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‘Literature brings people together’ Published on: March 24, 2011 - 22:32
Writer, Amitav Ghosh who moved house to Goa believes that this place provides him with scope and space, so critical to a writer. In a chat with ‘The Navhind Times’ he spoke about Goa, literature and why the present times are exciting for Indian writers
BY ARTI DAS | NT NETWORK
The celebrated, award winning, writer, Amitav Ghosh believes that literature is the bridge between various people and cultures and brings communities together.
He says, “Literature occupies a middle path that brings people together. The best example of this is the Goa Writers group that consists of English and Konkani writers and even translators. I do not believe language is divisive.”
Ghosh who recently released the book, ‘Inside-Out’, a book that comprise of the writings of the members of the Goa Writers group, is an integral part of this group. His contribution, the essay ‘Anthony Vaz’, explores his long held fascination for nautical dictionaries, especially those relating to Asian seafarers.
His latest book ‘Sea of Poppies’ also speaks about sailors. So what is the reason behind this maritime fascination? “I wrote this essay as I was doing my research for the book. I came across many sailors, majority of who were Goans. Many of my neighbours in Goa are sailors, too,” explains Ghosh.
Ghosh who shuttles between Kolkata, Brooklyn and Goa, loves coming down to Goa. He considers Goa as a special place. Not only because the people are culturally rooted, but also for the plain reason that it makes him feel at home. “There are similarities between Goa and my home, West Bengal. The food and landscape are almost the same,” he says.
This is also one of the reasons why Ghosh is keen to start working on his next novel in Goa. “There are two things about Goa—it is one of the few places that has silence, which I cannot get in Kolkata and the other reason is that here the people leave you alone,” he says.
When asked whether he, at any time, felt embroiled in the insiders-outsiders issue that surfaces in Goa often, he remarks, “I have never felt more welcomed anywhere else in the world. But I am aware about this issue. The one thing about Goans, which I have not found anywhere else, is the fact that they are quite open and expressive. It is rather ironic as most Goans have experienced what it feels to be an outsider, as many have lived abroad,” says Ghosh.
Ghosh who has been interacting with Goan writers for quite some time now is optimistic about the creative potentiality. “The question whether Goan writers can match the calibre of global writers does not arise. The greatest writer of our times, Dom Moraes, was Goan,” he points out.
Ghosh, a seasoned writer, observes that the book reading is on the decline. “When it comes to readership, I see a mixed picture. In English speaking countries of the world there is a decline in readership. They are hooked more to technology and have no time for reading.” However, his says the readership in India is quite heartening. He further mentions that even regional writers are getting recognition now. “I remember when I wrote my first novel I used to go personally with my copies to the publishers. But, they never took me seriously. They thought it was some college copy. Thus, I had to publish with a foreign publisher. But, now things have changed for the better. The publishing industry is on a positive course. It is indeed a wonderful time for writers in India,” concludes Ghosh.
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http://www.navhindtimes.in/iwatch/breaking-language-barriers
‘Breaking’ language barriers Published on: March 24, 2011 - 22:35
NT NETWORK
It was an evening that actually brought people of all strata together. It was the much anticipated event, the book release of ‘Inside/Out’ brought out by the Goa Writers group. This book is an anthology that consists of more than 25 writers.
It was released in a very interesting manner at the hands of well known writer, Amitav Ghosh and Damodar Mauzo. The was the book was drawn out from with a bread, which was broken in front of the gathered crowd, and metaphorically shared.
The release drew huge crowd who wanted to celebrate the power of words.
Speaking on the occasion Amitav Ghosh stated that this book is aptly titled ‘inside/out.’ “This book deals with the insider and outsider issue. There are two essays which are based on this topic. I am an outsider but I am releasing this book here in Goa and that’s what makes the place special,” stated Ghosh.
He also maintained that every Indian writer is coping with multiple languages. “The Goa Writers group is bringing writers of various languages together,” he added.
The event was witnessed by well known writers like Anita Desai, Maria Aurora Couto and renowned photographer Farrokh Chothia. The event was anchored by Sachin Chatte.
http://www.navhindtimes.in/iwatch/breaking-language-barriers
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