BY ARTI DAS|NT NETWORK
Chetan Bhagat, one of India’s bestselling authors and a youth icon believes that mistakes are an important part of life which makes you what you are in life. He opines that it is very important to highlight the ups and downs in life. “I think everyone chart a graph of the ups and downs in one’s life.
It should not be only about your career, but also about your health, relations etc. It helps define your life,” stated Chetan who was addressing the students of Smt Parvatibai Chowgule college on the occasion of their Founder’s Day held recently at Margao.
He went on to say that failures or losses in one’s life can be seen as an alarm bell for action. “In India I feel that there is a big block in people’s minds when it comes to admitting the mistakes in their life. If I had not committed mistakes in my life than I do not think I would have reached here,” expressed Chetan.
Chetan who wishes that India one day will emerge as a rich nation where all can have access to a better healthcare, education and infrastructure, considers that money is not a great motivator in the long run. He says, “Money is not a great motivator for a long time. One should have non-financial interest in life.”
He advised the youth to be innovative and work on improvisation. “There should be a desire to improve but improve only on what you can control and accept what you cannot. Don’t be serious, be sincere,” elaborated the author, who left his lucrative job of an investment banker in order to pursue his dream of writing.
“Sadly in our education system there is not enough scope for innovation, taking risks. The system does not give a wider view of life. Students are stuck with only one course beyond which they seldom venture, he said during the interaction when asked to comment on the current education system.
Chetan gave his own example. He spoke of his journey which started in early 2000, when he was struggling to find a publisher to release his first book, ‘Five Point Someone.’ “I used to work in Hong Kong that time and I my boss used to hate me. In order to take revenge, I started writing in office. My boss thought that I was instead working hard,” quipped Chetan. He mentioned how his book was rejected by nine publishers. “One publisher told me that Indians don’t read books, some others said you should be able to sell at least 1000 copies. So, I was rejected by nine publishers but Rupa (who are still my publishers) published it and now till date 10 lakh copies of this book is sold, which is 10 times more than a bestseller,” said Chetan.
He said that this incident taught him two lessons—experts are not always right and secondly there is no formula for success.
The author who started his talk on a funny note referred to his latest book, ‘2 States’, which speaks about inter-state marriage, (inspired from his real life marriage) mentioned that everyone should have an inter-state marriage so that the country can become one. “Nowadays politicians are dividing the country on the basis of region. But, can they divide my children?” asked Chetan.
He expressed his reservations on joining politics. He stated that he would instead prefer to focus on issues through his writing and not otherwise. “I don’t like to be part of the engine of a train but I am more interested in being an announcer, who guides and sees whether the train is going in the right direction or not,” stated Chetan drawing a parallel. He observed that politicians are luring the youth but not empowering them.
Chetan also commented on the Commonwealth Games and mentioned that one cannot be a party to corruption. He said, “You can’t be a cheer leader of corruption. If the politicians can walk out of Parliament then even we should also walk out of stadium,” said Chetan.
During his interaction with the media he congratulated the efforts of the Chowgule College. “I am quite impressed with the level of English here. Also the writing centre started at this college is a small but a unique innovation.”
While speaking about Goa he added that he comes here at least five times a year. “It is my favourite place in the world. Also my kids like this place. I like being here and listening to Remo’s music,” Chetan said. When asked whether he wants to settle in Goa like many writers he said that he is not sure about it. “Many writers come here to be in isolation so it can help them to write. But, for me I have to be with people,” remarked the author.
Chetan who mainly writes inspired by his personal experiences added that he always keeps his readers in mind while writing. Thus, when he was asked whether he would be interested to write on the drug nexus in Goa, he added, “I am very careful about what I write as it is read by many young girls and boys. So, I don’t think I will be comfortable about writing such issues.”
Chetan is also careful about his relationship with Bollywood. When asked about the controversy related to the film ‘3 Idiots’, he expressed, “It’s ok, it was just a misunderstanding. This culture is slowly building up in Bollywood. But, in future I will be careful,” he said before signing off.
