The writer and his new audience

The most innocent questions can come from children. The celebrity author was escorted inside the pavilion where he was supposed to launch the Indian chapter of Dickens 2012 celebrations .Dickens’ 200th birth anniversary is being marked with lots of activities across the globe. Vikram Seth is at the Kolkata Literary Meet and he had agreed to launch Dickens 2012 at the bookfair .  After addressing the young readers assembled in the hall Seth is ready to answer questions from the audience. He reassures them –ask any questions he tells the children. There is silence. A young child volunteers, looks at the small man in front and asks “Who are you? “ The audience breaks into spontaneous laughter. The organisers look uncomfortable.

Seth is amused and takes a minute before speaking in his delightful manner .He speaks simply and clearly. He confesses that he writes very long novels also. The audience love him .Another question comes from a small boy “Why do you write lengthy stories”? Yet another child asks him about tackling “writer’s blocks”. Seth is completely at ease with the kids. He tells them about his involvement with his many characters which makes him write lengthy narratives. He is planning to write a sequel to the tome “Suitable Boy”. He wanted vernacular literature to flourish and not get overshadowed by this increasing popularity (and commercial success) of Indian writing in English. 

Further ref:

 http://www.dickens2012.org/

Picture above:

http://www.newkerala.com/news/2011/worldnews-149992.html