Inspired by the incidents of his life that impacted him negatively, Siddharth Arya turned to writing and has penned Life After a Passing Remark. Words have the power to break one or make one and it is this impact of words that the UP-born Arya, 40, a corporate employee, addresses in his debut book. Excerpts from a t2 chat.
Tell us about the genesis of the book.
This book is inspired by an incident in my life which impacted me negatively and turned my life upside down. With time, when I actually started discovering and understanding why I am the way I am, I found that it is not me who is driving my life but rather that one incident and the meaning I created out of it subconsciously. I had a keen interest in writing from an early age and in 2022 I decided to share this with the world as millions of people face similar situations in their lives.
Life After a Passing Remark by Siddharth Arya Published by Bluerose Publishers Price: Rs 250
Can you throw some light on the title?
Usually, a book is written and then its title is decided, but in my case, it was the other way around. I had this title on my mind from day one. Now, why ‘Life after a Passing Remark’? It is because my life before that remark and after that remark were two completely different worlds. That one remark from someone close shook my confidence, belief and my love for myself and it impacted every single aspect or area of my life.
Do you think this will change lives or people’s perspectives?
I have no doubt that anyone who reads this book will surely gain three new perspectives. First, no one needs to live his or her life under the impact of any one single bad incident or experience. Trust me, the power always remains with us to create something meaningful out of an incident. A lot of people ask me if I hate that person. I just say that I am rather grateful to him because had he not made that remark about me, I would have nothing to write about today.
Second, while we have always been taught since our childhood that we should love and respect others, what is not taught is that we should love ourselves first. Third, be very watchful of your words, no matter who you are speaking with.
Do you intend to continue writing?
Hundred per cent! I have a few subjects in mind, already.