In Conversation with Promila Devi Sutharsan Huidrom: Insights into Her Upcoming Literary Projects
In an insightful conversation with Promila Devi Sutharsan Huidrom, we delve into her upcoming literary projects, including her plans for a children’s book focused on moral stories. She also shares her thoughts on the evolving reading habits of today’s children, the ongoing conflict in Manipur, and her experience representing Hindi poetry at the Berlin International Conclave. Promila’s reflections on Indian culture, language, and the importance of preserving knowledge through literature are both inspiring and thought-provoking. In addition, she provides valuable advice for aspiring writers, encouraging them to express themselves freely and pursue their passion for writing.
- Hello , Promila Ma’am glad to have you here. Please tell us more about the Children’s book you are writing .
Ans I am currently thinking about the whole concept, its my future plan because I want to give moral stories from nursery to 10 years old. I am reading children’s book but ultimately it has to be my idea and should be unique for children to understand
2.Do you feel children have consistently lessened their reading time and do you feel its hampering them ?
Ans I have been listening and also realised that there is difference between the reading time of previous generation and this generation but first what does reading means, if it is about reading novels which are now presented in ott in virtual mode , kindle . This generation has other sources like gaming and others from where they grasp information. There are also hindu traditional books like upanishads. If you don’t read books you will lag in knowledge which is not available on the internet. You also get information from google/ internet
3.For our readers can you please throw light to the Manipur issue ?
Ans- Manipur is still burning since 2023. It started with one community demanding for ST status and poppy cultivation. The new generation is exposed to many things which can play a negative role. There is an issue about people who have lost homes and meiteis suffering. Manipur has more than 32 tribes including Meitei, Nagas, Chothe, Gangte, Kukis etc settled there since the British era. Residents do struggle to earn even if they have basic education. People can donate.
Meitis had a rich history and later on they started struggling after the britishers gave the concept of divide and rule. The north east should be highlighted more even in educational books. World history plays an important role.
4.Why do you personally feel that there is a lack of knowledge about this issue in the general masses ?
Ans- Definitely yes. Books have been tampered , history has been affected , there is control over media by the community who are against Meitis. It is turning out to be a religious war. Asmedia is in our hands, people should spread awareness through web series , movies and real stories has to come out. People should stay together instead of promoting violence.Awarness is important.
5.You have recently represented your Poems in the Berlin International Conclave. How does it feel to represent Hindi Language Internationally ?
Ans- It feels really good. Hindi is in my blood and emotions as I was brought up in pune and in an Army family. I attend kabi sambelan ( poetry events) . Hindi has its own beauty and charm. I write in hindi and it was my pleasure to represent Poems in the Berlin International Conclave. If we talk about Europe even if they have different languages they have english as one national language so why can’t India promote hindi as national language even if they promote other regional languages individually. There should be one common language to avoid confusion.
6.Is there any poem you have written specifically on Indian Culture ?
Ans There are many covering the topics like Pulwama Attack, Hindu Gods like Shani dev, Shiva and I am going to write about Saraswati, Indian culture, language philosophy, life and simple logic
7.When have you last visited India and what is one thing that you loved about the country ?
Ans It has to be food and temples. I have visited tuljapur, ardhanareswar temple, Khandoba Temple in Jejuri, Spices play a hero role as it has medicinal properties and most importantly infinite dishes can be made having different flavours. For example in english sentences are made from number of words and words are made up of alphabets similarly spices are like alphabets. India is punya bhumi and bhumi of food.
8.You are working on translating your first book in English and Norwegian . How is your experience so far . Like we know with translations the actual meaning sense often gets distorted .
Ans I dont literal translate the words . I do translate rather i write it again without changing the meaning. As Osho ji said no similar word is same. Every word has different meaning and no language can be translated. It differs from culture to culture, language to language.
9.One advice you would like to give to our budding authors
Ans Write your heart out no matter which format follow. It helps to take the burden out. Whatever you have in your heart write it out and later on you can publish it or put it social media. There are people who like to listen others.Give yourself a dedicated time write it down no doubt initially it will take time.
