Subhechcha Ganguly 
Dr. Hiten Solanki is keenly inclined towards research and writings. He aspires to excel in the field of writing. After studying the minority discourse for more than ten years, he is inclined to critique literature and texts . Let us know more about him in this interview.
Q1) How did you understand your calling as an author ? What was your first writing experience ?
Ans : Any creative expression triggers me to the core. I remember exactly that I attended a poetry club and heard a well renowned poet claiming that creativity surrounds you everywhere. Not only trees, mountains, rivers or flowers but also buildings, roads and human voices. All you need is to develop a perspective to perceive that creative entity. From the early adulthood I am impressed with creativity and started writing creative poems in English as well as in my regional language. I developed my own theory of creativity – it is all about selection and extension. Everyone can see a huge tree but only some can see the curves of the branches and different shapes or dancing leaves that makes beautiful design. That person select the portion from the entire tree that triggers his creativity and extends it to beautiful creative art using the medium of his or her choice – may be words, colors or camera. Gradually, I developed the hobby of writing and photography.
I wrote a first poem on ‘birth and death’ using simple metaphors when I was in first year of my graduation. I sent this poem for a university level of competition. Next day, to my surprise, teacher announced my name and declared that I had got third prize for the poem. Everyone, along with the teacher, got impressed after listening to me reciting my own poem. The teacher praised me a lot for writing such a philosophical poem at the early age. This made me famous in the entire college and inspired me to pursue my passion for writing. Later, that teacher, Dr. Bina Mahida motivated me to continue writing.
Q2) How did you decide the plot for “SAARC : Nations and Narratives”. Give us a short brief about the book .
Ans : “SAARC: Nations and Narratives” is based on my research experience I gained during the study of my Ph.D. When I started my research study, I came to know about our newly elected Prime Minister taking interest in SAARC at that time. This sparks interest for SAARC in me. Later, my supervisor prof. J H Khan suggested me to focus upon the literature of SAARC countries for the study. This is how I started getting inclined to explore the SAARC Literature.
Interestingly, I came across the view that the study on SAARC Literature is impossible as it is just an economic association. After a scrupulous study I found that SAARC has its Apex body FOSWAL – Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature that is active in bringing the literature of the SAARC member states to the surface. At that time, I couldn’t find fair amount of research content on SAARC literature except one or two books. That ignited an idea that I would publish a book exploring the SAARC Literature. The books provides the reader with a short introduction to SAARC Literature. Moreover, it analyses select literary texts from the point of view of history and nationalism; both of these concepts are talk of the town nowadays. I would like to inform all the readers that Padma Shri Awardee, Shree Ajeet Cour, a Partition writer and Founder President of Foundation of SAARC Writing and Literature, has written foreword for my book. It’s a proud moment for me and I strongly suggest that anyone who is interested in exploring SAARC literature must read it.
Q3) Nowadays a majority of the youth is much more focused on social media rather than reading books. What is your view on this topic ?
Ans : I am completely fine with the choice of the youth. Social Media has given immense freedom to read, explore and express. However, I must admit that books contain the research of years and can never be a replacement of shallow content easily available on internet. At the same time, I am of the opinion that good research content is available on social media that might spark interest in youth. Take this website for example. Through this interview my book will reach to its destination – that is its readers. I must advise the youth, here, that explore social media for variety of content, but do develop the habit of getting the book you come across while surfing the content and read it for deepening your knowledge.
Q4) Kindly attach the link of your book so that the readers can get a grasp on these beautiful read. Also tell us how do you strike a balance between your work and hobbies being an educator.
Ans : Sure. The book is available on different platforms –
BLUEROSE STORE
https://blueroseone.com/store/product/saarc-nations-narratives
AMAZON
https://www.amazon.in/dp/9356680558?ref=myi_title_dp
FLIPKART
https://www.flipkart.com/saarc-nations-narratives/p/itmd440998a45c4e?pid=9789356680555
You can also see a free sample on Google Play
https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=hEGeEAAAQBAJ
Good question. I teach rudimentary language to the little kids and I keep exploring research and writing at the same time. Sometime, I find it difficult to straddle both the boats. However, I manage to separate work and hobby not mingling them. I cannot commit to writing like a full time writer but it is fine. I dedicate my leisure time reading and writing. I am, nowadays, working on a short story collection. Very soon, it will be available to readers.
Q5) We know that there is a lot of hard work that goes behind the launching of books .From preparing the final manuscript to writing the first draft till publishing. Tell us how your experience was and to whom would you dedicate your success in this entire process?
Ans : Publishing a book was altogether new experience for me. I mean I can write content and books but getting it published is something I imagined as not my cup of tea. Thanks to BlueRose publisher that provided me thorough guidance and made my dream possible. New to the entire process, I remained impatient and made certain mistakes while proof reading. The BlueRose team remained patient and helpful during the entire process. I dedicate this success to my family, friends and the BlueRose team that constantly push me like a spur for getting my dream true. Thank you all my readers. Please purchase the book, read, review and spread the book at the larger scale.
