Gujarati Writer

Born: 8 January 1947
Birthplace: Surat, Gujarat

The intoxicating fragrance of jasmine flowers and incense, the musical notes of shehnai and sitar, the vigorous beats of the bhangra, the henna on a bride’s palm, a broken temple idol preserved in a museum somewhere across the world, the colours of the national flag, a peacock feather or an image of majestic lions basking in the sun―any of these sights, sounds or smells can awaken powerful vibrations within and remind us of our cultural, regional biosphere wealth. This experience in itself is unique.

The uniqueness, however, lies in the people of India. Despite chaos, deprivation, social injustice and countless other problems, the Indian people have confidence in their democratic powers. Every election has proved what the people of this nation are capable of. They can shrink the mightiest to their actual size and stun the world. They are the most ordinary and often illiterate masses of this vast country.

For those of us born with the nation, the euphoria lasted almost 15 to 20 years. Our professional and personal ambitions during those formative years were woven around the concept of building a strong and beautiful nation.

I chose to teach and my personal ambition was to excel in my field. I loved to spend time with my students and had a fascination for books. To be in touch with literary masters and their creativity has been a passion and my profession gave me ample time and opportunity to fulfil this dream. It also inspired me to write.

Later, when I started working for underprivileged children, I received full support from a few sensitive students who shared my concern for the deprived sections of society. These efforts were rewarding as it shaped all of us into caring and responsible citizens. My city, my state and my people have helped me in my endeavours, to be sure; but I was and I am, even today, conscious of the fact that a majority remain indifferent to many of the social problems, while I do not see a change in our social pattern. It is painful to notice signboards that say, ‘Do not spit’ or ‘Do not litter’ or ‘Save the girl child’ in all corners of the country. They were absent in 1960 or 1970.

In the ’70s and ’80s, leaving this country to settle down elsewhere and enjoy a luxurious life away from this problematic place was a craze. It is a pity that this desire remains even to this day. How many of us aspire to build a powerful nation and spend our time and energy towards this goal? If our educational system has failed to nurture this ambition in our children, if it has failed to produce sensitive and thoughtful, fearless and honest human beings, how should we evaluate our educational institutions and their system? Are we prepared to ask or answer the uncomfortable questions that our system presents?

No society or nation can boast of progress wherein the women, children and elderly are the worst victims of injustice. We need many more strong-willed citizens who can fight relentlessly against injustice and violence. We need uncompromising, broadminded people at the helm of affairs, who would appreciate and understand the voice of dissent.

Those of us born in 1947 are often disillusioned and frustrated. I do not pretend to be optimistic, but our people are capable of performing miracles—the next generation may perform one, who knows! They could create a nation where the mind is without fear and the head is held high. Or let them find their own vision of this nation that is relevant to them. We can just do our duty by requesting them to keep away from the sycophants and the fanatics, and breathe our last with a dream of India in which the happiest people on this earth live.

Milestones

1980: Completed her PhD on the topic, “Theme and technique of V S Naipaul novels”

1987: Released her debut book, a collection of short stories, Antaral

1992: Appointed chairperson of Juvenile Welfare Board, Surat

1996: Sahitya Akademi Award for Andhari Galima Safed Tapakan

2013: Appointed to the advisory board of Sahitya Akademi, Gujarati

Current occupation: Having retired from active work, she is happily engaged in her favourite activities—reading and writing

Illustration by Sanjhi Shah
Featured in Harmony — Celebrate Age Magazine
August 2016

FLAVIA AGNES

AMAL ALLANA

JAHAR DAS

DR PREM SHANKAR GOEL

V K B NAIR

DR S Y QURAISHI

DR LALJI SINGH

SHUVAPRASANNA

DR L SUBRAMANIAM