Writing is an extension of reading, says Indian writer

Sharjah - Writer couple Subroto Bagchi and Susmita Bagchi speak about entrepreneurship and writing at Sharjah International Book Fair.

Writing is an extension of continuous reading, said Indian writer Susmita Bagchi at the Sharjah International Book Fair.
Attending an intellectual session with her author and entrepreneur husband Subroto Bagchi, Susmita said when you continue reading for some time, you feel the urge to write one day.
Subroto Bagchi, co-founder of MindTree, one of the most admired consulting companies in India, and author of many books including "The Professional" and "Go, Kiss The World", said growing an organisation is like growing a child.
"See how parents are focussed on the input to their children and not output. While starting an organisation, you should have a long view and shouldn't look for instant returns. Through right input, right output will come in the future. You should have a nutrient view of the organisation. Don't expect instant gratification," said Subroto Bagchi.
He explained that only four per cent of the start-ups survive after one year and that is mainly because the founders live in fantasy. Another thing is they come together with friends or family to bring up an organisation. Friendship is one thing and working as a partner is another.
Subroto, whose father suffered from mental health problems, launched the White Swan Foundation in partnership with National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) to build an information repository on issues from stress to more serious problems like schizophrenia and OCD.
"India has 1.3 billion people with mental health needs and we have only 3,400 psychiatrists. Our stigmatic attitude towards the mental health issues aggravates the problem. The first thing we should understand is that mental health is not always related to madness. When you have a broken hand or leg you consult a doctor. That's the same with your mind, too," said Subroto.
Subroto Bagchi also elaborated about the title of his famous book, Go, Kiss the World. "It was the last words of my mother to me. While she was in the hospital bed, I went and kissed her. She asked me: Why are you kissing me. Go, kiss the world. I still feel it was too much of a message for every young Indian and that became the title of my book."
About women writing, Susmita said it was not easy for every woman. "Writing is not just having an idea. It needs the strength to put it on paper. For Indian women, it's not easy to make time to write. It's a discipline and you need the support of your spouse and family."
She recalled there had been days when she used to say she couldn't cook as she had to write and her mother-in-law accepted it.
However, Subroto Bagchi said with the rise of blogging and social media, every mother is a custodian of stories. "You need not be a writer to write your ideas in social media or blogs."
A writer in Oriya language, Susmita said regional languages have great potential and reach. As a reader, I am grateful that regional books are being translated into English."
Susmita, a Sahitya Akademi Award winner in Odia, is best known for her book "Children of a Better God".  She has written eight novels, seven collections of short stories and a travelogue and is translating her second book in to English.
anuwarrier@khaleejtimes.com

• Sharjah International Book Fair