An author, an artist, a teacher and a
great human being- Ishita Rajan is a well known personality in the field of
literature, from the land of Gods- Himachal Pradesh. She is a prolific writer
and has been associated with innumerable publications. She has authored three
books - "Apne Saaye Se", "Reeva" and the latest being
"Sabse Achchha Bachcha" which deal with society at large. Stories,
poems written by her have featured in leading publications. Presently, she is a
leading faculty at Our Lady Of The Snows, Kullu. In this small talk with
STIMULUS INDIA ! she expresses her views on society, children, women and Indian
culture.
The prime aim of this talk is to share
the notions of a leading author - Ishita Rajan pertaining to the different
domains of work-space.
Ma'am, what according to
you are the major characteristics that describe the Nature of Indian Society?
On one hand we as Indians feel proud of our rich cultural
heritage, and on the other we are aware of poverty, illiteracy, backwardness
and orthodox beliefs still prevailing in our society. One thing that I feel
sorry for is that many of us are too satisfied with what we are and don't feel
any need to grow as human.... In name of culture, in place of making a study
about our glorious past, we blow our own trumpet and continue some such
practices which hamper individuality.... It's my personal belief that our
people are more a society than individuals and so most of us are not able to
give our best for the growth of our society.
Ma'am, you write about women extensively. According to you, what
is the real definition of - 'A woman’?
For me a real woman is a 'Shakti Swaroopini'. She is brave, bold,
and has a large heart; she is soft, tender, loving and strong and stern at the
same time. This is a woman. If she is seen in a different facet, that is only a
distorted facet. Something that society has made of her.
How do you perceive the changing trends in culture and society?
Change is a law of nature. We must learn to welcome this with open
arms. Recently one my story, "Aik picnic papa ke liye" is published
simultaneously in two magazines, Abhinav Mimansa and Him Prasth. In this I have
tried to raise this issue. People of my generation need to study not only the
changes but also about the other culture that affects them before we become
judgmental and criticize them.
Ma'am, your third book ' Sabse Achcha Bachcha' is about the
upbringing of a child. What inspired you to write on children?
I as a teacher got opportunity to be close to children. In Moral Science
classes and also in literature classes I got much time to interact with
teenagers. I felt their pain. Pain of being misunderstood; pain of not being
heard! And I felt these are parents and not the kids who need to be talked to.
I was taking notes for some seven years. Then my son and some friends asked me
to give this a book form.
How do inter-link religion, ethics and society?
how I wish people understood one religion, that of love and
respect for every individual, whatever class, creed, culture, cult, region,
religion, sex or age group they come from. Any religion or ethics that would
spread love and respect for all, would bring peace in society.
The modern education system has a multitude set of pros and cons.
What do you think about it?
Our educational system still has to go a long way to become child
oriented. We have progressed for sure, but we are still not out of the marks
and grade race. We need a system where a child has some time for big dreams.
Ma'am, what according to you should be the real definition of
humanity?
LOVE AND RESPECT in-spite of differences in beliefs or opinions.
Talk by Ishita Rajan with STIMULUS INDIA !
