PVPF 2024

Interview with Author Varunika Rajput, “Women And Their World : Tales of Love, Loss, and Survival”

Read an insightful interview with author Varunika Rajput about her book 'Women And Their World: Tales of Love, Loss, and Survival' on Frontlist.
on Mar 05, 2024

Varunika's accomplishments and experiences underscore her multifaceted talents and dedication to her craft. Her literary journey is marked by notable achievements, beginning with her heartwarming short story collection, "Women and Their World: Tales of Love, Loss, and Survival," which garnered the prestigious Writefluencer award in 2023. This recognition speaks volumes about her storytelling prowess and ability to resonate with readers on themes of human emotion and resilience.

In addition to her solo works, Varunika has collaborated on two anthologies, "Stories from India, Vol 3" and "Purrfect Surprise," showcasing her versatility as a writer across different genres and formats. Her talent extends beyond the realm of fiction, as evidenced by her forthcoming inclusion in an upcoming Ruskin Bond collection, a testament to her literary merit recognized by esteemed publishers like Rupa Publications.

Varunika's commitment to honing her craft is evident through her certification as a creative writing professional from reputable institutions such as the British Council of India and the Henry Harvin Institute. Her passion for writing extends to her personal blog, The Lotus Flower Diary, where she shares her thoughts and reflections, as well as contributions to esteemed platforms like Momspresso and Women's Web, amplifying her voice in the literary landscape.

Rooted in the idyllic surroundings of Nainital, Varunika draws inspiration from her childhood memories spent amidst the natural beauty of Deodar and Pine trees, infusing her stories with nostalgia and a deep connection to her roots. Despite her academic background in Agriculture and Management, Varunika's career trajectory shifted towards education, where she imparted knowledge and life skills to aspiring minds, with motherhood emerging as her most profound teacher.

Residing in Mumbai with her family, Varunika finds solace in the simple pleasures of life, balancing her roles as a devoted mother and a dedicated writer. While she navigates the demands of parenthood during the week, she cherishes her weekends spent indulging in her love for literature, accompanied by the aroma of freshly baked cakes wafting from her oven. Varunika's journey encapsulates resilience, creativity, and a deep appreciation for life's moments, making her a cherished voice in the literary community.

Frontlist: Your collection delves into the complexities of womanhood, portraying characters who are both ordinary and extraordinary. Can you discuss the process of developing these characters and ensuring their authenticity and relatability to readers?

Varunika: It is my strong belief that women protagonists need more space in literature because, as a tribe, our issues are far too many and believe me, they run deep. This book is an ode to the resilient spirit of women everywhere. I conceptualized all the characters, keeping that in mind.

Inside the book, you will find flawed female characters falling prey to weak moments. And yet, they are all strong enough to put up a fight. Of course, not all stories will have the perfect ending, but that never was my agenda anyway. Being born in a middle-class household in a small town, I witnessed the complexities of women’s struggles in society firsthand.
I have researched the cultural ethos and pathos across the regions my stories stem from. Most of the women in the book come from small hamlets or hill stations of India, The real India. The characters in my book are not just a figment of my imagination. Their issues are real. Their daily struggles are real. I have not contaminated that aspect with any whim or fancy. I think that has made the characters authentic and relatable.

Frontlist: Each story in your book seems to offer a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs faced by women. Could you share some specific anecdotes or experiences that inspired some narratives?

Varunika: I must have been 13 or 14 when my mother taught me something that was larger than life. She was trying to help me with a Hindi assignment wherein the question was – What does the poet want to convey through his writing? Although my adolescent mind had understood the question, I wanted a solid beginning for my answer.

My mother told me, in a matter-of-fact sort of tone, that Every word of a writer is like a mirror to the society he/she lives in. His writing holds that power. I found the lines extremely powerful to begin my answer. Post that, I would play around with that thought with my words in all my assignments. For some reason, my mother’s explanation stayed with me forever.

Back in the day, I didn’t really understand the depth of those words. Today, I do. I have far too many experiences and anecdotes to share; it is difficult to choose one that impacted my writing. It is only fair to admit that it is the summation of all the experiences and anecdotes from the lives of several women that have come together in the form of this book.

I could write many more books on the challenges and triumphs faced by women, but it would still not be adequate. Let us face it. We have inherited a man’s world. At least I did. The women around me did. The girls I grew up in school with did. The women I associated with later in my work life did.

I want to reject this inheritance with my work. I am very clear about my narratives. I want the woman in my story to enjoy the spotlight. Whatever her story is. Good. Bad. Ugly.

Frontlist: Many of your stories are set in the backdrop of Indian middle-class life. What aspects of this setting did you find most compelling to explore in your writing, and what do you hope readers will take away from these explorations?

Varunika: Due to my modest middle-class upbringing, I had the privilege to witness the lives of several women whose daily struggles and milestones went unnoticed. I also saw the ambiguity in the attitude towards women.

Either they were revered decedents of goddesses in their marriages (Ghar ki Lakshmi / Maa Annapurna) or they were denigrated because they refused to go by the rule book and chose to stay away from marriage/ bad marriage, kids, and kitchen.

I wanted to explore all that was in between and beyond. If you read the book, you will notice that I have woven the multiple stages of a woman’s life and the diverse roles she plays in it through a common thread of her indomitable spirit.

For instance, 3 out of 7 stories in my short story collection revolve around women who are past their retirement age. I have tried to show the world that there is so much to their life despite them having crossed a certain age.

I wanted to depict what these women go through, the kind of adjustments they make daily, all their lives, How those are often ignored, And mostly, how they still have the choice to walk out if not valued. I think the book helps the readers to ponder over the question – What is it like to be a woman in this world?

Frontlist: Can you share any challenges you faced while writing this collection, and how did you overcome them? Were there any particular stories that proved to be more challenging or rewarding to write?

Varunika: I think the biggest battles are always fought within. It was my first book, and hence, a small quaint corner of my heart hoped for validation from the readers.
So, the quality of the work to be published was my biggest concern; it was my biggest inhibition. I am glad I overcame that with a lot of hard work and strong will. Publishing your work demands conscientiousness and sincerity of effort.

I enrolled myself in a creative writing course, and I completed it as I authored the book. I attended plenty of workshops from industry experts regarding book publishing. I slowed the pace of blogging but never stopped.

Motherhood mayhem was my constant companion on this journey. Today I can proudly say that I left no stone unturned to publish my book- WOMEN & THEIR WORLD. Now, when I look back, I think it is this hustle that made this journey more meaningful and special.

As to the second part of your question, writing any story is a reward in itself. While all my stories were received well, I have been told by many that they loved the protagonists and storyline of MUMMY JI GOES TO THAILAND and SOME OTHER TIME.

I am happy it is so because even while I was writing these stories, I just wanted these women to make an exit from their monotonous and miserable lives. I wanted them to explore greener pastures. I wanted them to find happiness irrespective of their age. I enjoyed writing both these stories most.

Frontlist: Lastly, what message do you have for women as International Women’s Day is approaching? Is there any particular emotion or thought you hope they carry with them in order to conquer anything in their lives?

Varunika: We women are blessed with an internal compass to show us the way. I urge women reading this to stop seeking validation from outside.

Invest in yourself before investing in anybody else. Work on yourself. Educate yourself enough. Spend your time, energy, and resources in building your skill set. Travel a lot. Do everything under the sun to become the most intelligent, graceful, and confident version of yourself.

When life kicks, and be rest assured it will, you need to kick back on your own. In the end, you are your own backup. I ‘d like to leave the women reading this, with a quote from Maya Angelou.
“A woman in harmony with her spirit is like a river flowing. She goes where she will without pretense and arrives at her destination prepared to be herself and herself only.”