Review of ‘From Ka to Ki’ A Biography of a Transgender by Dr. Lakshmi Ajoy

A biography that will truly change your outlook towards transgender people altogether.

Before I review the book, I have to share this story that how I caught my attention toward this book by Dr. Lakshmi Ajoy. I was so mesmerized by the cover page that I told to her the same during the Live interview I did of hers, and after that I immediately got it listening to the story of Deepika whose biography she has covered in this book.

Deepika was born into an affluent Iyer family as Deepak, and how her identity changed from being a boy first to a woman is a heartwarming tale in itself. The struggles, the hardships, the challenges she had faced since her childhood are an eye-opener of how our society has a masked façade, but inside it truly can be a scary place for a person like Deepika. This book talks largely about someone who remained confused for a longer time of how to identify herself in a world that was not ready to accept her yet.

The journey from the beginning was really painful to read as Dr. Lakshmi has written with greater clarity and vividly about most of the incidents and tragedies that fell upon Deepika. The book might sound amorous in places, but it’s the truthfulness of it that makes us understand the world full of toxicity that people can create for a person who is having a hard time identifying her sexual desires.

A book of pain to joy, from trials to triumphs, from being gender confused to finding a respectful place in the eyes of the people and the society, and above all the indomitable spirit of Deepika’s elder sister and the other ladies of the family who became her pillars of strength this book is heartwarming and an interesting read. Biographies attract me less, but this one I must say was a total page turner for me. Dr. Lakshmi’s fluid narration and choice of words is extremely commendable and I wish to congratulate her for having written a book that’s going to remain etched in the hearts of the readers for a long time. Deepika will be loved too as the kindest human being one can come across with a heart full of love and forgiveness.

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  Dr. Lakshmi Ajoy

  Dr. Lakshmi’s impressive accomplishments include receiving an honorary doctorate in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and prestigious awards like the Bharat Gaurav Samman Award, the International Peace Award, and the Nari Pratibha Samman Award. She has been recognized by some major platforms like Fox Story India, Diva Planet Magazine, City Excellence Awards, She Forward, India Authors Academy where she has been awarded for her contribution for her works and towards the society.

  Dr. Lakshmi is the author of three books and several anthologies (both National and International). She is passionate about environmental conservation and solo travel, exploring lesser-known places with the untouched beauty of nature. In her personal time, she enjoys gardening, Mandala and Mural art therapy, singing and jewelry designing.