Dai (Midwife), translated by Saroj Bala, offers an intimate and culturally rich exploration of the lives, knowledge systems, and community roles of dais — traditional midwives entrenched in rural South Asian society. Against the backdrop of villages and small towns where modern healthcare remains limited, the “dai” emerges as a central figure in the birthing experience. The term dai itself comes from the idea of one who gives assistance, often derived from lived experience rather than formal clinical training. 
The book combines ethnographic narratives, personal testimonies, and historical context to show how dais function not simply as birth attendants, but as custodians of ancestral wisdom passed down through generations. Their skills — learned through apprenticeship with older practitioners — encompass prenatal care, emotional support, delivery assistance, herbal remedies, and postnatal nurturing. In many areas, dais are called dai‑maa (mother midwife), a name that underlines the deep trust and affection communities place in them. 
Through vivid stories, the translator brings out the daily realities of dais: the long nights spent at childbirths, the improvisations in the absence of medical equipment, and the herbal knowledge rooted in local ecology. Despite their expertise, dais often face marginalization from formal health systems that prioritize institutional deliveries and trained clinical practitioners. The book critiques this divide, arguing that dismissing traditional birthing practices overlooks the profound cultural and practical contributions dais make toward maternal and child health. 
Rich with humanity, Dai (Midwife) underscores the importance of respecting indigenous health knowledge while advocating for collaborative models that bridge traditional and modern maternal care — ensuring safer births without erasing cultural identity.