Indian Writers Wake Up

June 1, 2009

Does this title – Indian Writers Wake Up sound ironic? If it does, I don’t feel that I owe anyone an apology. Once upon a time, Indian writers were most sought after. Their knowledge and writing style created revolution that inspired the youth. Writers from universities of Benaras, Allahabad and Bengal were honored and are still regarded with high esteem today. So if Indians are such good writers why has the world forgotten them? Let’s not go global with this question but ask our own people.

Reality shows on Indian television have sponsors who encourage singing, dancing and comedy. What they fail to realize is that writing too is an art form. Most Indian writers get their novels published in international markets. When they receive accolades abroad, then the people here acknowledge them. There are many reasons why Indian publishers do not encourage Indian authors to succeed in India. Some of their demands are unrealistic, there is a lack of marketing, zero popularity or affiliations with movie stars, celebrity power and sponsorships. Indian authors rarely get recognition if they publish their book with local publishers.

Most Indian writers get the satisfaction of publishing their pieces in local newspaper and now of course there is the internet. Is this trend ever going to change? I have no concrete answer to this. But what made me think of our lack of infrastructure to promote creative Indian writers is the new, upcoming reality show called “The Write Stuff,” America’s First Literary Reality Show.

In this show, candidates from across the country (USA) will compete for the chance to have their literary dreams come true. Week by week they will go through challenges that highlight what it takes to be successful in the business of writing. Winners of each challenge will be rewarded while the weakest will be eliminated.

I hope someday, Indian writers too will get a chance to bring back and glorify its literary image back to its own country.