Description

About The Book 

The Sound of Thirst is a contemplative collection of poems by Ballaleshwar Tela that explores the enduring human quest for meaning, truth, and inner understanding. Through a blend of philosophical reflection and observation of everyday life, the poems invite readers into a world where ordinary moments reveal deeper insights about existence.

The collection moves gracefully between nature, society, and the inner life of the mind. Images of the sun, moon, stars, mountains, and monsoon winds become symbols through which the poet reflects on time, faith, doubt, and the mysteries of the universe. At the same time, the poems portray the quiet dignity of everyday lives—teachers, parents, workers, and villagers—suggesting that wisdom often resides in the most uncelebrated corners of human experience.

Structured in two parts and comprising thirty-eight poems, the collection presents a rich landscape of themes: compassion and injustice, belief and scepticism, hope and existential questioning. The title itself—The Sound of Thirst—symbolizes the inner longing that drives human beings to seek truth, knowledge, and spiritual clarity.

Written in clear and reflective language, the poems encourage readers not merely to read but to pause, reflect, and engage with the deeper questions of life. Rather than offering definitive answers, the collection illuminates the journey of inquiry itself—the restless human desire to understand the world and one’s place within it.

About The Author

Ballaleshwar Tela is an Indian poet, writer, educator, and chess mentor whose work reflects a thoughtful engagement with philosophy, society, and the human search for meaning. His writing draws inspiration from everyday experiences, nature, and the moral and intellectual challenges of contemporary life.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Nagpur University and an MBA in Marketing Management from Pune University. His professional journey spans diverse fields, including corporate roles as a Business Analyst at Tata Consultancy Services and a Financial Analyst at eClerx Services Ltd., before dedicating himself primarily to education, mentorship, and literary pursuits.

Tela has over a decade of experience as a mathematics teacher and chess instructor, mentoring students in analytical thinking, discipline, and strategic reasoning. As a chess coach, he has trained numerous students who have achieved notable success in regional, national, and international competitions.

In literature, he is the author of two poetry collections: The Delusions (2024) and The Sound of Thirst (2026). His poetry has received recognition in several national and international literary competitions, and his poem “Who Am I?” has been included in the B.A. English Literature curriculum of Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University, reflecting the growing academic interest in his work.

Through his poetry, Ballaleshwar Tela seeks to examine fundamental questions of existence—truth and illusion, faith and doubt, compassion and justice—inviting readers to reflect more deeply on the complexities of the human condition.