Emotions Are The Roots Of A Writer, Says Mousumi Kalita Sachdeva

Mousumi Kalita Sachdeva, a Delhi-based author from Assam, was honoured jointly by the Gujarat Sahitya Academy and Motivational Strips this Independence Day for showing literary excellence at par with global standards.

She is an author of repute, and over the years, she has carved out a niche for herself among book lovers across the globe.

Previously, Mousumi Kalita was also awarded as one of India’s most inspirational writers in 2018 by The Indian Awaz.

She has also been awarded the Nobel Laureate Kabi Rabindranath Tagore Award 2020.

Mousumi Kalita has also been honoured at the Army Women Welfare Association Day in 2019 as India’s inspirational figure to the families of the Indian Army.

Apart from being an author, she is also a trainer of English literature and soft skills.

She has been training and teaching in many institutions across the length and breadth of the country.

She is often called ‘Students’ Friend’, and she has carved a niche for herself among her students.

She has been the coordinator of the British Council’s English Language Quality Standards Programme and the Head of the English Department.

Among the books authored by Mousumi Kalita Sachdeva are Lockdown Stories (two parts), The Pride of Being Different, Love Remains Undefined, Making Impossible Possible, and The Blend of the Real and Imagination.

The Story Mug got in touch with Mousumi Kalita for an exclusive interview to learn more about her life and work.

TSM: Tell us what the award means to you?

MKS: Any recognised and authentic award is a blessing to an author.

Although I had never expected this to come to me so soon, I am glad that my efforts have finally borne fruit in the true sense.

And, indeed, I feel proud to say that I am the recipient of the Sahitya Academy Award, as well as being honoured by a Global Literature Forum Motivational Strips.

I’m grateful to the founder, Shiju H Pallithazheth, a prolific writer and motivational speaker, and to Padma Shree Dr Vishnu Pandya for considering me eligible for this award.

TSM: Please tell us in detail about the award.

MKS: Gujarat Sahitya Academy, in collaboration with the Global Literature Forum Motivational Strips (under the state government of Gujarat), has honoured 350 writers from 80 countries on the occasion of the 74th Independence Day of the country.

The award is honoured by Padma Shree Dr Vishnu Pandya and Shiju H Pallithazheth, the founder of Motivational Strips.

Exhaustive evaluations have been conducted before the jury announces this final list.

It is one of the most reputable honours in the field of Literature.

TSM: Has this award been given for a particular creation of yours or for the work that you have done so far?

MKS: This award is an achievement for all my Literary contributions to date.

TSM: Where do you get your ideas from?

MKS: My life is a travel, and I love to explore a lot. Moreover, I live in my world of imagination.

I do not restrain my mind from imagining. I also love to study real-life characters and situations.

Thus, ideas are created and are saved in the pages.

TSM: What is your writing process like?

MKS: There is no particular process. Rather, many processes take different turns when writing different genres of Literature.

TSM: Your first published book?

MKS: My first published book, titled Love Remains Undefined, is still my favourite, which tells the story of a writer from Assam and another writer who never reveals her whereabouts.

TSM: How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?

MKS: My first book actually made me a consistent writer, author and an international poet.

The taste of being an author is awesome, and I have become addicted to this taste.

Yes, all credit to my first book, which has made me an addicted writer.

I have become faster and more systematic today in creating stories and poetry.

TSM: What is your writing motivator?

MKS: My passion for writing continues to motivate me.

I love speaking and narrating stories.

As I am mostly out of the cities, away from my friends, I find my alacrity to share my stories compels me to write, as this is the only medium through which they can reach everyone.

TSM: How important are emotions for a writer?

MKS: Emotions are the roots of a writer.

An author lives the life of a character they portray.

Many times, I cry bitterly, carrying the same emotions as the characters I describe, and I start thinking and behaving like the character I am working on.

Emotions give the characters a real sense of feeling.

If we talk about writing poetry, without emotions, feelings won’t flow, and poetry wouldn’t find space in the mind of a poet.

TSM: Have you ever gotten a case of writer’s block?

MKS: Yes, of course! The pandemic days are causing regular writer’s block, as my travels and tours have been cancelled, and I find myself chained, unable to explore what I actually desire.

However, there are ways to overcome this block, and I shift my attention to other creative activities, like painting, gardening, and cooking, to clear it.

Music is also a great solace for a blocked mind.

TSM: Do you have any advice for the budding writers?

MKS: I would request that budding writers focus more on writing than on running after awards.

I recommend they avoid fake awards, which are currently in great demand.

Stop buying awards, and keep working hard. One day, your efforts will be rewarded.