Lucknow: In a compelling conversation with Nilotpal, renowned Hindi writer and poet Chandra Shekhar Verma, often referred to as Shabdon Ka Jadugar, shared his journey and views on Hindi literature. When asked about his identity as a poet or writer, Verma explained that he writes to connect with the youth and address socially relevant themes. He emphasized that Hindi poetry is struggling today, but the younger generation is reviving it by listening, writing, and engaging with it authentically.
On the role of literature, Verma highlighted how it reflects and critiques societal and cultural norms. He shared a poignant example from one of his stories, where a character urinating on a wall symbolizes the growing resentment of the powerless against systemic oppression, emphasizing that freedom lies in intentions, not power.
Addressing allegations of using conversational writing, Verma defended his style, citing inspirations from Premchand and the iconic Hindi novel Godaan. He argued that literature should focus on non-readers, making it accessible and relatable.
When asked about his purpose, Verma stated, “I write because I couldn’t be an IAS officer,” affirming his lifelong commitment to storytelling. He concluded by stressing the need to adapt one’s creative expression to the era’s demands to capture attention effectively.
