A writer, theatre artiste and academician, Sachchidanand Joshi believes that having an “artistic vision” that governs our daily activities is important. It is this artistic vision that has led him to author and edit several books, including Palbhar ki Pahachan, Kuchh Alpa Viraam, Connecting Through Culture and Selected Words of Mahatma on Culture and Civilization, among others.
At the latest session of Kalam held at The Bengal Club on December 17, organised by the Prabha Khaitan Foundation in association with Shree Cement Limited, with My Kolkata as digital partner, Joshi discussed his mother’s contribution to his life, his love for theatre and the recent publication of Zindagi Ka Bonus with actress and politician Roopa Ganguly.
My mother inspired me to read the best in literature
Roopa Ganguly (left) in conversation with Joshi
What inspired Joshi to start writing? “My mother,” he said. Malti Joshi, the author’s mother, is a noted essayist, novelist and writer, who was awarded the Padma Shri in 2018. She was instrumental in the author developing a love for literature and the arts. “My mother would order books for my brother and me and read them out to us. She did this for us to develop a liking for literature. She read us some of the best Marathi, Bengali and Hindi literature. Because of this we never veered towards bad literature. My mother inspired me to read the best in literature and that was her greatest contribution as a mother,” noted Joshi.
All of us are playing different roles in our lives
Acting cannot be separated from our lives, believes Joshi
Given his wide range of interests, if there is one art form that Joshi enjoys the most, it is acting. Acting as an art form is irreplaceable and one that Joshi wants to continue till the end. Explaining the wider philosophical underpinnings behind why he thinks theatre and acting to be superior to other art forms, Joshi pointed out that every human being participates in an elaborate act every day, even if they may not be acting professionally. “All of us are acting in life. All of us are playing different roles in our lives in our professional and personal spheres. All of us are husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, bosses, managers, etc. Acting is never separate from our lives. Communication happens most effectively through acting,” explained Joshi.
We suffer from an inferiority complex with regard to our culture
Joshi ended the session by reading out from his latest book, ‘Zindagi Ka Bonus’
In light of his immense contribution to the arts, Ganguly asked Joshi if he thought there was a contention between Indian culture and modernity. Joshi remarked that Indian culture keeps changing itself with time but does not lose its true nature. “The British tried to destroy our culture but didn’t succeed. Nothing of our culture has been destroyed because Indian culture keeps changing with time, but also keeps its parampara (tradition) alive. People all over the world appreciate India’s culture because that is India’s identity. At the same time, we suffer from an inferiority complex with regard to our culture, which is worrisome. Some people even feel proud that their sons and daughters can’t speak their mother tongue. But where’s the pride in that? It’s only when we start taking pride in our culture that we won’t feel we’re losing our culture,” concluded Joshi.
The discussion came to a close with Joshi reading out one of the stories from Zindagi Ka Bonus followed by a lively Q&A session with the audience. The vote of thanks was delivered by Shefali Rawat Agarwal, Ehsaas Woman of Kolkata, while the author was felicitated by V. Aruna.
Guests speak:
Shefali Rawat Agarwal
“The conversation between Sachchidanand Joshi and Roopa Ganguly was quite interesting and entertaining. Joshi enlightened us through his books and experiences. He showed us that, as Indians, we should be proud of our country and its rich culture, and should promote the same around the world.”
— Shefali Rawat Agarwal, Ehsaas Woman of Kolkata
Sitaram Agarwal
“This programme was intellectually stimulating. I especially liked the questions Roopa Ganguly asked. It would be wonderful if more such events are organised!”
— Sitaram Agarwal, journalist
Bishambhar Newar
“I’m yearning for more of this discussion. These kinds of discussions are especially helpful because they increase people’s interest in a wide range of topics.”
— Bishambhar Newar, media professional
