"Writing is like falling in love" says Amish Tripathi

Kendriya Vidyalaya, Embassy of India, Kathmandu organized an interaction with one of the most happening writers of India, Mr. Amish Tripathi on 24th September, Monday, 2012 at 1.00 pm in the Resource Room where he was introduced by Mr.Santhosh Kumar Kana(PGT-English) and welcomed by the Principal, Dr.Cicy Roy Mathew. Students of Classes XI and XII were eagerly waiting to have a glimpse of their favourite writer whose first two books of Shiva triology have already become popular among them.

"The best thing about writing is that i am essentially in an imaginary world which is of course real for me. I like the parallel world that i create. The pleasure and beauty of it can't be described. Writing for me is like falling in love, it can never be systematic", said Amish. When asked about him being compared to Paulo Coelho, "the business world has been so kind to me" was his reply in his characteristic humour. He shared his days at IIM, Kolkata and his school days and how he never used to write even a short story or poem!! "I never planned to be a writer, it started as a pure philosophy thesis on evil" was his reply to Mast. Hardik Bothra's(the school captain,boy)question. Hardik has read "The Immortals of Meluha" and "The Secret of the Nagas" and is waiting for the third book to release. He has always looked forward to meet the writer. "It is a dream come true for me. I am here talking to the writer directly though a reader converses with the writer while reading his/her books. This is a special feeling. My copies of Amish's books will be special for me hereafter as they carry his autograph for me. Thanks to Santhosh sir for motivating me to read the books and organizing this.", said an excited Hardik.

                      Mast. Hardik Bothra, Mr.Santhosh Kumar Kana and Mr. Amish Tripathi
"I never got the idea of being a writer, the idea got me. The lord wants to bless all of us and we need to be open to this fact." said Amish when a student asked about how he conceived the idea of writing a book.
After watching the trailor of his book "The Immortals of Meluha" which was a new promotion strategy, Amish said, "most of don't know how money works".

Referring to the success of Pranoy Roy who studied Psephology when it was not even thought of in India, Amish motivated the students to follow their passion and realise that many times it is better to have no constraints in one's mind as it would be easier to break records when we are unaware of the previous records.

He took time to watch the trailer of the short film made by Mr.Santhosh Kumar Kana along with the students of Class XII and autographed his books for the school library.

"Congratulations to Dr.Cicy Roy Mathew and her teachers and students for their committed work", wrote Amish in the visitors' book.

"Writing is Meditative" says Ms.Advaita Kala

                      Mr.Santhosh Kumar Kana, Dr.Cicy Roy Mathew(Principal) & Ms.Advaita Kala

"Writing is meditative and the best way to be a good writer is to be a good reader" said Ms.Advaita Kala during her interaction with the students of Class XII commerce and science at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Embassy of India, Kathmandu on 22.09.12. The session started at 1.00 pm when Mr. Santhosh Kumar Kana, PGT-English introduced her and Dr. Cicy Roy Mathew, Principal welcomed her on behalf of the students and staff. The fact that she was a student of KV, Kathmandu in the year 1986 made her visit special for her, the students and the staff as well. She was quite excited about this unique and memorable opportunity to visit her alma mater and interact with the students and staff who know her as the story writer of the films "Anjaana Anjaani" and "Kahaani".

By her informal approach she made the students and teachers comfortable and there followed a spate of questions on creative writing, working in films etc. Here are the snippets from her response:

• I am basically very fond of thrillers and i have loved watching "The Unusual Suspects" and "The Sixth Sense".
• I find writing a book or a column more satisfying and appealing than writing for films because films are the result of a collaborative work whereas writing is a very female-friendly activity that can be done at one's convenience.
• Being a hotelier, i have come across people who have inspired me profoundly. For example, Mr. Vinod Bhatia. I feel Hospitality is an underrated profession though the scenario is changing gradually.
• I too went through many career options when I was a student. I wanted to be an engine driver at one point!!! I think most people take wrong decisions because they don't have money.
• Though there is an element of "luck" in everything, I strongly believe that Hard work is the basis of all and  I believe in Karma/dharma that your success shouldn't be at the cost of somebody's hardwork.
• An artist is who needs an environment of love and reinforcement. He/she should have a job that liberates them.Writing is more a question of "Who I am" than "What I do".Writing is therapeutic and I used to write at a very early age but I got them published quite later. 

She distributed the prizes to the Best Student Teachers and found time to write a line for each on their prize books. Leaving her signature and comments on a chart that carried the line "Dear Alumnus, Welcome Home", she thanked the Principal, staff and students for making it a memorable day of her life. The visitors' book of K.V.Kathmandu now carries a message from a celebrity alumnus.