Bonsai: The Miniature Trees

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This Book "BONSAI - The Miniature Trees" was originally written and published in Telugu with the title "Vamana Vrikshalu" and the response was so overwhelming that three editions of the book were brought out. This book is like a comprehensive guide for all those who wish to grow gardens on their terraces and balconies in the limited space available in the present day apartment culture.

Dr.N.Manga Devi, the green-fingered author of this book - an eminent educationist and founder of Sri Venkateswara Bala Kuteer group of schools and Chetana (a Multipurpose Rural Project, in Guntur) is a great lover of plants and children. A writer of repute, Manga Devi penned almost 30 books for children and won many National and International awards. Her zeal for service to the needy and under privileged sections of the society can be felt in "Chetana" set in rural backdrop.
Dr. Manga Devi's love for plants is evident in her vast collection of rare plants, variety of cacti and cultivation of Bonsai plants - giant trees in full bloom, with their prop roots, grown just to the length of an arm. Her Bonsai garden is a feast to the eyes.
Many periodicals across Andhra Pradesh have serialized her pictorial articles on Bonsai art. Influenced by her writing and by "Harita sPriya Association" that she had set up, thousands of enthusiasts have converted their homes into Green Heavens.

(Dr.D.L.N.Prasad is a famous Plastic Surgeon in Hyderabad. He is recognised as the pioneer in Bonsai cultivation in Andhra Pradesh. He is the Founder of Hyderabad Bonsai Society and Hyderabad Rose Society.)
Art is said to have no limits. Bonsai had its origins in China. The Japanese, known the world-over for their uniqueness in all fields-from growing paddy to the creation of the Honda automobile - to prove that they are just not intelligent but are also art-lovers, have made Bonsai a living art form. This art the Japanese have moulded is now in full bloom worldwide.
It would be futile on my part to write here about the nuances of Bonsai propagation or the intricacies involved therein. Dr. Manga Devi has discussed these in finer detail. What I intend to do is to write about this book, about the author Dr. Manga Devi and my qualification to write this foreword.
Manga Devi has named the book 'Vaamana Vrikhsalu'. Just as the miniature sized Vaamana - Lord Vishnu's incarnation-encompassed the entire universe, the miniature form of giant trees spreading across vast expanses can very aptly be called the Vaamana Vrikhsalu (miniature tress).
Even Dr. Manga Devi is not of a very robust physique, but quite definitely her mental strength is. Aided with this strength, she has the ability to achieve seemingly impossible tasks and can also with ease abandon anything for the sake of values.
Indira, to whom Manga Devi has dedicated this book, is my life-partner. Just as art has no limits, friendship too has no measurable scale. Indira and Manga Devi have been friends since their childhood. The good-natured Indira has immense respect towards the strong-willed personality of Manga Devi. Similarly the art-loving Manga Devi has immense love for Indira and her tastes. The dedication of this book amply evidences their relationship.
Manga Devi could very well have dedicated this book to any other individual of her choice. Like-wise, Indira might have received countless gifts from friends and relatives. But, this dedication stands apart quite distinctly and I vouch that this would have been the most coveted and the pleasurable gift for Indira. Blessed is my partner to have such a friend.