I am deeply honored to receive the Indian Changemakers Award 2024. This moving moment serves as an encouragement to do better and achieve more. Authoring a fiction book requires significant time, effort, imagination, and, of course, literary acumen. Receiving recognition for one’s work is a testament that these efforts are not in vain.
We are often reminded to write for ourselves first, and I couldn’t agree more. Anything worthwhile begins within us, allowing us to then share our creativity with the others. Let's face it though, we live in a competitive world which compels us to excel objectively and not just personally. As I wrote in my book, i$ubscribe: "An understanding is as good as its reach, grasp, and acceptance." This applies to our work as well. Without acknowledgment, our efforts would be akin to George Berkeley's philosophical question: "If a tree falls in the forest and no one hears it, does it make a sound?" For anything to truly exist, it must be recognized. The Indian Changemakers Award does this, not only for authors but for all forms of literary work.
This journey has been a blend of passion and persistence. Yet it is far from being solely my achievement. My husband and daughter have inspired and encouraged me to carve my path in the literary world. They have been my driving force, propelling me to pursue my dreams and ambitions. Though the unwavering support from people around us is monumental, like anything, the initial spark to take that first step must come from within. The inner drive to express our fertile imagination and the passion to tell stories are what set the foundation for any writer.
To all aspiring authors, I would like to say this: keep moving forward. The transition from vision to reality is just one story away. Our journey may be filled with ups and downs, moments of self-doubt, and times of elation. But it is through these experiences that we grow as writers and as individuals. Each story, each manuscript, is a step closer to realizing our dreams. Embrace the challenges, learn from the rejections, and cherish the successes. Every word we write is a testament to our dedication and belief in the power of storytelling.
As any author would agree, writing is not just about putting words on paper; it's about connecting with readers, evoking emotions, and sharing perspectives. It’s about creating worlds that resonate with people, characters that readers can relate to, and stories that leave a lasting impact. Our unique voice and vision are what make our work special. So, let's keep on writing, keep dreaming, and never let go of our passion for storytelling.
In closing, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the organizers of the Indian Changemakers Award for recognizing and celebrating literary excellence. This award is not just a personal achievement but a reflection of the collective effort of everyone who has supported and believed in me. It serves as a reminder that our work as authors is valued and that our stories have the power to inspire, to change the world, or simply an escape from the mundane. Thank you for this incredible honor.
