‘Raag Darbari remains relevant in today's India’

Author and journalist Gillian Wright is an avid Awadh lover, having translated two classics of Hindi Literature – Shrilal Shukla’s Raag Darbari and Rahi Masoom Raza’s Aadha Gaon. She has worked with her journalist partner Mark Tully on books like No Full Stops in India, Heart of India and India in Slow Motion. At the Lucknow Lit Fest on Saturday, she impressed the audience with her fluent and flawless Hindi.Gillian, who has been living in India for 30 years, shared her views with TOI on varied issues. Excerpts:
Q. Do you think Raag Darbari and Aadha Gaon are still relevant in contemporary India?
A. They are totally relevant and give deep insight into Indian life and character. One cannot understand present without knowing past. Raag Darbari explains complexities of India with humour. Its continuity runs through even today. Aadha Gaon is a brilliant portrayal of villagers. It’s an epic novel.
Q. Hindi writing is going through crisis. What are the reasons?
A. There is no dearth of good Hindi writers. Problem is rooted in publication and marketing. Hindi literature is vast and rich. Onus is on publishers to ensure that it sells and remains as popular as English writings.
Q. What are your views on history teaching?
A. I suggest make it more interesting. Teachers should take students to historical buildings, let them touch and feel monuments and imagine how those times must have been. I find CBSE’s history syllabus very imaginative.
Q. There is a demand to make Sanskrit compulsory in schools. Your take.
A. Languages should be kept away from politics. Sanskrit is a beautiful language. I have studied Hindi and Urdu. Let individuals choose and enjoy languages as all of them are enriching.
Q. How do you view Lucknow’s heritage?
A. The city needs to preserve and promote its heritage. Authorities should start something like a Hertiage Trail.
Q. You are also a bird lover and have co-authored the first photo-guide on birds of the Indian sub-continent.
A. India is a fabulous destination for birds but climatic changes remain a cause of worry. Awareness campaigns should be organised to sensitise children. I am planning to take a group of children for bird sighting in Sultanpur.
Q. What is your latest project?
A. I am working on documentation of Rashtrapati Bhawan. Its history, Presidential retreats outside Delhi, etc.