Know Your Author: Radhakrishnan 'Chanakya' Pillai

Mr. Radhakrishnan Pillai, fondly known as CHANAKYA Pillai, is a teacher to his students, an author to his readers, a management trainer, consultant and guide to his clients. Mr. Pillai was conferred with the Sardar Patel National award 09 for this research on Chanakya and his principles. His first book 'The Corporate Chanakya' has created record for the highest number of pre-release sales for any first book of an author. So in conversation with the Management guru himself...

‘Corporate Chanakya’ is your first book, so how did the book came into being or what inspired you to write the book?

Two things – First Chinmaya Mission I have been a part of Chinmaya Mission since childhood. Therefore there was always an inclination to read ancient Indian scriptures.  I had studied the 6000 sutras of Kautilya’s Arthashastra at the Chinmaya International Foundation. Second I liked to keep notes of all that I do.  So during my training programs I kept notes of all the problems that I solved for companies. So finally all that came into a book form called Corporate Chanakya.

How did the transformation happen from a management guru to a fiction writer?

Management Guru is a big word. Yes I love to be called a writer. So when people call me a Guru and a writer of management I say it is because of the little steps that I have taken to understand how companies work, how leaders think and how to make a person more productive and efficient. For me writing also is nature’s gift. My father is a writer so I naturally got it in my genes.

Tell us the history behind affixing ‘Chanakya’ in your name?

That is very interesting. My friend Muulraj Chheda Director of SPM group of companies had offered his support to promote my work on Chanakya and its teachings. During the time I was doing my research he said “Branding you as a person who is connected with the work of Chanakya is important” So he called a Branding expert. The expert Mr Dhawal Bhatia said. “To have a good recall of the work you are doing on Chanakya – it’s important to name you as Chanakya”… I did not like the idea initially as how can I be called by such a great name?

He said – “Do not people from rotary call themselves as Rotarian Mr so & so... do not people who practise medicine use the name Doctor in all their names. Those who practise law call themselves lawyers or advocates. So if you are teaching Chanakya – use the name Radhakrishnan ‘Chanakya’ Pillai… “

This is how it began. It was a name given or I would say imposed on me. However I clearly remember Muulraj also saying at that point. “It also comes with a responsibility – so make sure you live up to it…”

I have heard you have worked extensively on your book for 8 years. How true is it?

Yes it is true. I went to Kerala to study the book under Dr Gangadharan Nair the book Kautilyas’ Arthashastra in original Sanskrit the 6000 sutras. There was only one teacher and one student. The course was designed only for me. Swami Advayananda of Chinmaya Mission made this arrangement for me. I am thankful to all of them. The research and its application continue even today.

Tell us more about your book and how the things noted in your book can be implied or adapted in a person’s day to day life?

This book has been designed in a format that even a common man can understand. Even though it is called ‘Corporate Chanakya’ it can be used by anyone. There are topics like ‘how to conduct a good meeting’ How to be a good leader, How to plan your taxes etc.

Thus you will find that anyone can connect to the book. The best part is that the book is divided into 175 short chapters. Each chapter takes only three minutes to read. Open any page and you can start from there.

What kind of research did you do for ‘Corporate Chanakya’ and how different is it from ‘Chanakya Neeti or Chanakya Shastra’?

Chanakya Niti and Arthashastra are two different books written by Chanakya himself. Arthashastra is a huge book of 6000 sutras. What I have done in ‘Corporate Chanakya’s is pick up about 200 sutras of Arthashastra and interpret the same into a method our generation understands. I have not made it academic in nature. It is bringing back Chanakya to our generation through this book.

Tell us more about the writing experience of ‘Corporate Chanakya’ and were there any particular time period while writing this book where you faced difficulties to write?

Not at all. I enjoyed writing this book. I never started to write a book. I just started keeping notes of what I have understood. It was a task of over four and a half years. When Jaico approached me to write a book I said “I am ready”. I had to just compile the notes and in a few months all that came out in a book form called ‘Corporate Chanakya’.

How was your growing up years? How did your family react to when you took to writing this book?

They were very excited. They supported me a lot. Infact they were the first people who asked me ‘when is it coming out?” Today it has gone for 10 reprints in a matter of 3 months from its release. They read my interviews and book reviews and are thrilled. Infact when visitors and guests come home they proudly show my achievements.

Who are your favourite authors and which is your favourite book?

Quite a few. Reading is my passion since childhood. I have a library at home with a collection of over 3000 books. So at times its difficult to point out a few. However some to come in the top of my mind are - Swami Chinmayananda and Swami Vivekananda in their various books. Richard Bach (One, Jonathan living seagull), Steven Covey (7 habits of highly effective people) and various commentaries on Mahabharata, Ramayana and Upanishads.

Do you think India has become a huge market for reading books? If yes, then what has influenced this change?

Yes true this is because of our population which is getting educated. And it will only grow. Imagine 65 % of our 1 billion populations is literate that is huge readership market. Now after 10 years when we have 100% literacy all of them can be a potential market. But it’s important to create the habit of reading as a culture. The chain of book shops that are coming up, the on line book stores all will play a critical role in this progress.

What’s your take on Indian fiction writers using colloquial language in their books?

No book can reach the masses unless you use the common man’s word. Only then will they connect. Fiction is different from academic books. Academic books are for certain section of society like students, teachers, scholars etc. One has to be perfect in the same. In case of fiction we have to think out of the box so using colloquial language is unavoidable.

What is that one thing about you that your fans don’t know about?

I love to be with kids. Watch me with children and you will understand that I am different man. At the same time I am teacher and a professor a very strict one. I am professor at the University of Mumbai. Ask them about my teaching style they will tell you a different aspect of mine.

So to be a joker in front of children and a strict yet lovable teacher in front of grown up students this aspect mine is hardly known.

What are your future projects and when is your next book expected to release?

Let me sell my first book to the maximum. I do not plan to write for the next 3 years. What is the hurry when you have a good product?  I have a personal target of selling Corporate Chanakya about 10 lakh copies. The next book will automatically sell. So now it is the time for marketing my first book more and not write another book.

How is writing as a career? Do you recommend aspiring fiction and non-fiction writers to take up full time writing?

In my case I was never a full time writer. But those who plan to do it should work on their finances in a practical manner. Writing is a time consuming activity. If you are a married person with family responsibilities you have to look at your finances properly. Or due to the demands in family even your writing quality will suffer.  So balance it out. Be passionate and practical about writing.

What is your message to our today’s youngsters?

Read. Read. Read all kinds of books and on all subjects. As a nation we do not have a good reading culture beyond text books. As they say “Leaders are readers….” So if you want to be successful in life read a lot. India is a great country and one of its strength is literature. So read those books on our history and tradition as well.

How do you describe yourself in just one word?

Teacher

Last not the least a question I like to ask every author I interview, have you read my book ‘Knocked Up’? If no then when do you intend to read it J? If yes then what are your comments?

Yes I have gone through the book. I know its contents and subject matter. Will be reading it before 11^th Dec 10 for the book reading you have invited me for. But I can tell you that when I go through the book reviews in various newspapers they are very good. I am sure it is a bestseller!!!

(interviewed by Shaiju Mathew)

The New Generation Prefers - e-Books

The UK book trade has embraced digital, but expectations of growth are racing ahead of the reality. Booksellers are also at risk of being left behind as publishers chase this digital firecracker.

These are the standout conclusions of the second FutureBook survey of digital publishing, hosted by The Bookseller.

The survey showed that the book business is ready for digital, and is adapting fast. Almost 80% of respondents to The Bookseller's survey said they had read a book electronically, roughly double the number who responded affirmatively last year. A recent Forrester survey reported that just 7% of adults who read books read e-books.

Philip Jones, deputy editor of The Bookseller, who presented the results at FutureBook 2010, The Bookseller's digital conference, today (30th November) said: "Rather than conforming to its media image of dusty publishers skulking in the back of darkened bookshops with inky fingers, the book trade is embracing digital: we are early adopters."

The 2010 survey, completed by 2,600 individuals, also found that 47% of respondents had paid for an e-book, compared with just 18% last year. "We are reading digitally, we are buying digital content," Jones added.

But Jones warned that booksellers were being left behind in the race for digital sales. In total 85% of publishers said that they sold books or journals in electronic format, but just 37% of booksellers said they sold content electronically. And while digital sales were below where most people had expected them to be, publishers' expectations of growth far outweighed those of booksellers. While more than half of publishers believed that by 2020 over 20% of their overall sales would be taken by digital books, only one-third of booksellers agreed.

Jones warned that booksellers' expectations over digital were being downgraded by what they were being told would happen: that they would be marginalised by Amazon and by publishers selling direct. When asked who would win and lose from digital, 92% of respondents placed traditional booksellers in the loser list. But he warned: "We lose these book professionals at our peril."

Jones said booksellers needed greater help from publishers to get digital. When asked whether booksellers felt publishers were doing enough to help, 73% said not. And Jones said one bookseller respondent to the survey had summed up the way publishers were at risk of undermining booksellers' efforts to sell e-books: "Why don't the sales reps that visit us know anything about their companies' e-book plans or even who to ask about it?”

The survey also found that almost half of all respondents thought e-books should be priced at a significant discount to the lowest-priced edition available, (i.e the street price.) Unsurprisingly, publishers took a softer line, with the majority arguing that e-books should be about the same price as the street cost of the cheapest edition.

The industry consensus was that e-books should be about the same price or a little lower than this street price, although Jones warned that those publishers on agency terms were tending to price above this level. He conceded that prices did fluctuate as publishers looked to adapt to their new role.

Jones concluded that though digital sales were still relatively small for most, next year could see a quadruple whammy in the market. "We can expect greater sales, from an increasing number of outlets, across a larger range of devices, from a broader selection of titles. And possibly with clearer pricing!"

Courtesy: www.thebookseller.com

KNOW YOUR AUTHOR : Nishant Kaushik

Nishant Kaushik is the author of 'Watch Out We Are MBA' and 'A Romance With Chaos'. He is also putting finishing touches to his third novel which will be due very soon for public introspection. Nishant is not only a writer but also a musician too like yours truly. Nishant is based in Malaysia and on his official visit recently to Mumbai we got an opportunity to catch up and discuss on his journey so far.

So how would you like to sum up your journey so far?

I’m two novels old, and the third is underway. As is my case usually with anything that has nothing to do with the laws of physics or calculus, the experience has been wonderful and very, very exciting.

What made you take up writing or rather what was your inspiration behind you turning a writer?

I have been fond of writing since very early days. I don’t recall what might have been the motivation, but I used to dabble in writing even back in school. In fact, I’d like to think of myself as an author, and then a part-time corporate employee.

What was your family's reaction to you taking up writing?

My family is extremely supportive of whatever I do. In fact, I think they have much more faith in my abilities than I myself do. When I told them tentatively I considered writing a book, they actually prodded me to ultimately take the leap.

What are your views about writing as a career?

I think it’s a splendid idea provided you are sure you have ample to write about. Lack of ideas are often more frequent than occurrence of ideas. If that happens, it could get a little disappointing as a career.

Among writers who has influenced you during your growing up days?

Frankly, I have never been what you would call a very voracious reader. My reading habits have been very sporadic, and I have not really had a particular author’s work that I have clung to. But the immediate names that come to my mind are Agatha Christie, John Grisham, Khaled Hosseini, etc.

How did your first book ‘Watch Out We Are MBA’ came into being?

When I joined my MBA program, I came across a lot of colleagues with eclectic tastes and interesting perspectives on their lives and careers. I was intrigued by them and created a book loosely based on some of them.

Can you tell us the incident or thought process that gave birth to your second novel ‘A Romance With Chaos’?

It was wonderful, very enriching. The economic debacle of 2008 got a lot of us thinking about what we were doing with our lives. That gradually translated into this book.

Don’t you think there are many books about MBA, IIM and IIT college pass-outs in the market? How different are your books from others in the same genre?

I have not read a lot of these books, so I would not know much about what them. But I think this splurge of books on this subject has something to do with the emotional transformation a lot of us sense in this phase of our lives and our desire to share those experiences with the rest of the world. ‘Watch Out…’ deals with a sensitive subject of a boy stranded between adolescence and maturity, between the threshold of a big career and basic expectations from his so-called friends. In my head, this is a unique subject that every reader can relate to.

 

Every writer subconsciously molds his characters on himself, so are your characters also inspired by your real life persona?

Save for a few comical incidents that I may have mentioned, I won’t say the characters are in anyway related to me. That would make for a very boring narrative if true. Inadvertently, some context is always created out of our own lives, but the story at large remains fictional.

Among your two books which one was difficult for you to write?

‘Watch out…’ being the first book, was certainly more difficult to write, because I also had to deal with the uncertainties of the publishing world and its related anxiety besides worrying myself about writing the story itself.

What’s your next book all about and when is it scheduled for a release?

As I am still in the process of editing the book and closing the publishing formalities, I think it is still early days to put a finger to its release or its content. But I will surely be talking about it soon.

Indian Retail Business is experiencing an all time boom however recently there was an article in one of the leading newspapers showcasing the falling standards of Indian literary works, where many books by newcomers were full of spelling mistakes, grammatical error etc. So do you think we are sacrificing quality for quantity?

While I have come across a few novels which don’t meet minimum quality standards, it would be unfair to form a generalized opinion on the overall quality of Indian literature. We have stalwarts in our industry who always raise the average! Every book must be judged on individual merit. And a lot is in the hands of our publishers to judge the quality of a manuscript before publishing it.

Your views on today's writers using colloquial language in their books?

No harm doing so, as long as you maintain basic grammatical sense and semantics. Excess of colloquialism, though, can be annoying in my personal opinion.

Whom do you think is the best writer among your contemporaries?

I would like to think that would be me!

What genre of books catches your attention?

There isn’t a fixed genre, I read assorted.  

What is your advice to your fans and budding writers?

Write for yourself, and not for your readers. Much as you might do for them, there will always be a certain lot that won’t like your work. But if you believe in your own story, you have won half the game already.

 

KNOW YOUR AUTHOR : Sajita Nair

 

Every year we have many authors debuting with their books in India. Most of them resort to imitating the tried and tested formula, while there are some who leave their mark by attempting a new subject or genre. Among such debuting authors in 2010 was Sajita Nair. Sajita is someone who has explored something new in writing. She has come up with India's first 'chicklit' book with an Army background titled 'She's a Jolly Good Fellow'.

She's a Jolly Good Fellow is the story of Second Lieutenants Deepa Shekhar and Anjali Sharma has an important task at hand: convince their male counterparts that they too are assets to the Indian Army rather than merely those with assets. When the 22-year-olds are transferred to a remote army unit, several hilarious situations follow, thanks to the stark novelty of a feminine presence in the traditionally male army. However, with each passing day, the differences in their personalities begin to emerge. Deepa is more of an officer: she insists on being called Sahab and even takes to swearing like the troops. Anjali is more lady: she can t give up her make-up and Mills & Boon romances. Or resist the charms of a certain dashing young officer, despite her friend s warnings to stay away. The girls frequently fall out and get back together, but face the same dilemma: is any man worth more than their uniform?

It was my pleasure to interview such a trendsetter, here are some excerpts from our conversation.

Hi Sajita, So can you please tell us more about yourself and your background?

I was a ‘fauji’ kid since my dad served in the Air Force. Due to his frequent transfers, I had the opportunity to travel to remote corners of the country, study in different schools and meet new people every few years.  The forces way of life did influence me as a child and I went on to join the army, when the intake of women officers had just begun.  Being among the pioneering women officers gave me an entirely different perspective to life and shaped my thinking.

                                                                                                                      

From Army to writing books, how did this transformation happen?

I always enjoyed writing. When posted at remote army units, I wrote long letters to friends apart from maintaining a journal. Writing helped me avert loneliness when alone in far flung locations. Post my tenure in the army, I began serious writing. But it took me a couple of years to get this far.

How was your growing up years? How did your family react to your decision to become a writer?

I have fond memories of growing up as an Air Force kid. Being transferred every three years meant meeting new people, seeing new places and experiencing new things. And then of course, despite the hardships of living in remote locations, there were parties, picnics, games and impromptu trips, all of which helped shape my childhood and add a gypsy streak to my personality. As to my decision to become a writer - after my decision to join the army, any other career choice was most welcome! On a serious note, my family supported me whole heartedly through all my decisions and were happy that after rocking the boat for many years, I was finally settling down as a writer.

So did your experience in Indian Army inspire you to write ‘She’s a Jolly Good Fellow’?

Being among the first few women officers in the early nineties was a unique experience. Every day was a challenge and I learnt that more than external enemies, I had to fight those within, since acceptance level was low. I enjoyed the challenges however and armed with a positive attitude, pushed myself to excel at tasks assigned to me. By the time I completed my tenure, I knew that there was a story in me waiting to be told.

Did you always wanted to be a writer and is it semi-autobiographical?

Unlike youngsters today, I was never sure of what I wanted to be. I drifted along, absorbing whatever exciting came my way, savouring experiences, creating memories and jotting things I found interesting. Writing seriously began as a natural progression and more than anything financial, it gave me immense satisfaction. When I write, I look inwards and tune in with the emotions that make us humans.  The plot of ‘She’s a Jolly Good Fellow’ is fictional but some of the experiences that the protagonists go through are based on real life experiences.

                                                             

So which character from your book you identify with; Deepa Shekhar or Anjali Sharma?

Deepa Shekhar, but not entirely.  Deepa, in my book, is far more determined and focused.

While every author in India is going in for stories that reflect today’s world e.g.: Corporate stories, IIM – IIT stories, failed relationships etc... What was your idea behind writing a chicklit with an Army background?

Toni Morrison said, ‘If there is a book you really want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.’ And that’s what I did. When I began to write, all I wanted to do was to tell a good story the best way I could. I thought of nothing else, except that I had to tell this story.

This is the first chicklit book with an Army background so did you ever feel concerned about the reader’s acceptance or you were always confident that the book would do well?

I believe that a good story will always find an audience. An honest story told from the heart would certainly reach the hearts of readers. Through my book, I tried to tell a story that I was in love with and thoroughly excited about. All I hoped was that readers could see that in the story and enjoy it as much. 

Tell us more about the writing experience of ‘She’s a Jolly Good Fellow’ and did you find any particular situation in the story that was difficult to write?

Since this was a story that I had been holding close to my heart for a long time, it flowed more or less freely. Life in the field location (desert) was something I found difficult to write. How much of what to write was the difficult part since in such situations even a little privacy is a luxury for women officers.

Most of the critics feel that these days using colloquial language is a trend which doesn’t go with the essence of writing a book in English language. So what’s your take on that?

Every story has its writing voice. And when you are writing a story of the young and for the youth, I think that it should be something they can relate to. In these novels, the story takes precedence over everything else, which I believe is fine as long as it is not overdone.

Who are your favourite authors and which is your favourite book?

RK Narayan, Paulo Coelho, Ernest Hemingway, Rabindranath Tagore. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte still remains my favourite book for its haunting imagery and unforgettable characters.

Do you think India has become a huge market for reading books? If yes, then what has influenced this change?

India certainly has become a huge market for books. I think that the success stories of Indian authors both abroad and in India have contributed to this. Now we have authors who write unselfconsciously about India and Indians that the readers here instantly relate to. 

What is that one thing about you that your fans don’t know about?

That I can be as excitable as a child when it comes to travelling or exploring something new.

What are your future projects and when is your next book expected to release?

I have begun work on my next novel, which is quite different from my first. It is a story of a matrilineal family of Kerala, coming to terms with the changing times. Since it needs a lot of research, I hope that I can at least complete the manuscript by next year.

How is writing as a career? Do you recommend aspiring writers to take up full time writing?

I think one must take up writing only if it gives one creative satisfaction. Financially, it is still not a viable option in India and often upcoming writers must juggle their jobs and writing.     

What is your message to our today’s youngsters?

Continue with the confidence you seem to be born with in the new India. Only add to it ‘perseverance’ and see you going places.

How do you describe yourself in just one word?

Determined

Last not the least a question I like to ask every author I interview, have you read my book ‘Knocked Up’? If no then when do you intend to read itJ? If yes then what are your comments?

I haven’t read ‘Knocked up’ yet. But I did read good reviews about it. Hope to pick up a copy soon.

Interview by Shaiju Mathew
Source: Magic Moments Publications

Incase you want your favourite author to be featured here please send us your recommendation and also suggest any questions that you would like to ask your favourite author. You can write into magicmomentspub@gmail.com

The Magical World of Books

It is said 'Books are your best friend' and I do second that quote because for me books has always been a friend whom I could depend on anytime anywhere. Some people have their 2 am friends and 4 a.m. friend for me it has been one or the other book who has given me company during such times. I always have a book ready for every situation or every mood of mine. I was not an avid reader but the day I got introduced to the magic of friendship with books I promised myself to stick to them forever.

It all started at a very early age in my case, maybe when I was in fifth standard by my brother. The first book I laid my hands was on Enid Blyton's 'Famous Five' series. Then I explored other teen detective series like 'The Secret Seven', 'The Hardy Boys' and 'Nancy Drew'. I still remember how along with my friends from our society I started snooping around houses and lonely buildings to catch hold of some mystery or case and become detectives like the Famous Five kids. When I think about those days I still sit and laugh. I still remember we got a bottle of white pills lying outside the window of a lonely house and I wore gloves to pick up that bottle suspecting it to be drugs and assuming that this place might be used by drug peddlers or drug addicts to conduct their criminal activities. I along with my friends used to take turns to keep a watch on that house only to be bitten by a stray dog.

 

When I grew older I preferred more fun based books like Ruskin Bond series, Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn Adventures, Malgudi Days and Swami. The easy flow of words always caught my attention and always transported me to a different world where I could actually visualize these characters and situations. My growing up days was full of Fairies, Ogres, Goblins, Detectives, and Mysteries etc. I often wondered if I could write something similar to those stories which I loved reading. Maybe the germ of becoming a writer took roots in those growing up days and I can say that with confidence after seeing those innumerous diaries that I wrote during those days.

Then came a phase in my life when I preferred only English Classics like Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy, Jane Austin series, Shakespeare etc and I always wondered how the era would be when these books were written. I explored more about the era from history books and encyclopaedia.

As I started going to college more mature stuff started attracting my eyes and I started stocking more and more books which were ultimately sold off by my mother one day to a 'raddiwala' because she never knew the importance of those books in my life. Today I do have a small library of my own which has been plundered several times by my so called friends who always fail to return the books they borrow from me. I don't blame them because books definitely have a magic of its own which prompts you to do so.

Every stage of my life was influenced by some book or the other. Like when I read 'The Pastor's Wife' I was drawn towards the protagonist's trauma and pain in a socialist country like Russia. I could imagine the pain felt by the Pastor and his wife who were kept captive in Jail for smuggling a 'Bible' to Russia. I could feel the torture they went through for sticking to Jesus and for worshiping the Almighty.

Apart from 'The Pastor's Wife' the book that really shook me out was Khalid Hosseni's 'The Kite Runner' a very emotional personal saga of the author. His growing up days in Afghanistan and how he betrayed his best friend who for him got brutally raped and abused by other bully's in their locality. The story still brings goose bumps to me whenever I read it. Same was the case with 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' by the same author. The emotional drama of two women connected by one man married to them and their struggle to keep eachother happy under difficult situations was something that really touched my heart. Books like these are rare and so they are special.

Every book has a story to tell and every reader has a story to remember, like me. Hope the saga continues till I lie down to rest forever.