I got a chance to interview Mr.Radhakrishnan Pillai, author of Chanakya In You and I asked him some questions related to his life, book and other things in general. You can read the complete review of the book here - Book Review : Chanakya in You - Radhakrishnan Pillai
Q: How and when did you decide that you wanted to write the book “Chanakya in You”?
A: This is my 3rd book. So for me to write my next book was a natural progression in the field of Chanakya. I started writing the book about a year ago.
Q: Which other books have you written in the past and what can we expect in the near future from you?
A: ‘Corporate Chanakya’ was my first book released in 2010. ‘Chanakya’s 7 secrets of leadership’ co authored with D.Sivanandhan, the former Director General of Police, Maharashtra, was my second book released in 2014. With ‘Chanakya in you’ in the sphere of Chanakya, I feel I should write more on Chanakya. But I am open to exploring more subjects too.
Q: What are your thoughts about the future of Sanskrit as a language?
A: Sanskrit is not just an ancient language. It is also an eternal language. It is the only language that has survived the test of time. Of course from time to time there were modification and addition of words but I feel since it has the perfect rules of grammar, it will have a great future too. I see a lot of children getting attracted to the language along with their parents.
Q: I as a school kid had "Half Sanskrit" as a subject which wasn't taught to us because reasons know to school. What is your take on teaching Sanskrit in school as a full fledged language?
A: It is a good idea. We should have good Sanskrit teachers too, who are passionate of teaching the language. Also let us not depend only on the school to teach Sanskrit. Why not each parent take some initiative and learn on their own. It is best when the education system teaches Sanskrit. But best is to start yourself at any age.
Q: Whom would you recommend to study Sanskrit and how can they start with it?
A: Anyone at any age. I know of a person who started to study at the age of 82. But best is to start as early as possible. Find a Sanskrit teacher and then take small classes. There are many organisations that are teaching Sanskrit across the globe. Even e course are available in plenty in internet space. Try any method convenient to you.
Q: With English being one of the global language and translation available for almost everything, how does knowing Sanskrit helps in understanding something written in Sanskrit?
A: When you read something in its original language your understanding is different. When Sanskrit is translated into English and then you read it, there is always a chance that it can be translated or interpreted wrongly. So best is to study the original language itself.
Q: Do you read as much as you write? Which are your favorite books?
A: I read more than I write. Infact the more you read, the better the writer you will become. There are many favorite books of mine from various fields – Kautilya Arthashastra by Chanakya, Bhagawat Geeta commentary by Swami Chinmayananda, Prayer of the frog by Anthony D mello, The prophet by Khalil Gibran, 7 habits of highly effective people by Steven covey, complete works of Swami Vivekananda just to name a few. One should read wide and deep. It broadens our mind.
Q: Which other writers inspire you?
A: The ones mentioned above. I also like Emerson, Rabindranath Tagore and Jawaharlal Nehru.
Q: Which two qualities of Chanakya do you like the most?
A: Chanakya as a king maker, and as a teacher. He was good in both the roles. The made Chandragupta Maurya the king of India’s first global empire.
Q: If your book, Chanakya in you, is made into a Bollywood film, which actors/actresses would you want to be a part of it?
A: Never thought of it. But, if it happens I would really look at the casting very differently. Depending on the role the person should fit it. He or she can be an established actor or can be a new comer also. The actors should be to bring out the character in its fullness. Rest all is secondary.
Q: Reading Chanakyaniti is one thing, how can one start implementing it their daily routine? When we don't have enough time for ourselves?
A: Infact, if you study Chanakya Niti you will be able to manage time better. Read a few passage every day it will take only about five to ten minutes daily. You can also read my book ‘Corporate Chanakya’ one chapter takes only about 4 minutes to read. It is like a daily dose for your mind.
Q: You prefer reading e-books or you love the traditional paper/hard back books?
A: Both. However, being born in a generation where e books had not yet arrived, by habit read the traditional hard copy books.
Q: During the course of writing this book, did you ever face a writer's Block? How long did it take for you to complete the book?
A: Yes every author faces a writer’s block from time to time. It is natural. My speed of writing has increased with time. My first book ‘Corporate Chanakya’ took four and half years to write. My second book ‘Chanakya’s 7 secrets of leadership’ took 2 years to write. For third book ‘Chanakya in You’ I took only one month. The speed of the writing book also depends on various factors like topic, research involved, your mood, the kind of surroundings etc.
Q: One message that you would want to convey to our readers?
A: Study ancient Indian scriptures, like Kautilya’s Arthashastra, Ramayana, Bhagawat Geeta etc. They are full of wisdom of our ancestors and will give you at every stage of your life.
Q: How can our readers connect with you?
A: I am quite active on the social media – Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and if required do write to me at rchanakyapillai@gmail.com
--- Interview with Radhakrishnan Pilla ---
Q: How and when did you decide that you wanted to write the book “Chanakya in You”?
A: This is my 3rd book. So for me to write my next book was a natural progression in the field of Chanakya. I started writing the book about a year ago.
Q: Which other books have you written in the past and what can we expect in the near future from you?
A: ‘Corporate Chanakya’ was my first book released in 2010. ‘Chanakya’s 7 secrets of leadership’ co authored with D.Sivanandhan, the former Director General of Police, Maharashtra, was my second book released in 2014. With ‘Chanakya in you’ in the sphere of Chanakya, I feel I should write more on Chanakya. But I am open to exploring more subjects too.
Q: What are your thoughts about the future of Sanskrit as a language?
A: Sanskrit is not just an ancient language. It is also an eternal language. It is the only language that has survived the test of time. Of course from time to time there were modification and addition of words but I feel since it has the perfect rules of grammar, it will have a great future too. I see a lot of children getting attracted to the language along with their parents.
Q: I as a school kid had "Half Sanskrit" as a subject which wasn't taught to us because reasons know to school. What is your take on teaching Sanskrit in school as a full fledged language?
A: It is a good idea. We should have good Sanskrit teachers too, who are passionate of teaching the language. Also let us not depend only on the school to teach Sanskrit. Why not each parent take some initiative and learn on their own. It is best when the education system teaches Sanskrit. But best is to start yourself at any age.
Q: Whom would you recommend to study Sanskrit and how can they start with it?
A: Anyone at any age. I know of a person who started to study at the age of 82. But best is to start as early as possible. Find a Sanskrit teacher and then take small classes. There are many organisations that are teaching Sanskrit across the globe. Even e course are available in plenty in internet space. Try any method convenient to you.
Q: With English being one of the global language and translation available for almost everything, how does knowing Sanskrit helps in understanding something written in Sanskrit?
A: When you read something in its original language your understanding is different. When Sanskrit is translated into English and then you read it, there is always a chance that it can be translated or interpreted wrongly. So best is to study the original language itself.
A: I read more than I write. Infact the more you read, the better the writer you will become. There are many favorite books of mine from various fields – Kautilya Arthashastra by Chanakya, Bhagawat Geeta commentary by Swami Chinmayananda, Prayer of the frog by Anthony D mello, The prophet by Khalil Gibran, 7 habits of highly effective people by Steven covey, complete works of Swami Vivekananda just to name a few. One should read wide and deep. It broadens our mind.
Q: Which other writers inspire you?
A: The ones mentioned above. I also like Emerson, Rabindranath Tagore and Jawaharlal Nehru.
Q: Which two qualities of Chanakya do you like the most?
A: Chanakya as a king maker, and as a teacher. He was good in both the roles. The made Chandragupta Maurya the king of India’s first global empire.
Q: If your book, Chanakya in you, is made into a Bollywood film, which actors/actresses would you want to be a part of it?
A: Never thought of it. But, if it happens I would really look at the casting very differently. Depending on the role the person should fit it. He or she can be an established actor or can be a new comer also. The actors should be to bring out the character in its fullness. Rest all is secondary.
Q: Reading Chanakyaniti is one thing, how can one start implementing it their daily routine? When we don't have enough time for ourselves?
A: Infact, if you study Chanakya Niti you will be able to manage time better. Read a few passage every day it will take only about five to ten minutes daily. You can also read my book ‘Corporate Chanakya’ one chapter takes only about 4 minutes to read. It is like a daily dose for your mind.
Q: You prefer reading e-books or you love the traditional paper/hard back books?
A: Both. However, being born in a generation where e books had not yet arrived, by habit read the traditional hard copy books.
Q: During the course of writing this book, did you ever face a writer's Block? How long did it take for you to complete the book?
A: Yes every author faces a writer’s block from time to time. It is natural. My speed of writing has increased with time. My first book ‘Corporate Chanakya’ took four and half years to write. My second book ‘Chanakya’s 7 secrets of leadership’ took 2 years to write. For third book ‘Chanakya in You’ I took only one month. The speed of the writing book also depends on various factors like topic, research involved, your mood, the kind of surroundings etc.
Q: One message that you would want to convey to our readers?
A: Study ancient Indian scriptures, like Kautilya’s Arthashastra, Ramayana, Bhagawat Geeta etc. They are full of wisdom of our ancestors and will give you at every stage of your life.
Q: How can our readers connect with you?
A: I am quite active on the social media – Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and if required do write to me at rchanakyapillai@gmail.com
--- End of Interview with Radhakrishnan Pillai ---
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