Yesterday I attended the online book launch of 'Our World: A Symphony of Drabbles by Three Generations', a collection of drabbles compiled by a grandfather, his daughter and granddaughter - Bishan Sahai, Dr. Ruchi Ranjan and Ishika Ranjan. If the idea that three generations can collaborate warms your heart then the idea of the drabble - a story contained in exactly one hundred words, no more, no less - is certain to pique your interest. 86 in all, to commemorate their favourite author Ruskin Bond's age, they offer a fascinating insight into the minds of the authors and allow you to fill in the gaps. The date holds importance too - the launch of the book coincides with the birthday of one of the author's, Ishika Ranjan.
Dr Ruchi sent me a copy of the book in advance. I loved the way it was produced by Rupa - hardbound, very readable, lovely cover and illustrations. A perfect book for a quiet read on a rainy day (or any other day) - rainy because it's raining these days. I read the book and enjoyed all the stories and found a clear pattern emerging in the writer's voices, which was fascinating. There's a note by Ruskin Bond, a testimonial from Sachin Tendulkar, one from Shashi Tharoor. The foreword is written by Harinder Sikka author of 'Calling Sehmat' which was made into the hit film 'Raazi'. Mr Sikka was also the Chief Guest for the launch.
Anuj Gurwara, popular RJ hosted the show, and he did a fine job of it as he always does. A decade ago when I was part of some promotional activity for my book or my brother's movie, I remember he had interviewed me on air and I found him a very intelligent and affable person. Anuj invited the audience and played Ruskin Bond's video message. Mr. Bond complimented the author's on writing the book and told them that one book surely leads into another so there were more to come from them. Then Kapish Mehra of Rupa Publications spoke before the book was launched by author Harinder Sikka. He spoke about the book and there was something he said about how 'Calling Sehmat' gives an insight into the fact that there were patriots like her who risked everything for their country and if we understand that, we would not be calling all Kashmiris terrorists. It takes little to understand that, and we try hard not to look at that and instead buy into emotional hogwash.
The Dramatic Club of Hyderabad led by Pranava Singhal read out a few drabbles and di a fine job of it. Then a break as a few speakers spoke - Ishika's teacher from the USA Mrs. Summer Thompson, her Principal at her local school Mrs, Lata Shankar and her teacher Mrs Shikha Nigam. Anuj read out author-politician Shashi Tharoor's message. Some more readings of the drabbles, more messages, from Ishika's uncle and aunt. I spoke a few words too. I mentioned how I was amazed when I read a three-line story written by Manto and could never understand how anyone could write so much in so less and convey it to another person, and how when I read the drabbles, I found the same thing happening to me. I realise now, as I write, the drabbles can form the perfect hook for scripts for movies which always hinge on the 'what if'. So a proliferation of ideas from those who cannot invest time into writing a drawn-out treatment can actually write it as a drabble, which can lead to better choices for stories too. I do wish they appropriate the drabble space and make it bigger and make that a platform - perhaps with Rupa's collaboration. The Ranjans could well nurture, take forward and be the drabble destination in India.
Anuj read out Sachin Tendulkar's message and there was more drabble reading by the members of the DCH. Prof Alka Behari spoke, and so did Pranava Singhal about his association with Bishan Sahai saab and Prof Vijaya Kumar of the HLF spoke about how they reminded him of haikus.
The authors spoke at the end. Bishan Sahai saab recorded a message about the experience. Ishika spoke about her love for writing and how she would like feedback so she could improve as a writer. My advice, keep writing, keep reading, that's the best way to improve writing, as with anything else. You have the craft, the imagination and the mindset, so you're well on track. Dr. Ruchi Ranjan spoke and said that it was her husband Jayesh Ranjan, who dons many hats as Principal Secretary to the Government of Telangana, as Chair of the Hyderabad Literary Festival, as an avid cricket and literature buff and someone who is always ready to help, who introduced the idea of drabbles to them and prompted them to write. She thanked everyone ad it was a fine evening enjoyed by one and all.
Dr. Ruchi Ranjan, thanks for inviting me and letting me be a part of this fine event. Hopefully something of a landmark with the introduction of drabbles. Wishing the newborn 'Our World' all the best in its journey into the world.
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