Exploring the life and learnings of Ira Pande, a writer and translator sharing insights on cultural shifts, Indian cinema, family dynamics, and societal challenges. Uncovering taboo topics through language, generational communication barriers, and personal memories. Reflecting on the impactful journey of an immigrant girl, societal biases, and translation challenges. Delving into the evolving language ecosystem, reading habits, and the book 'One Foot on the Ground'.
Preserving languages is key to preserving history and cultural nuances.
Memories shape our personal narratives and evolve over time, influencing our self-perception.
Language diversity in literature shapes perspectives and understanding of the world.
Women writers like Shivani serve as cultural icons and inspire young readers.
Deep dives
Memory and the loss of language
One of the main points discussed in the podcast is the loss of language and its impact on our ability to express and perceive our surroundings. The guest, Ira Pandey, highlights the disappearance of many Indian languages and how that also means losing a way of life and a slice of history. She emphasizes the importance of preserving languages and the specific nuances and cultural references they carry. She also mentions how different languages shape our way of thinking and observing the world. Additionally, she talks about the role of memory and selective recall in constructing our personal narratives, including the choices we make in curating our memories. She mentions that memories can change over time, giving us different perspectives on the same events and influencing our sense of self.
The Layers of My Father's Interior World
Growing up, my father was a distant and feared man. I resented him and feared him. But as I got older, I started to see different layers of his personality. I discovered that he had experienced a great loss when his first wife died at a young age, leaving him with a different kind of grief and a different perspective on life. His interior world was complex, and I came to understand that he was more than just a strict disciplinarian. There was a depth to him that I didn't fully appreciate as a child.
Unveiling the Inner World of My Mother
My mother, on the other hand, turned to writing as a way to express herself and find fulfillment. Her focus on her writing sometimes made me feel peripheral, but I also recognized her need for self-expression. In later years, I had the opportunity to talk to her about her life and her struggles. I discovered that she had her own challenges and dreams, and her love for us children, though sometimes unspoken, was always present. Our evolving relationship allowed me to see her as more than just a mother, but as a complex and multi-dimensional person.
The Impact of Language and Translation
The podcast episode delves into the significance of language and translation in literature. It explores the role of multiple languages in shaping one's perspective and understanding of the world. The episode highlights the importance of regional writing and the need for quality translations to preserve and promote diverse literary voices. The conversation reflects on the influence of technology on language consumption and the challenges faced by writers in the fast-paced modern world.
The Power of Women Writers
The episode acknowledges the immense popularity and impact of women writers like Shivani and their ability to connect deeply with readers. It emphasizes how these women writers became cultural icons, inspiring young girls and serving as role models. The conversation also addresses the hierarchy of languages and the need to celebrate and encourage writing in regional languages, which often captures unique perspectives and experiences.
Immersing in Writing Anywhere, Anytime
The episode discusses the writing process, with the guest revealing her ability to write anywhere and anytime. She shares anecdotes about her mother's writing journey, highlighting the resourcefulness and determination required to pursue writing in challenging circumstances. The conversation emphasizes the importance of finding one's unique voice as a writer and the necessity of taking breaks to allow ideas to flourish and evolve.
Book and Cultural Recommendations
The episode suggests a list of book recommendations, including 'Sara: An Autobiography' by Sara Abdullah, highlighting its exceptional storytelling. Other recommended books include 'Pasake Panktiyon Mein' by Aksher Mukul, 'Hairan Hai' by Prakrit Virmal, 'La Pucchina' by Vinith Kumar Jha, and 'One Foot on the Ground' by Shanta Gokhale. The podcast concludes by acknowledging the influence and power of literature in shaping cultural narratives and fostering empathy and understanding.
