Bakul Banerjee: The world has always been in turmoil. However, the burden of living becomes heavier when the leaders fail to demonstrate empathy. Creative writers need to step in and help others with the collective search for strength within ourselves. Read Bakul Banerjee’s poem here.
M.Mohankumar: Creative writing is of two kinds, one that is meant to entertain and the other of a serious nature that touches the hearts and minds of the readers. Both have flourished in the past and will continue to flourish in the future. The great epics of the world, including our own “Ramayana” and “Mahabharata” that have influenced the thoughts and feelings of successive generations of people will continue to do so in the future. There are numerous literary works that portray the human condition with sensitivity, provide insights into the complexities of human life, refine our feelings and make us better persons. There have been many creative works that have addressed serious social issues. Many of them have had a significant impact and, in some cases, have compelled the authorities to undertake the needed reforms. I believe many such books will be written as and when new issues arise. In the present day digital world, the production of printed books may progressively decline, but readership, if anything, may go up, what with easy availability through the internet. Read Mohankumar’s poem here.
Shikhandin: I don’t see creative writing as having any role. It is an art form like any other. If it has to have a role at all, why should that be any different from painting or singing or needlecraft? Which is simply to be as perfect as possible in one’s chosen vocation; be true to your craft. I am uncomfortable with burdening my choice to be a writer with anything remotely moral and unctuous, with social responsibility. The last bit – social responsibility – is something all humans ought to have whether they are writers/artists or not. Just as a piece of beautiful painting or sculpture takes us away from the present situation even if for a moment, a song or piece of music transports us to another emotional plane, even if for a moment, so too must creative writing. Read Shikhandin’s poems here.
Vinita Agrawal: Creative writing has perhaps never been as vibrant as it is today. People are writing on every issue under the sun without inhibitions. More and more women writers are emerging on the literary scene. The role of creative writing essentially is to scratch beyond the surface of a subject and bring it out into the open so that it can be freely discussed and debated upon. This can be done under the garb of fiction, non-fiction or poetry. Words are perhaps the sharpest weapons we have today. As a collective, we need to guard our freedom of expression closely and valiantly. Read Vinita’s poems here.
