On Writing

‘Managing To Work For Long Hours Is An Accomplishment’

    • Sugandha Indulkar
    • Publish Date: Jun 15 2016 2:40PM
    • |
    • Updated Date: Jun 15 2016 2:44PM
‘Managing To Work For Long Hours Is An Accomplishment’

Singapore-based Parashar Kulkarni is the first Indian author to win the Commonwealth short story prize. Beating nearly 4,000 entries for the £5,000 award, this is the first short story Kulkarni has ever written. In an interview  he shares some insights about his beliefs...

Tell us something about your school/college days... 
I went to Swami Vivekananda for High School, Chembur, Mumbai, and thereafter to R A Podar College for my undergraduate studies. I was a quiet student and those days were not particularly eventful.  I had good grades. 

How did this story occur to you? How long did you take to write it? 
My research focuses on religion and political economy in India during the colonial period. I spent a large portion of my time with archives. The story was a way to interact with the archives emotionally. I completed the story in two years. 

What was your inspiration for the plot?
I was trying to involve myself with work and my archives in a different way. It was more enjoyable. The joy of writing and the connection I could establish with my memories propelled me to write. 

Who are your role models in life and at work? And why?
Like most people, I tend to learn different things from different people. I read interesting fiction and learn how writers tell stories. I read relevant articles and learn how academics do research. I admire individuals who are respectful towards others in private and public life, and stand by or work towards basic human rights, civil liberties and a strong welfare state. 

Tell us more about yourself, family and work — apart from writing — and what is your biggest passion? 
I am an assistant professor of social sciences at Yale NUS College. I teach courses related to comparative politics, colonialism, and religion and politics. Towards my research I am interested in the intersection of religion and political economy particularly in colonial India. I am also interested in theoretical work on culture and politics. I have worked on television and film sets. I am interested and passionate about the visual medium. 

What has been your biggest accomplishment in life till date?
Managing to work for long hours over a long duration, I think, is an accomplishment. A large number of people put in many hours of work, day after day, yet receive little recognition, income and guarantees for their work. I have been fortunate. 

Often, young Indians give up their dreams due to varied reasons. What is your advice for them? 
People understand their conditions best and must work towards overcoming difficult times.

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