Subhechcha Ganguly 
Q1) Namaste Bideep! Welcome to the interview with Interview Times. We are glad to have you with us. Tell us more about the time you started writing.
Ans: Thank you for having me. I began my writing journey in 2016 after being captivated by the writings of authors like Haruki Murakami, Charles Bukowski, Mitch Albom, Ruskin Bond, and George Orwell. Inspired by their works, I felt compelled to express myself through writing. Living in Delhi as a photographer and in Kolkata as a social worker, I found similarities between my lifestyle and Murakami’s writings, which further motivated me to explore writing as a medium of creative expression.
Q2) How did you frame the idea of the book “The reader who started writing”?
Ans: The idea for my book, “The Reader Who Started Writing,” emerged when I couldn’t establish a direct connection with Haruki Murakami. I believed that by writing and publishing my own book, I might have the opportunity to meet him someday. This desire, coupled with the encouragement I received from my partner and father, who appreciated my writings, led me to compile a collection of poems and rhyming couplets that I had been writing. The book became a reflection of my experiences, thoughts, and inspirations.
Q3) Tell us a bit about the book and also attach the link for purchase.
Ans: “The Reader Who Started Writing” is a collection of poems and rhyming couplets that I penned during my journey as a writer. It is an introspective exploration of life, love, solitude, and the pursuit of creativity. The book is available for purchase at https://amzn.eu/d/eJzKjk1
Q4) There is a very common phenomenon called “Writer’s block,” which a writer often faces. In writer’s block, the writer falls short of or loses creativity for a specific period of time. Do you have any idea about the phenomenon or have you faced it? What do you think are the possible ways to come out of this?
Ans: Yes, I am familiar with the phenomenon of writer’s block, and I have faced it myself. It can be a challenging period when creativity seems to elude you. In my experience, the best way to overcome writer’s block is to take a step back and give yourself some time off. Engaging in activities that refresh your mind, such as reading your favourite books, spending time outdoors, cycling, and watching quality movies that align with your writing or uplift your mood, can help reignite inspiration. Additionally, personally cooking has been a therapeutic activity for me. The key is to allow yourself the space and freedom to rejuvenate and gather new ideas before returning to the writing process.
Q5) You are also a photographer and have won some acclaimed awards. Tell us something about your journey in photography.
Ans: Photography has been a significant part of my life, and I started my photographic journey in 2014. Over the years, I have explored various genres, from macro and bird photography to street and landscape photography. My black and white wildlife photographs and portraits of people have gained recognition and awards. In 2015, I had my first interview published in a Kolkata-based newspaper, and I have also been featured in National Geographic India, I have received the best Child Study award from Photographic society of America back in 2016. These achievements have motivated me to continue honing my skills and capturing moments that evoke emotions and tell stories.
Q6) What would be your advice to youngsters who want to start photography but feel underconfident or lack the confidence to do so?
Ans: My advice to aspiring young photographers who feel underconfident is to remember that confidence comes with practice and experience. Start by exploring the areas of photography that interest you the most.
Experiment with different techniques, subjects, and styles to discover your own unique perspective. Don’t worry about trying to imitate your favourite photographers or their editing styles. Instead, focus on developing your own vision and capturing the world through your lens. Remember that photography is a continuous learning process, and it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them. Embrace constructive criticism and seek guidance from experienced photographers or mentors who can help you grow. Stay passionate, keep exploring, and let your confidence flourish with each click of the shutter.
Q7) Finally, we have come to the most interesting part – the social work you are involved in. Tell us more about that. Also, how did the idea of making paper plates come to your mind?
Ans: I come from a family of social workers, with my grandmother, mother, and father all dedicated to the NGO sector. Their influence played a significant role in shaping my inclination towards social work. I have a natural affinity for listening to people’s problems and offering support. It brings me immense joy to help others vent out and find solace.
As for the idea of making paper plates, it originated from a situation where my mother’s café, run in collaboration with ex-inmates of our Child Care Institute, faced a shortage of paper plates during a large order. To address this issue, my mother and I took the initiative to install a plate-making machine. This simple step not only resolved the immediate problem but also sparked the idea of utilizing this opportunity to create a sustainable livelihood for the individuals associated with our NGO. The venture gradually expanded, and today, making paper plates has become one of our means to support our social work initiatives.
Q8) From a social worker’s point of view, tell us what is one habit a person should incorporate into their life for the betterment of the nation?
Ans: In my opinion, one habit that can greatly contribute to the betterment of the nation is cultivating kindness. Kindness is a powerful virtue that has the potential to create a positive ripple effect in society. By consciously practicing kindness in our daily lives, whether through small acts of compassion, empathy, or helping those in need, we can create a more inclusive and harmonious society. Kindness has the ability to bridge divides, inspire others, and foster a sense of community. When individuals collectively embrace kindness, it paves the way for a nation built on compassion, understanding, and unity.
