A budding litterateur, Alakananda paints, sketches, plays music, dances and has, of late, acted in a couple of short films that drive powerful messages. Ruchira interviews her for Different Truths. An exclusive.

She can’t simply stop smiling. Years of relentless hard work are now beginning to bear fruit. People are sitting up and taking notice of her language prowess and writing skills. So now she can afford to let her hair down, put up her feet and relax a bit. Meet Alakananda Pramanik whose anthology of short stories titled Soul Stirrer is creating ripples.

Years of relentless hard work are now beginning to bear fruit. People are sitting up and taking notice of her language prowess and writing skills. So now she can afford to let her hair down, put up her feet and relax a bit. Meet Alakananda Pramanik whose anthology of short stories titled Soul Stirrer is creating ripples.

Upon closer interaction, one discovers that Alakananda (Alak to her near and dear ones) wears many hats. She paints, sketches, plays music, dances and has, of late, acted in a couple of short films that drive powerful messages across to society at large. On a personal plane, this budding litterateur comes across as highly vivacious, graceful and serene. It is heartening to note that this grandma of four loves Life, despite having seen its seamier sides. And she still nurtures dreams: dreams of travelling around the world and lending a helping hand to her less fortunate brethren. Excerpts from an exclusive interview, with Different Truths.

A brief about your background, education and early years.

Born in a simple and well-educated family in Nagpur, Maharashtra, I was reared in a very family-oriented environment. My dad, a voracious reader, taught mechanical engineering at an engineering college. My mom was a housewife, but very fashionable, talented, energetic and a multi-tasker to boot.

Born in a simple and well-educated family in Nagpur, Maharashtra, I was reared in a very family-oriented environment. My dad, a voracious reader, taught mechanical engineering at an engineering college. My mom was a housewife, but very fashionable, talented, energetic and a multi-tasker to boot.

Having finished my schooling and graduation, I got married and had two children. However, I did not stop studying, as I always yearned to gain knowledge. Post marriage, I pursued diverse fields which are not even remotely connected. I did International Airlines Management, and HR Management from prestigious Mumbai based institutes, and a Medical Transcription course from Kolkata. I served international and domestic airlines for almost a decade in Mumbai, before shifting base to Kolkata where I still reside.

Currently, I am with a reputed IT company, Embee Software Pvt. Ltd., besides holding an honorary Senior Leadership position in Soulitaire a premium e-Learning platform.

As a child, I attempted to write stories though I never dreamt of becoming an author. Instead, I wanted to be a pilot, play the guitar and become a rock star. I was a tomboy during my adolescent years. I enjoyed climbing trees, cycling super fast (though I wouldn’t encourage the youngsters as it’s not safe) and taking risks. But I was passionate about reading novels and stories; this trait persists. Since childhood, I have always been passionate about music, painting and writing. I love exploring the beauty of life.

What inspired or lured you to take up writing?

Eight years ago, aspiring to become a writer, I had begun writing a story revolving around love and life, when there came a bolt from the blue! My creativity was ripped by turbulent emotions and difficult situations that played havoc with my life then. The day my cupboard and drawers were ransacked, and my script was stolen and destroyed, my dream to become a writer changed to a rigid, steely determination to become a published writer.

I used to write articles in my office magazines from the year 2000 onwards, and I do remember writing short stories during my school days. Eight years ago, aspiring to become a writer, I had begun writing a story revolving around love and life, when there came a bolt from the blue! My creativity was ripped by turbulent emotions and difficult situations that played havoc with my life then. The day my cupboard and drawers were ransacked, and my script was stolen and destroyed, my dream to become a writer changed to a rigid, steely determination to become a published writer.

What are your themes?

The stories are purely based on real-life incidents that have occurred in my life or those close to me. Each story is different; for instance, you read about the power of prayers and the role of unbelievable miracles in lives of individuals, sexual molestation at the hands of relatives, atrocities against women, a musical journey with a stranger, a shocking death, incidents linked to the disastrous Nepal earthquakes, et al. The book is sure to evoke the deepest emotions and sentiments of the readers.

Any hurdles you encountered while writing?

After the initial experience of my work getting stolen and destroyed, I was careful and started writing in the cloud. Hence there were no more problems However, occasionally I encountered writer’s block because there were too many things on my plate at the same time. However, I overcame that.

What is the significance of the name?

The title was selected based on the feelings and feedback from a panel of discerning readers and the cover page was designed according to their impressions. The book’s title and cover page signify the welter of emotions which all human beings undergo during their lifetime

The title was selected based on the feelings and feedback from a panel of discerning readers and the cover page was designed according to their impressions. The book’s title and cover page signify the welter of emotions which all human beings undergo during their lifetime; the emotions, which arise from the core of their hearts, stir their souls, in the process synchronising the cosmic whirlpool of emotions with those humble ordinary beings inhabiting this planet.

You are well travelled worldwide. Do your journeys figure in your stories/influence them?

Not in ‘Soul Stirrer’ save one story of my teenage years when we lived abroad. However, I have several interesting and exciting stories revolving around my travel worldwide and I am sure they will feature in my future books.

Would you call yourself a feminist?

 I am not a feminist to the point of disregarding or disrespecting a man. Women and men can walk the same path equally, shoulder to shoulder. Often women surpass men in certain aspects.

I am not a feminist to the point of disregarding or disrespecting a man. Women and men can walk the same path equally, shoulder to shoulder. Often women surpass men in certain aspects. We are witness to the way women leaders have efficiently handled the Covid-19 situation in their countries. However, we must accept that, anatomically, biologically and in terms of physical strength the sexes cannot be equal.

How do you juggle your writing with a job, household, etc?

I grew up watching my parents multi-tasking and juggling with job, household and passion. Balancing work-life was difficult but I managed since my husband is supportive. Regarding writing, I do not have a fixed schedule. The moment I get into the writing mode and mood, I start writing. It can happen at any time, at any moment.

What is your family’s reaction?

My family is neutral about my writing. They have neither encouraged nor discouraged me. However, I get tremendous encouragement and support from my two sisters.

Did you dedicate the book to someone?

Not anyone in particular. I thank all those who have crossed my path, for tapping my potential, for doing both wrong and right things to me, thus helping to bring out the harder and softer aspects of the woman that’s me.

Why stories, why not novel?

 I was shocked by the sudden turn of events in my life and those of my loved ones as well.  Each incident and emotion began flowing through my pen as individual short stories. The novel was not on my mind then, probably because I was emotionally bankrupt. I may try to write one in future

I was shocked by the sudden turn of events in my life and those of my loved ones as well.  Each incident and emotion began flowing through my pen as individual short stories. The novel was not on my mind then, probably because I was emotionally bankrupt. I may try to write one in future, but currently, I have no plan or plot in my mind. Besides short stories are quick reads and help to connect with readers easily.

Your favourite authors.

Khalid Hossain, Alex Hailey, Mary Higgins Clark among many more

Did you attempt poetry anytime?

Oh yes. My English poems have been published in a book titled ‘Harmonious Symphonies’ and Hindi ones in ‘Kaavyarooh.’ My poems too are inspired by real-life incidents.

What are your other pastimes?

Music ignites my soul and enhances my productivity in anything that I do. I find solace in painting, reading, movies, long walk, photography, etc.  I have a well-stocked personal library. Time and again, I pick a book and re-read it. I dabbled in modelling for an upcoming photographer and in acting as well.

When not writing, I listen to music. Music ignites my soul and enhances my productivity in anything that I do. I find solace in painting, reading, movies, long walk, photography, etc.  I have a well-stocked personal library. Time and again, I pick a book and re-read it. I dabbled in modelling for an upcoming photographer and in acting as well. The two short films I acted in, were released on YouTube on Women’s day 2019 and 2020 respectively. Both of these, ‘Sujog – The Opportunity’ (Bengali) and ‘Shakti – The Strength within’(Hindi) are on women empowerment

What has been the greatest achievement of your life?

When my small deeds bring a smile in someone’s life, it is an achievement, every dream that I dreamt and achieved are an achievement. At the moment, the greatest achievement of my life is becoming a published author.

Any plans?

There are so many things I want to do in this lifetime. I started late in life, nevertheless, I am enjoying my life to the hilt. Once I retire, I want to travel freely.

There are so many things I want to do in this lifetime. I started late in life, nevertheless, I am enjoying my life to the hilt. Once I retire, I want to travel freely. I look at myself being a successful writer or a video presenter. Frankly, I want people to hear me and relate to me. And most importantly,  I want to lend my shoulder and stretch out my caring hands to whoever needs it.

Photos sourced by the author