'I feel a responsibility to write for my readers'

From our  Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, July 6: Mridul Haloi of Guwahati was selected for the Yuva Sahitya Puraskar from Sahitya Academy for his book Okole Asu Kuxole Asu for the year 2015. The award was declared on June 24. The Sentinel talked with the writer about it and his future literary projects.

What do you feel after being selected for the award?

Answer:  I feel very happy and inspired. As it was my first book, I was not expecting any award. But after being chosen for the award, I am very happy and I feel inspired to write more books.

From when did you start writing and when did you decide to take up writing as a career?

Answer:  I started writing poems since I was 5 years old and later I started writing for magazines and newspapers.  I feel a responsibility to write for my readers and to entertain them. My work got praised among the readers and I started writing professiolly.

How have your parents contributed in your work?

Answer: My parents helped me a lot in my work. At first they opposed my writing as they felt I should concentrate on my studied. But later they were convinced that writing satisfies me and does not hamper my studies. So they helped me gather knowledge through reading. My father even brought me various kinds of books and magazines to read and learn.

Who is the source of inspiration for your writing?

Answer: At first, my love for writing inspired me to write poems and articles. I am also very thankful to litterateur Nilamani Phukan Sir, who inspired me a lot and helped me by criticizing my writings and pointing out my faults. He taught me the art of writing poems and to feel the depth of writing.

What are your future projects?

Answer: I am now busy writing some poems and also some prose. Already one of my books Amar Val Hobo has been published and now I will concentrate more in writing poems.