In Conversation with Jay Vasavada

On Gujarat and Youth

The youth of this country have to let go of the past, take on the challenges of the present and envision a better future” said  Jay Vasavada, a leading Gujarati writer, on the ideal outlook for young people. Known for his fresh writing style and public speaking skills, Jay Vasavada has authored articles on many subjects such as culture, science, literature, politics, spirituality, religion, cinema, education, economy, motivation, environment, philosophy, management, relationships, etc. The former management lecturer has also authored several books and there probably isn't any subject which Mr. Vasavda hasn't touched upon. He is however best known for his highly researched articles on literature and his insightful cinema reviews. He is also a wonderful orator and has anchored several television shows like “Priya Gujarati”, “Samvad” and “Ashwad”. He trains people in public speaking and his motivational lectures are hugely popular among Gujarati youths. Mr. Vasavda plays such a crucial role in generating public opinion that in 2010, he was honoured by Government of Gujarat on Independence Day for his outstanding contribution to the field of writing. 

Tell us about how your journey begun in the field of writing.

Well, my story begins at the age of 19. I had participated in an essay writing competition organised by a leading newspaper and managed to secure the first place in the event. This encouraged me to meet the resident editor of the paper. During our conversation, the editor asked me what my father did for a living. I replied that he was a Professor of Gujarati Language. As soon as the editor heard it, he said that it was obvious that I won the event because my father was a Gujarati professor. This infuriated me as I wasn't given enough credit, and so I proposed a challenge. I told him that he could give me any topic and I would write about it.  He asked me to write an article on Nehru, which I did. He liked it and published it in the next day's edition. I soon began writing regularly for local editions. The editor of the daily liked my work and offered me a regular column in the paper. 

Instead of traditional schooling your primary education happened at home. What do you think are the benefits of such unconventional education?
Usually, the best years of childhood are destroyed in school and curriculum. It does not leave space for creativity. My education was never 'information-oriented' but 'knowledge-oriented'.

 My parents gave huge importance to practical knowledge. For instance, I was personally shown an actual steam engine before the engine's principle was introduced to me. 

Education is your favourite area of interest. What are your views on the state of contemporary education?
We must accept that there are some problems in our education system. It is a matter of genuine concern; though we receive education, we still perform poorly in values and ethics. Education should be all-encompassing. Practical approach to learning must be encouraged. Peer-pressure and competitiveness are the nemeses of our education system today. Many youth commit suicide due to these issues. They throw the gift of education away without even opening the cover!

Why your articles and books are mainly focused on youth?
The choice is not intentional. I love the younger generation because it is more transparent and intelligent.  Also, my interests are similar to that of the  younger generation. Cinema, science, sports, travel, fiction and romance  are subjects which interest me. I candidly express my thoughts, feelings, ideas through my articles and lectures, and the young love it, because they could relate to it.

You have been motivating people for years. What motivates you?
My source of motivation lies in my upbringing. My parents raised me unconventionally. I was given the freedom to make mistakes which taught me a lot. Literature and cinema have remained important sources of inspiration for me. The real legacy of India is in knowledge of science, ethics and arts - a combination that propels life. I believe that inspiration works as an igniting force in life, but if there is no spark within you, then it will not create any effect. Thinking is a continuous and ever changing process. It is necessary to constantly re-educate the mind.

What is your take on Gujarati literature?
Affection for literature has always been a part of Gujarati culture and the young generation too is fond of reading. We have many great pieces of literature which are comparable to prominent international works. Well-known literary personalities like Javerchand Meghani, K.M.Munshi, Chandrakant Bakshi, Pannalal Patel, Ramesh Parekh and many more have given their valuable contribution to Gujarati literature. But we have to make some reforms in contemporary literature. Authors today tend to become Upadeshaks. There are no new faces in Gujarati literature.  New talent is not allowed to bloom.  It is important to note that an author with a rural background can also produce good literature. Our authors need to refine themselves. 

What is your opinion of the Modern Gujarat?

If we evaluate the leadership and governance of Gujarat, the state has made great progress in the past ten years. Last two elections were won with the agenda of development in the backdrop. Such an agenda is ultimately beneficial to the people. The government and the administration work together in Gujarat, thereby ensuring progress. 

Vibrant Gujarat, an event organised by the state presents the modern face of Gujarat to the world. Programs like Vanche Gujarat inspire people to do positive things. I am assured that Gujarat has a bright future.

You have been felicitated by the Gujarat government for your contribution to the field of writing. Share your experience with us.

It is really a matter of pride to get such respect and recognition from your own state.  I was also invited to USA in 2010 for the Swarnim Gujarat event. It was an interesting and delightful experience.