BENDRE KAVYADALLI ADHYATHMIKA NELE MATHU ARSHA DRUSHTI: Prof. K.S. Narayanacharya; Published by Panduranga Bendre, Srimata Prakashana, Sadhanakeri, Dharwad-580 008. Rs. 99.

The stimulating work highlights the birth centenary celebrations of poet D.R. Bendre and represents a new and refreshing attempt at enriching the unending flow of evaluatory output concerning the poet laureate's works. Their range in numbers and content is vast.

The author, who is reputedly steeped in the Bendre literary heritage, examines his works from the angle of the spiritual moorings sustaining them and constituting the core of his literary anatomy reflecting, as it were, a deep and abiding awareness, understanding and appreciation of the Bharatiya tradition and, the foundation and springs of Indian culture. The sustenance is derived from the eternal truths enshrined in the Vedic and Upanishadic oceanic currents.

The 10 chapters on the versatile literary make-up and eminence of Bendre, interspersed with commentaries on the whole range of the poet's works proclaim the author's conviction and transparent proof that they are deeply rooted in and anchored by spiritual values. Students of Bendre or critics (including the poet- baiters) simply grope in isolationist confines and ignorance, if they did not realise that the works spoke the Adhyatmic essence in creation. The author stresses that Bendre's creative intellect and consciousness, whether probing the strands of history, sketching satires on the foibles of society and imperfections of life, quest for the Divine, man-woman relationship, essays on the great personages like Aurobindo, Tagore, the Haridasas and the Sharanas etc., or interpreting Marx and similar ``isms'' and commenting on the quality of contemporary governance and patriotisms, or the cold war syndromes, poverty, exploitation, had a spiritual orientation. While Bendre had faith in the message and place of science, the author says, he had disgust for its abuse. He advocated a healthy balance and reconciliation in social dynamics to avoid tensions and conflicts.

The author also pleads for concerted and systematic study to the vibrant spiritual consciousness which streak through and highlights the great poet's works which steers readers into drinking deep from the fountains of the higher realms of human consciousness about social and ethical values which were the heart of the Indian psyche.

Vaman Bendre of the Bendre Vedike, in his introductory observations, commends Prof. Narayanachar's work as a prelude to a deeper and incisive study and compares it to the Vedike's sacrificial Ashwamedha horse released in order to traverse far and wide in the world of evaluation of Bendre's literary treasure.

C. M. Ramachandra