The enthusiasm to write and share the written word is an amazing lesson that some of our finest writers have gifted us
Ruskin Bond (left) and Kiran Nagarkar. File pics
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Sometimes, we get lucky to not just meet but also play student to great writers. Often, such conversations become fodder for conversation, and get lost. Then, there are times, when common sense prevails and these moments go a long way in shaping the contours of one's goals and visions.
A few years ago, we had the opportunity to spend quality time with Ruskin Bond in his home in Landour. The interview - meant to be a preview for readers for his upcoming release at the time - ended up being a nostalgic trip with the octogenarian writer, the provider to many of our childhood dreams about life in the hills of India, about ghosts stories and quaint hill stations and Rusty, of course. The humility throughout was unmistakable. As was the desire to keep writing. It amazed me. That someone who has been around words for close to seven decades could exhibit such childlike enthusiasm to cease the day in such fashion. And then, there was the urge to share. Yours truly was given sufficient advice to write at least a page a day, by soaking in the sights and sounds around us.
"Just look around and don't be afraid to put it down to paper. You'll be surprised how easy it is," he chuckled. A yellow canary had perched itself on his window sill and broke into a melodious chirp. We were sure Mr Bond had taken note of it.
More recently, we met with Kiran Nagarkar back in bustling, chaotic Fort. A far cry from the calming hills. Only the cawing of crows could be heard. Ravan, Eddie and friends might have been in the crowd around us. Here again, amidst a city in a tearing hurry, we were privy to this unbelievable thirst to write like there's no tomorrow. Not just that, the septuagenarian author gave us reason to document our own escapades and interactions from new places, people and adventures across India, in all its layers. "Who is going to chronicle these wondrous experiences, if not you?" he prodded. I was listening. With the concentration of a front bencher. "We must write so the coming generations are made aware of our times. And, we must write freely," he reminded.
Both meetings were in geographically different settings. Both writers, masters of their craft. Both, humble to a fault, about their accolades and awards. Yet, both had the same lessons to share for this generation.
India is lucky to have such fine teachers. Now, it's up to us to treasure and learn from their words and take it forward. Writer or wannabe. Thinker or dreamer. We owe it to these keepers of Indian literature to live and take in the lessons, at any age and in any place.
mid-day's Features Editor Fiona Fernandez relishes the city's sights, sounds, smells and stones...wherever the ink and the inclination takes her. She tweets @bombayana. Send your feedback to mailbag@mid-day.com
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