Between the Pages

Between the Pages: Tales of Darpara Sivam's Life is a warm and intimate portrait of Dr. Darpara Sivam, a man whose life reflects perseverance, curiosity, and deep human connection. From humble beginnings shaped by struggle and determination, his journey unfolds into a fulfilling academic career, where teaching and travel opened doors to the world and created lasting memories. At its heart, the book celebrates the relationships he nurtured, family bonds that grounded him and friendships that stayed with him across time and place. Known for his generosity and collegial spirit, he continues to leave a lasting impression on everyone who crosses his path. Abou the Authors Sumathi Sivam has a gift for finding meaning in the quiet spaces of a life, uncovering the stories that live in a single gesture or a fleeting look. Having worked for years in water policy and community sustainability, she brings a deep, compassionate attentiveness to both systems and people. That same care shapes this book, where her words dance alongside vibrant illustrations. A lover of classical painting, inventive cooking, and empowering women entrepreneurs, Sumathi crafts narratives that feel both deeply personal and beautifully visual. Manasi Mukund Balkawade is an animation storyteller and illustrator from Pune, whose love for drawing began the way the best things do: on the walls of her school's art room. What started as pure joy quietly grew into a calling. Over the years, she has brought stories to life for brands like Dabur, Tinkle Comics, Curryit, and WickedGud. Today, she is taking that journey further at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute of India in Kolkata, where she is pursuing her postgraduate studies in filmmaking with a specialization in Animation Cinema.There are many more stories Manasi can't wait to tell, both through illustrations and through the moving image.