Jane Parhiala is the author of Reckless at the Border, a dual-memoir that she wrote with her ex-husband, Pradeep Parashar, who lives in India. A re-connection with him in 2014, via the internet, sparked her interest in writing the story of their brief 1979 relationship.
After thirty-four years without contact, a divorced couple from two different cultures come together to tell their story of travel, traditions, dreams and deceptions. Each writes from their own perspective; their stories are fascinating and enlightening, providing a unique look at the world of the 1970s, the lure of love and adventure, and a bit of fraud.
Disillusioned with his country’s culture, Pradeep left India in 1970 to fulfill his dream of owning a travel agency. Eventually, he made it to Denver, Colorado and opened World Ways Travel Co.
In 1968, Jane, a native of Massachusetts, uninspired with her future as a nurse, hopped on a cruise ship for Sweden to reorganize her life and find balance in the spinning world of the sixties. Eventually, they met in San Francisco, California in 1978. Jane’s carefree spirit attracted Pradeep. Pradeep’s exotic past and the fact he owned a travel agency piqued Jane’s interest. Both hungered for adventure.
After three months of “courting,” ignoring cultural differences, they married. The newlyweds were told that not everything goes as planned, and that proved to be the case. Right before their honeymoon, a series of events took place: a robbery and a fire at Pradeep’s agency, a suitcase full of cash and a quick exit on a flight to London. On their return from their travels through Europe and Asia, they landed at customs in Honolulu, where the police were waiting. Pradeep was arrested and led away. Jane watched in disbelief.
Reckless at the Border explores the relationship between a man from the East and a woman from the West. Pradeep wanted an obedient wife and Jane wanted romance and her independence. Theirs is a story filled with the enigma of a culturally diverse relationship that spanned two very different worlds.
Jane is also an artist, specializing in fiber arts. She weaves scarves, washcloths, bags, and more on a Japanese Saori loom and that she sells at the ArtMarket under the name of Kutoa Weaving.
Saori is a free-style type of weaving that she learned at the Falmouth Art Center. “Weaving gives me the opportunity to explore a theme and then communicate it through color and texture,” Jane said.
Jane is an enthusiastic supporter of the arts and is coordinator of the Falmouth ArtMarket. A former member and chair of the Falmouth Cultural Council, she feels strongly that the mission of the ArtMarket is not only to offer an entertaining afternoon for Falmouth residents and visitors, but to provide a venue for artists and craftspeople.
Vendor fees are kept low to encourage aspiring crafters, as well as professional artists, to participate. Live music adds to the appeal of the ArtMarket and provide income to local musicians. It is also important to Parhiala that the proceeds of the ArtMarket support the Falmouth Cultural Council’s grant program.
The Cultural Council also receives funds from the Mass Cultural Council and the Town of Falmouth. Funds support grants in the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences. For more information, visit falmouthculturalcouncil.org.