, with exceptional sensitivity and grace, who in turn hears it ‘first hand’ from the whispers of the maple trees in Canada and mango trees in India.

The story sheds light on the fact that terrorism undoubtedly is counterproductive in any civilised society, and violence and extremism have no place in a democratic society. In dealing with terrorism, it tells us how Canada and India exemplified to the world a brilliant spirit in that we all lose when misinformation sells more than truth, when moral exploitation sells more than decency, and when political leaders, whom we elect and trust, care more for their personal gain than people's pain.

Today, looking at the stellar achievements of both Quebec in Canada and Punjab in India, the idea of either of them wanting to be ‘independent, sovereign countries’ was indeed too far-fetched and downright futile.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Edgemont Community Association, 33 Edgevalley Circle Northwest, Calgary, Canada