A Writer's Dilemma

Col. (Retd.) Bijay Sinha

Of late, there has been some criticism on my writings (Shahidor Sharaddha baro Kotohan Yaari- a compilation of short stories) by a few readers, which has set a disturbing trend in the society. These readers seem to interpret my work as defamatory to a certain section of the society (particularly the brahmins of Guwahati). This accusation I find interesting and amusing although baseless. Here I want to clarify one thing, that is, what I have written is nothing but a work of fiction and imagination that serve as a representation of the society and the environment. The views expressed in my works are not necessarily my own but have been put in to support the stories keeping in mind the need of the plots of the stories. Writing, I believe, is an art which may directly or indirectly impress upon the society.

Henry James said, " Art lives upon discussion, upon experiment, upon curiosity, upon variety of attempt, upon the exchange of views and the comparison of standpoints; and there is a presumption that those times when no one has anything particular to say about it, and has no reason to give for practice or preference, though they maybe times of genius, are not times of development, are times possibly even, a little, of dullness."

It flatters me that people take my works seriously to the point of getting offended by them. My earnest request to the people is that they continue the discussion and criticism, but in a healthy, mature and constructive manner.