Honour an Author While They Are Alive, It Gives Them Fulfilment: Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi
11th February, New Delhi:
The book launch and discussion of ‘Goonje Desh Raag’, authored by senior writer, theatre practitioner, and Member Secretary of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, was held at the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi. The book has been published by Yash Publications and is centred on Dr. Joshi’s experiences during his overseas travels.
The chief guest of the programme was Shri Vyomesh Shukla, Pradhan Mantri of the Kashi Nagari Pracharini Sabha, while the distinguished guest was renowned travel blogger Dr. Kainaat Qazi. Shri Jatin Bhardwaj, Director, Yash Publications, was also present on the occasion.
In his address, Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi spoke about the creative process behind the book, its sources of inspiration, and the deeper implications of its title. He stated that this travel writing does not follow the conventional format usually associated with travelogues. Instead, the book has been written with the intention of preserving the human experiences, warmth of behaviour, and deep sensitivities encountered during journeys. He observed that when one travels abroad, certain moments deeply touch the heart, creating a natural urge to share them with others. Through this book, he has attempted to convey precisely those moments.
He further remarked that in the fast-paced rhythm of time, the role of literature is to hold on to intimate moments and transform them into dialogue, whether through poetry, fiction, or memoir. He clarified that the work is not driven by an ambition to be timeless, but rather by a simple expectation that a literary work should be able to converse with its contemporary reader and inspire reflection on human values. Speaking on the condition of Hindi writers, he remarked that honouring an author while they are alive gives them a sense of fulfilment. He concluded his address by reading an excerpt from the travel memoir Hum ‘Tou Aise Hain Bhaiya’, included in the book.
In his address, the chief guest, Shri Vyomesh Shukla, described ‘Goonje Desh Raag’ as a book that can be read in a single sitting. He observed that mainstream Hindi writing has taken on excessive responsibility and ambition, placing undue pressure upon itself. In its effort to cross every possible benchmark, it often becomes burdened by its own aspirations. However, he noted that the author makes no such attempt in this book. Referring to what he termed the “Raj-Rog” of Hindi literature, the desire for immortality, he remarked that this impulse is absent here. He emphasised that writing should function as a balm. While Dr. Joshi does not explicitly claim to be offering healing, his writing restores both the writer and the reader. The book, he said, encourages readers to realise that they too can be poets and writers. “This,” he remarked, “is Indian prose.”
Dr. Kainaat Qazi stated that while reading the book, one feels as though one is travelling alongside the author. She particularly mentioned that the travel memoir ‘Pravasi Ghat’ vividly evokes the pain of indentured labourers through a simple and accessible narrative. Speaking about Dr. Joshi’s writing, she noted that newcomers to the literary world draw inspiration and energy from his work.
The programme was moderated by senior journalist Ms. Katyayani Chaturvedi, who conducted the discussion with finesse while offering a concise introduction to the author’s literary journey, theatre practice, and cultural vision. The vote of thanks was delivered by Arpit Sharma. The event witnessed the presence of many distinguished guests and book lovers from the fields of literature, art, theatre, and media, and concluded with a cordial interaction and book-signing session.
