I personally
believe the best way to connect with people is writing, write what you see,
feel and what you want to read as a reader in books.
Reading new
books, writing my thoughts in words and volunteering for different events are
my hobbies.I love to meet new people, learning new things and then connecting
all the dots together in my writing gives me satisfaction.This year I volunteered
for the 3rd Brahmaputra Literary Festival 2019 held in Shankardev Kalakhetra
from 9th January to 11th January. The main aim of the
event was to promote the habit of reading among the youths. The festival
brought together prominent personalities from the North-East and as well as National
and International writers, thinkers, celebrities, artists etc.
When
I came to know I was chosen for assisting one of the famous writers from
Indonesia, Jakarta Dee Lestari, I was speechless. Already I had gone through her
biography and that encouraged me the most. On 10th of January I met
her in person; her husband Dr. Rezagunawan also accompanied us. As she was the
guest author in the event after attending her session I asked her about the
secret behind her brilliant writing skills .
“Priyanka, always write what a reader wants
to read. Writing is a skill, the more you will write; the more you learn.” She
replied. I must say these two lines by her had a great impact on me. She also
discussed about different techniques we should follow while writing and encouraged
me to pursue my dream.
“ Don’t stop dreaming and playing with your
words; I am definitely waiting for your book next year.” Her comments gave me Goosebumps.
The best part of this experience was knowing a writer from outside India who has
written aboutmighty river Brahmaputra in
her first book “Supernova”. She asked me about the sunset view of the river as
she wanted to witness it in real. That was her first wish in Guwahati.
“Please
I want to see the sunset view with Reza for once and relive the moment ,
if you can manage ..do the favour to us.” That innocent pleading....
The valley view point of Uzanbazar and one
hour in Alfresco Grand must have
fulfilled her wishes I believe. I was successful in letting her go back with
good memories and fulfilling one of her desires from her wish list. The day
before returning to Jakarta, she was
sharing her experience on Guwahati during the 3 day tour. The sunset view, the
gorgeous Assamese people, and our colourful culture mainly the attires; the way
BLF team had welcomed them & specially the Assamese food in Kharika they
loved devoured.
She gifted me one of her book “Paperboat” & asked me to share my
opinion on the book. She said Jakarta youths loved the book, but wasn’t sure
about the Indian youth’s taste.She was assured by my reviews as I said this
book will be one of my favourites. I requested her to make the book available in
Indian book fair too. In this virtual world the youth is mainly attracted to
social media more. But reading a new book is always like “ you want to finish the book; but you
don’t want the book to be finished”. I believe
every booklover has the same story as mine. It gives you a best friend, knowledge
more genuine then google, enjoyment that no social media can give.
This experience is and will be always closed to my heart & I want to share one
of my favourite line from the book “Paperboat” with you all.
“ Maybe we do have to become something
we are not; so that we can be ourselves one day!!”
-Dee Lestari.
PRIYANKA DEKA
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION &
JOURNALISM.
GAUHATI UNIVERSITY.
