Shivani and Ira Pande

Shivani (1923–2003), born Gaura Pant, was a celebrated Hindi writer of the 20th century, recognized as a pioneer in women-centric fiction. Her works, including novels like 'Krishnakali' and 'Chaudah Phere,' were serialized in popular Hindi magazines and often explored women's inner lives and societal roles in post-independence India. She was awarded the Padma Shri in 1982 for her significant contributions to Hindi literature. Her memoir, Amader Shantiniketan, recounts her nine years of study at Rabindranath Tagore's Visva-Bharati University, which profoundly influenced her writing. Ira Pande is an author and editor. As the daughter of Shivani, Ira Pande often writes about her mother's life and work, and has also translated some of her mother's works.