How Culture Influences My Writing
My cultural leanings have stood me in good stead and helped me grow as a writer. Read on to find out how…
I was born and raised in a middle-class Indian home where the emphasis on family culture and tradition played a major role in shaping the person I am today. Family time, functions, cultural get-togethers, festivals, going to temples, and imbibing and carrying the family’s legacy forward have been a large part of my growing-up years. Being educated in a public school run by Christians, I was going through a parallel shift in my thinking. In my teens, I felt stifled and confused often wondering which of the two religions should be followed but that did not last long. After completing a course in teaching and taking up a job I was freed of all the turmoil that went on in my mind.
I was glad that I went through this period of turbulence and confusion because it helped me grow. Being educated in a public school I developed a cosmopolitan approach to life which helped me have a large circle of friends and social connections. But once out into the world of career and work, my family values and traditional upbringing have helped me stay grounded and this marvellous trait has even woven itself effortlessly into my writing. My culture, tradition, and family values have been a major influence in my life, and exploring the myriad hues and colours of this resplendent landscape that we call India will continue to reflect in my writing.
The Indian Sub-Continent
India on the world map is a colourful and vibrant sub-continent that has 28 states and 8 Union Territories. It is a country where 398 languages are spoken and home to 705 ethnic and tribal groups that have a vibrant cultural diaspora of their own. We proudly boast of several mainstream languages and dialects that are a part of our history. Though Hinduism is a major religion other faiths have woven themselves effortlessly into the cultural fabric of this great nation. We thrive and flourish in celebrating one another’s festivals, food, fashion, and ceremonies thereby fostering unity and solidarity of brotherhood through tradition and diversity. One of the major factors that binds us is how we express our feelings and emotions with words that have resonated with both the masses and classes through our writing both in English and regional languages.
My Cultural Leanings
There have been great Indian writers in English that this nation has produced whose writing has stemmed from the deep roots of their upbringing and culture. Indian writers in English have produced great works of literature in English by showcasing Indian culture- in poetry and prose.
I am inspired by ordinary people who lead extraordinary lives. Their exemplary lives give me the inspiration and impetus to move forward in life because, in the daily grind of their mundane lives, they find their true purpose.
Nothing can be as inspiring and encouraging when we hear of stories of men and women who have fought societal norms to make this world a better place to live all within the ambit of their culture and tradition without crossing their boundaries yet making a profound impact on society. They have enriched not only their lives but also the countless lives of people they have touched.
Prolific Indian Writers and Their Contributions
Indian authors and writers have brought freshness into their writing by showcasing crisp narratives that portray the culture and the traditions that were present at that time. Indian writing in English has come a long way and we writers no longer shy away from writing about the LGBTQ community, sexuality and sexual orientations. All our themes and social issues have gained a broader spectrum that is no longer tucked away in closets or discussed in hush-hush tones.
Some of the fondest memories of my growing years were those spent reading books by author R.K Narayan whose works of fiction amaze and enthral his fans even to this day. His book ‘Malgudi Days’ is familiar to my Indian counterparts about an imaginary sleepy town aptly named ‘’Malgudi’’ tucked away in Tamil Nadu, South India. The story of a ten-year-old child and his adventures with boys of his age is brought out so vividly in the book. An idyllic town that looked at its audience straight from the canvas of a beautiful painting is still etched in my mind. The smell of fresh jasmine flowers, early morning temple bells, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, cows bellowing deeply, and the clever and smart rooster waking up the residents of Malgudi continue to make the novel popular even to this day. The simplicity and authenticity have made this novel an endearing masterpiece that continues to adorn the shelves and libraries in many homes even years after it was first published and even many years after the author passed away.
Mulk Raj Anand was another prolific writer who elevated Indian writing in English to new heights of name and recognition. The author was a winner of several literary awards both national and international that recognized his noteworthy contribution to Indian literature. He highlighted the plight of the poorest of the poor in India and the impact of the Indian economy on their living conditions at that time. On one hand, was the blazing question of poverty, and on the other was the backdrop of an orthodox society where traditional and cultural norms were breathed down the necks of poor men and women as they struggled to make a decent livelihood.
These authors have left an indelible mark on my reading sensibilities and I continue to be inspired by their valuable contribution to Indian literature.
As I come to the end of this article I just want to finish it with a quote on culture
which goes, “We may have different religions, different languages, different coloured skin, but we all belong to one human race.” — Kofi Annan
Culture has a way of weaving itself seamlessly into my writing because I relate to situations and people against the backdrop of their family traditions and upbringing. It makes the narration of my stories easier and the plot flows effortlessly from my pen. Such is the power of culture and tradition that binds us to one another and that is the true beauty of this wonderful human race.
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