On a lighter note, considering events in the past few days, renowned Indian novelist and poet Vikram Seth had an eloquent interactive session cum discussion in an event titled ‘Rendezvous with Vikram Seth’ at Book and Coffee, Imphal on Thursday.
The session was organised as part of his five-day visit to Manipur during which he had visited Churachandpur, Imphal and will continue his last leg of the journey in Kangpokpi on Friday before continuing on to Dimapur, Nagaland.
The session had been organised to divulge into his journey as an Indian writer in the English language and the minute nuances attached with the artform of writing.
Prominent figures of Manipur, including retired IAS officer RK Nimai, senior journalist Pradip Phanjoubam along with students and well wishers were present during the session.
Vikram Seth is well known for his works such as ‘The Golden Gate’ (1986) and the epic novel ‘A Suitable Boy’ (1993) among others.
His famous fable ‘The Frog and the Nightingale’ is included in the NCERT English textbook syllabus.
He has been decorated with numerous awards including the Padma Shri, Sahitya Akademi Award, Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, WH Smith Literary Award and Crossword Book Award and many more.
Speaking during the session, he emphasised the need to explore the vast canvas of literature and writing.
He stated that translating written works was of the essential tools to bridging the gap between languages and empowering the growth of regional literature.
He also maintained the need to observe, understand and embody every aspect of life in order to become not only a well versed writer but also a good human being.
Attendees had a lively interactive session with Vikram Seth drawing out questions about writing amid conflict, on women and challenges of translating literary works.
