Thursday, July 31, 2014

It is equally important to teach boys not to rape, to respect women and inculcate in them the virtues of kindness: Prachi Priyanka


When I got in touch with the vivacious Dr. Prachi Priyanka, I noticed she had a cheerful smile on her face. Within a few minutes of talking, I came to know its beauty of her heart that reflects in her face. A dynamic personality that she, Prachi happens to be the Creative Head at Morsels & Juices. She holds a doctorate degree in English literature and conducts creative writing workshops for young learners. She enjoys weaving articles on various topics ranging from art criticism to book reviews and relationships to recipes. 

Prachi is a contributing author in three short story anthologies: Crumpled Voices, Mighty Thoughts and The Zest of Inklings. Her articles, stories and poems have been published on several online magazines and journals. She writes with equal ease in English as well as Hindi and her works are published in both the languages. Conflicts and contradictions that emerge in human relationships fascinate her to the core and her writings are often spilled with varying shades of experiences that intrigue her. She is a fun-loving person blessed with beautiful family and a bunch of good friends. She likes to learn languages, read books, write blogs, watch movies, experiment art, enjoy cooking, make memories and stay happy.

In a candid chat with me, Priyanka reveals about issues close to heart and how we can help create a difference in the society.

1. How does it feel to be a part of 'Crumpled Voices'?

Fortunate, Fulfilling.Fearless.

2. Tell us something about yourself.

Thank you Harshita for having me here. I was born in the silk city, Bhagalpur, completed my schooling from De Nobili School, Chandrapura, did my graduation from Banaras Hindu University, and finally obtained my doctorate degree in English literature from Patna University. Presently, I am associated with Morsels & Juices as its Creative Head and also run English creative writing workshops for young learners. I like to take new challenges, explore possibilities, work hard, think positive and create happiness within and around me. I love to meet people, make friends and treasure memories.

3. Tell us something about your writing journey.

I dwell in the world of words. They hold me, haunt me, touch me, tease me, move, mould me – and make me what I am today. Writing came naturally to me – You can say, it’s in my genes! My mother writes in Hindi and has published several novels and poetry collections. As for me, I have always loved writing – in English as well as Hindi - somehow, finding it easier to communicate through written texts than spoken words. I have been writing on and off – working with the editorial team for school magazine, scribbling poems during college lectures, penning down articles for online journals and now weaving stories for various anthologies. Crumpled Voices is my first step into the world of publishing and I am especially grateful to Pulkit Gupta and Ila Garg for coming up with an anthology that revolves around societal evils – the need of the hour.

4. Tell us something about your story. What instigated you to pen down a story on this issue?

The complications in human nature have always appealed to me. My story ‘The Paradise’ is a thought provoking journey of a couple very much in love, and yet something is missing – and so it crumples.

I have been married for fifteen years and the story has found its way out from the issues that have engaged me often – something like: Is love enough to make you stay in a marriage? Can there be a perfect marriage? Should perfection be sought after? What makes a home a paradise? If you were to marry Apsara – would you have been able to live happily ever after?


5. Name one social evil that as per you needs major attention.

Though corruption is a global phenomenon, in India it thrives on the nexus between bureaucracy, politics and criminals. We all love to hate it, and yet ironically, corruption exists in us, deep rooted – following us like the hutch dog. Spreading like an epidemic disease; adversely affecting investment and economic growth of our country. The sad part is that we spend all our time blaming officials and the government – never take the onus. We need to realize that the change has to begin with ourselves.

6. What do you think can be done to curb such practices?

The sad part is that we spend all our time blaming officials and the government – never taking the onus ourselves. We need to realize that the change has to begin with ourselves. Taking responsibility instead of pointing fingers is necessary if we want things to change. ‘Crumpled Voices’ is an initiative to raise awareness on different social issues that curb our growth as individuals and as a nation.

7. If you were given a chance to help eradicate a social evil, what would it be and how would you fight the same?

The rise in rape victims making headlines all over India leaves me agitated – feeling terrible and tormented. Every day we encounter such cases of brutal and spine-chilling stories that disturb me as a woman. If you ask me how I would fight it – the only refrain is that the attitude towards women must change; the legal process of dealing with crime must speed up and men must be educated and sensitized about women’s issues. As a mother of two boys, I feel it is equally important to teach boys not to rape, to respect women and inculcate in them the virtues of kindness that will go a long way in building a beautiful tomorrow for our children.

8. Name one social organization that you feel is working in the most progressive manner.

I feel deeply for women empowerment and feel it is very important to support the cause of girl education. Illiteracy breeds ignorance and fear that only increases her vulnerability to be exposed to lifelong abuse, suppression and exploitation. I appreciate the noble cause of project ‘Nanhi Kali’,which aims to provide primary education to girl children in India. The Project was founded with a strong belief that educated women would not only contribute to the economy but also issues of population and social evils like the dowry system and child marriage would reduce as more women are educated. Established in 1996, the organization has grown hugely now to support the education of approximately 1500000 girls. I would surely like to contribute to more projects that support such causes and help in our nation’s development.

9. Lastly, is there a message you would like to convey your readers.

Follow your heart. Find your voice. Create new horizons. 

We wish Prachi all the success for life. May you accomplish your everything under the sun! :)

Purchase link of Crumpled Voices: http://bit.ly/1m5MnwV
Connect with her at prachi.writes@gmail.com

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