In conversation with Writer Balendu Dwivedi

Bhubaneswar: Government employee turned writer Balendu Dwivedi was in Bhubaneswar to attend a special programme on literature. Odishatv.in caught up with him to know more about his journey and his recently launched novel ‘Madaripur Junction’. Excerpts from the interview….

• Journey as a writer

Madaripur Junction is my first novel. I am a government servant who got inspiration after reading writings of some stalwarts like Premchand, Sri Lal Sukla and Kashinath Singh. I tried my best and after getting suggestions from my friends, I started writing a novel from 2011.

• About Madaripur Junction

It is a socio-political satire. It’s all about casteism and politics in villages and nothing related to the cities can be found in this book.

• Visiting Bhubaneswar

It is a very beautiful city. When I arrived at the airport, I felt that the city is a peaceful place. It is a historic place as well. Everyone knows about the Lingaraj Temple and after this interview, I will be going to offer prayer near Lord Lingaraj. I have come here to Bhubaneswar to attend a programme called ‘Kalam’ where I will get an opportunity to interact with the readers.

• English vis-a-vis vernacular

I think English-speaking people are few in numbers. Not only Hindi, languages like Odia, Bangla, Tamil, Telugu etc have a huge reader base in India but somewhere we are lagging behind in attracting our readers towards vernacular literature. Premchand was a Hindi writer but who doesn’t know him! I think this is a misconception that the number of English readers is more. It can be said that English reading youth are more.

• In the offing

Varanasi has been a centre of literature but I think Allahabad should also come in limelight of Hindi literature. It is a place which has got historic and religious significance. My next novel is on Allahabad titled ‘Via Fursatganj’.

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