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The Seen and the Unseen - hosted by Amit Varma
Ep 409: Salil Tripathi and the Gujaratis
Jan 20, 2025
06:13:50
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Quick takeaways
- Salil Tripathi emphasizes the crucial role of curiosity and empathy in enriching both personal and professional lives, particularly in journalism.
- His journey into journalism was inspired by notable figures, reflecting the powerful influence of mentors in shaping one's career path.
- Tripathi critiques the decline of reputable journalism, highlighting the challenges faced when depth is sacrificed for sensationalism in media.
- Through his human rights advocacy, he stresses the importance of amplifying marginalized voices and the emotional burdens accompanying such responsibilities.
- He explores the complexities of memory and trauma, illustrating diverse reactions individuals have towards their past experiences and healing processes.
- Tripathi's commitment to authentic storytelling celebrates linguistic diversity within Gujarati culture, urging the recognition of marginalized narratives in literature.
Deep dives
The Energy of Passionate Work
Many guests on the show showcase an incredible passion for their work, constantly expressing their energy and enthusiasm. This fervor is fueled by qualities such as curiosity and empathy, essential for living fulfilling lives. While some may struggle to cultivate these traits, others possess them naturally, allowing them to excel in their respective fields. The guest, Salil Tripathi, embodies this model life, thriving as a journalist, human rights advocate, and author, driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and connection.
The Influence of Influential Figures
Salil Tripathi’s journey began in the 1970s as he ventured into journalism, inspired by prominent figures such as A.D. Gorwala and the impactful work of Shobha Day. His admiration for these journalists spurred his determination to follow in their footsteps. Through his experiences, he became acutely aware of the role of journalism in shaping society and providing a platform for the marginalized. His own work would later reflect these values, focusing on human rights and the power of storytelling.
Embracing Multi-Faceted Experiences
Tripathi's diverse life experiences enriched his perspective on art, culture, and politics, allowing him to produce compelling narratives that resonate across various issues. He found comfort in navigating different communication styles, whether catering to academic audiences or addressing popular sentiments. This adaptability enabled him to convey complex ideas simply and effectively. The ability to connect with people from different backgrounds and experiences played a significant role in shaping his approach to storytelling.
Navigating the Terrain of Media
Throughout his career, Tripathi witnessed the evolution of the media landscape, especially with the decline of reputable journalism. Once respected publications shifted their focus toward sensationalism, often sacrificing depth for viewership. This transition frustrated him, especially as he observed the dilution of journalistic integrity. Despite this shift, he remained committed to writing about important social issues and providing a platform for those whose voices were marginalized.
The Weight of Responsibility
As Tripathi delved deeper into human rights work, he felt a mounting sense of responsibility to amplify the voices of the oppressed. This journey often came with emotional burdens as he encountered heartbreaking stories and witnessed the devastating impacts of systemic injustices. The pain of others weighed heavily on him, serving as a constant reminder of the importance of empathy in journalism. Through resilience, he pushed himself to confront these emotions, integrating them into his writing to inspire change.
Lessons from Global Perspectives
Tripathi’s experiences with organizations like Amnesty International and PEN gave him invaluable insights into the nuances of human rights and the complex dynamics between power and justice. Through these engagements in various countries, he learned to appreciate the diversity of challenges faced by activists and writers in different contexts. His writing reflected these global perspectives, helping readers grasp the interconnectedness of human rights issues. Ultimately, these lessons fortified his commitment to defending individual freedoms and advocating for marginalized communities.
Capturing Stories of Resilience
While writing about the experiences of Bangladeshi survivors, Tripathi discovered the power of resilience in the face of adversity. The women he interviewed showed incredible strength despite their traumatic pasts, often finding joy in small moments and inspiring others around them. Through their stories, he was able to reflect on the broader implications of survival, and how their struggles informed their identities as empowered individuals. These narratives served as a testament to humanity's capacity for healing and transformation, transcending even the most profound sorrow.
Bridging Literary Cultures
In exploring the Gujarati literary world, Tripathi strove to bridge the gaps between various dialects and the vibrant tapestry of Gujarati culture. He highlighted the importance of recognizing and preserving linguistic diversity rather than homogenizing identities under a single narrative. This commitment to authenticity allowed him to validate the experiences of various communities and elevate underrepresented voices. By shedding light on the beautifully complex nature of Gujarat, he encouraged readers to appreciate its multifaceted identity.
The Burden of Memory
In addressing the issue of memory within the context of trauma, Tripathi recognized the complexities individuals face in coping with their pasts. He discussed various reactions to trauma, ranging from denial and avoidance to embracing one's history with courage. Through his interviews and observations, he gained insight into how people adapt and reconstruct their lives following devastating events. This understanding deepened his appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit and the critical role storytelling plays in both healing and remembrance.
The Path of Persistence
Tripathi's commitment to documenting human rights abuses and advocating for those without a voice exemplifies his belief in the importance of persistence. Throughout his career, he consistently returned to critical issues, highlighting injustices and seeking accountability from those in power. This dedication to illuminating dark corners of society emboldened readers to engage with important conversations. By fostering awareness of these systemic issues, he paved the way for others to join the struggle for justice and equality.
Navigating Personal and Professional Struggles
Throughout his journey as a writer and activist, Tripathi navigated the complexities of both personal and professional challenges. The loss of his wife, Karuna, shaped his understanding of love and resilience, ultimately deepening his appreciation for life. As a single parent, he embraced vulnerability and openness while raising his children, imparting valuable life lessons along the way. This blending of personal experience with broader themes of resilience and hope informed both his writing and worldview.
The Interplay of Art and Activism
Tripathi's collaborative work with artists like Shilpa Gupta showcased the significant overlap between art and activism. Through expressive installations and evocative poetry, they illuminated the struggles faced by marginalized communities, ultimately creating a platform for important conversations. This unique intersection underscored the power of storytelling in many forms, emphasizing that art could be a tool for change and social awareness. By harnessing the creativity of various mediums, Tripathi encouraged others to rethink their perceptions of human rights and the narratives surrounding them.
The Power of Collective Action
In his exploration of human rights issues, Tripathi recognized the profound impact of collective action in driving change. He pointed out the need for solidarity among individuals and organizations in the ongoing struggle for justice. By collaborating with fellow writers, activists, and institutions, he developed a better understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities. This commitment to working together forged strong networks of support, ultimately amplifying their voices and leading to more significant strides in social justice.
A Journey Towards Authentic Expression
Tripathi's literary career reflects a commitment to authentic expression, valuing the importance of nuance and complexity in storytelling. By exploring the intricacies of identity, culture, and human experiences, he crafted richly layered narratives that resonated with readers. The lessons he learned throughout his journey informed his writing style, encouraging a thoughtful and intentional approach to each piece. This dedication to authenticity propelled him to create impactful literature that invites readers to delve deeper into the topics at hand.
The Role of Curiosity in Journalism
Curiosity has been a driving force in Tripathi's career, propelling him to explore new ideas, cultures, and stories. He understood that a journalist's role goes beyond merely reporting facts; it involves digging deeper to uncover the underlying truths. By approaching each assignment with a sense of wonder and inquisitiveness, he cultivated a rich understanding of the world around him. This relentless pursuit of knowledge and understanding ultimately shaped his identity as a journalist and writer, allowing him to produce work that resonates with readers on multiple levels.
Time for Reflection and Growth
Now, as Tripathi embarks on the next phase of his writing journey, he reflects on the lessons learned and the experiences gathered throughout his life. His desire to explore new topics, genres, and forms of expression fuels his determination to continue growing both personally and professionally. Whether through poetry, fiction, or essays, he remains committed to weaving captivating narratives that shed light on the human experience. As he evolves as a writer, he looks forward to the opportunity to share his stories with a broader audience and inspire others through his work.
He's lived a rich life as a journalist, a human rights activist, an author, a columnist -- and now he's written a great book on Gujaratis. Salil Tripathi joins Amit Varma in episode 409 of The Seen and the Unseen to discuss his life, his learnings, these times we live in -- and the times that came before. (FOR FULL LINKED SHOW NOTES, GO TO SEENUNSEEN.IN.) Also check out: 1. Salil Tripathi on Twitter, Instagram, Wikipedia, LinkedIn and Amazon. 2. The Gujaratis: A Portrait of a Community -- Salil Tripathi. 3. The Colonel Who Would Not Repent -- Salil Tripathi. 4. Offence – The Hindu Case -- Salil Tripathi. 5. Detours: Songs of the Open Road -- Salil Tripathi. 6. For, In Your Tongue, I Cannot Fit -- Edited by Shilpa Gupta and Salil Tripathi. 7. The Gita Press and Hindu Nationalism — Episode 139 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Akshaya Mukul). 8. Gita Press and the Making of Hindu India — Akshaya Mukul. 9. Saraswatichandra (Gujarati) (English) -- Govardhanram Tripathi. 10. Gujarat Ni Asmita -- KM Munshi. 11. I Follow the Mahatma -- KM Munshi. 12. Devdutt Pattanaik and the Stories That Shape Us — Episode 404 of The Seen and the Unseen. 13. Ahimsa: 100 Reflections on the Harappan Civilization — Devdutt Pattanaik. 14. Until the Lions -- Karthika Nair. 15. Gods, Guns and Missionaries: The Making of the Modern Hindu Identity — Manu Pillai. 16. The Forces That Shaped Hinduism -- Episode 405 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Manu Pillai). 17. Heroic Failure: Brexit and the Politics of Pain -- Fintan O'Toole. 18. Understanding Gandhi: Part 1: Mohandas — Episode 104 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Ram Guha). 19. Understanding Gandhi: Part 2: Mahatma — Episode 105 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Ram Guha). 20. Gandhi Before India -- Ramachandra Guha. 21. Objects From Our Past -- Episode 77 of Everything is Everything. 22. The Diary of Manu Gandhi (Part 1) (Part 2) -- Edited and Translated by Tridip Suhrud. 23. The Ferment of Our Founders — Episode 272 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Shruti Kapila). 24. Lessons from an Ankhon Dekhi Prime Minister — Amit Varma. 25. Akhil Katyal's poem on caste. 26. Midnight's Children -- Salman Rushdie. 27. Bare Feet – a Poem about MF Husain -- Salil Tripathi. 28. My Mother’s Fault -- Salil Tripathi. 29. Jejuri -- Arun Kolatkar. 30. Yashwant Rao -- Arun Kolatkar. 31. The Patriot -- Nissim Ezekiel. 32. Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne -- Satyajit Ray. 33. You're Missing -- Bruce Springsteen. 34. Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Salman Rushdie, Milan Kundera, Ved Mehta and John McPhee on Amazon. 35. All We Imagine as Light -- Payal Kapadia. 36. Niranjan Rajadhyaksha Is the Impartial Spectator — Episode 388 of The Seen and the Unseen. 37. On Tyranny -- Timothy Snyder. 38. Lant Pritchett Is on Team Prosperity — Episode 379 of The Seen and the Unseen. 39. Saving Capitalism From The Capitalists -- Raghuram Rajan and Luigi Zingales. 40. Check out Johan Norberg's great work. 41. The Life and Times of the Indian Economy — Episode 387 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Rajeswari Sengupta). 42. India’s Problem is Poverty, Not Inequality — Amit Varma. 43. Stay Away From Luxury Beliefs — Episode 46 of Everything is Everything. 44. On Inequality — Harry Frankfurt. 45. Economic growth is enough and only economic growth is enough — Lant Pritchett with Addison Lewis. 46. Sample SSR conspiracy theory: He’s alive! 47. Amit Varma's 2022 piece on the mess-up at The Wire. 48. Television Price Controls — Episode 27 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Ashok Malik). 49. The Selfish Altruist -- Tony Vaux. 50. Sadanand Dhume's tweet on the hypocrisy around The Satanic Verses. 51. Bad Elements -- Ian Buruma. 52. Biju Rao Won’t Bow to Conventional Wisdom — Episode 392 of The Seen and the Unseen. 53. Can Economics Become More Reflexive? — Vijayendra Rao. 54. The Life and Times of Teesta Setalvad — Episode 302 of The Seen and the Unseen. 55. Aakar Patel Is Full of Hope — Episode 270 of The Seen and the Unseen. 56. The Wal-Mart Effect -- Charles Fishman. 57. Modern South India -- Rajmohan Gandhi. 58. The Adda at the End of the Universe — Episode 309 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Vikram Sathaye and Roshan Abbas). 59. Whatever happened To Ehsan Jafri on February 28, 2002? — Harsh Mander. 60. Jai Jai Garvi Gujarat -- Narmad. 61. The Populist Playbook -- Episode 42 of Everything is Everything. 62. Where the Green Ants Dream -- Werner Herzog. 63. People's Linguistic Survey of India -- GN Devy and others. 64. The Refreshing Audacity of Vinay Singhal — Episode 291 of The Seen and the Unseen. 65. Stage.in. 66. Reading Lolita in Tehran -- Azar Nafisi. 67. Two Concepts of Liberty — Isaiah Berlin. 68. Understanding the State -- Episode 25 of Everything is Everything. 69. The First Assault on Our Constitution — Episode 194 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Tripurdaman Singh). 70. Shruti Rajagopalan’s talk on the many amendments in our constitution. 71. Caged Tiger: How Too Much Government Is Holding Indians Back — Subhashish Bhadra. 72. Subhashish Bhadra on Our Dysfunctional State — Episode 333 of The Seen and the Unseen. 73. Amitava Kumar Finds the Breath of Life — Episode 265 of The Seen and the Unseen. 74. Goodbye Solo — Ramin Bahrani. 75. The desire to help, and the desire not to be helped — Roger Ebert’s review of Goodbye Solo. 76. Dalit Kitchens of Marathwada -- Shahu Patole. 77. Firaaq -- Nandita Das. 78. How the BJP Wins — Prashant Jha. 79. The BJP’s Magic Formula — Episode 45 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Prashant Jha). 80. The Year of Living Dangerously -- Peter Weir. 81. Ingmar Bergman, Satyajit Ray, Francois Truffaut and Aparna Sen. 82. The New Yorker, Vanity Fair and London Review of Books. 83. Ravi Shankar, Zakir Hussain and Vilayat Khan on Spotify. 84. Nadine Gordiner, Fintan O'Toole, Ilya Kaminsky, Karthika Nair, Ruchir Joshi, Kiran Desai, Nilanjana Roy, Sunil Gavaskar and Mike Brearley. This episode is sponsored by CTQ Compounds. Check out The Daily Reader and FutureStack. Use the code UNSEEN for Rs 2500 off. Amit Varma and Ajay Shah have launched a new course called Life Lessons, which aims to be a launchpad towards learning essential life skills all of you need. For more details, and to sign up, click here. Amit and Ajay also bring out a weekly YouTube show, Everything is Everything. Have you watched it yet? You must! And have you read Amit’s newsletter? Subscribe right away to The India Uncut Newsletter! It’s free! Also check out Amit’s online course, The Art of Clear Writing. Episode art: ‘Asmita’ by Simahina.
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