JLF 2016: 8 insights shared by Amish Tripathi on society, writing and faith
Amish Tripathi, the immortal of the bestseller list, arrived at the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) to present the interwoven spiritual and cultural vision that has shaped his life and his works. In a scintillating session, the poster boy of commercial Indian fiction negotiated questions of divinity, the deeply spiritual process of writing and what it meant to be masculine or feminine.
Toeing the line between being socially concerned and being apolitical, Amish discussed the nature of social structures, the forgotten pride in Indian culture and the dangers of moral arrogance. The author also revealed how his future literary aspirations were codified in the Shiva trilogy as little indicators for his fans to discover. The author's session symbolised his relationships with the word, the world and the spirit that combine to create his unique brand of fiction.
Here are some highlights:
1. On the caste system
"Judge me as Amish, not as a Tripathi."
Amish argued that the modern caste system is a "disgusting corruption" of the system as it existed in ancient India where "varnas" were based on attributes and actions, not birth. In a defiance of this system, Amish decided to omit his surname from his books.
2. On masculinity and femininity
"Masculine and feminine societies have nothing to do with men and women. It's about a way of life."
Calling Bill Clinton feminine and Hillary Clinton masculine, Amish stressed that we were free to choose to be masculine or feminine, irrespective of our gender. He said that India, with its rebellious, passionate and creative energy was inclined towards a feminine way of life.
3. On learning from gods
"We are supposed to ask questions of our gods and learn from them."
The writer commented on how there was no ancient Sanskrit equivalent for the word "blasphemous" because the Indic tradition encouraged inquisitiveness in religion. He said that one could learn from Lord Rama that justness ensured societal efficiency but was detrimental to personal relationships.
4. On societal norms
"Each age was supposed to create its own smriti."
Speaking about how moralities change with time, the author said that the people of an age together choose the laws that they will follow. Similarly, he argued that modern India has arrived at its own "smriti": the Indian Constitution.
5. On being a risk-averse writer
"Sirji, agli kitaab agar flop hogayi toh main wapas aajaunga."
Confessing that he hadn't had an adventurous path to becoming a full-time writer, Amish said he quit his job as a banker only when his royalty cheque was more than his salary cheque. He recalled how even when he quit his job, on his farewell, he told his boss he would come back if his next novel failed.
6. On his writing process
"I genuinely believe my books are the blessings of Lord Shiva."
Amish spoke of his writing as presenting a parallel world to readers that Lord Shiva shows him. Apart from the spiritual element, he also spoke of the influence of his religious family and a strong reading habit as factors contributing to his writing.
7. On evolving cultures
"Ancient India was like the America of the ancient world."
Amish presented his understanding of history as a melting pot of cultures with a multi-directional influence of ideas where India was a major contributor. India welcomed many worthy individuals from different parts of the world, interacting with them and also influencing them.
8. On contemporary cultural interactions
"We should be open, confident, but we should be rooted in our own land."
Amish argued that influence from other cultures did not entail a rejection of Indian traditions. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, he presented a perspective of an India that is inspired by the world but still retains its unique identity.