Shalini Modi is a writer and admirer of ancient Indian texts. One of India’s finest scholars, Shalini Modi, specializes in the symbolism contained in the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, and epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. She wrote two works, “Seven Immortals, Immortality: Curse or Boon” and “Shravan, Swar, Darshan, Tales, Chants and Temples”. The Kolkata Mail correspondent Priyanka Dutta caught up with the author at Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival 2023. Excerpts..

How was the experience at Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival 2023?

Shalini Modi- It was a great experience and an eye-opener to a new world. This was the first literature festival I attended after the pandemic. It was good to meet new people and interact with them.

How did you become attracted to Indian texts and explored them for your writings?

Shalini Modi- I had grown up hearing stories from different Indian texts. This base led to my reading different books and ultimately paved the way for writing on such topics. When I read or listened to the stories, questions came to my mind. In recent times, I found that the young generations had questions about the stories in the Indian texts. As a result, I thought of exploring them more for understanding them better.

I started exploring symbolism in the texts. In this way, the younger generation could find connections with the stories. This will help them better understand the ancient Indian texts.

Can you tell us what the book Seven Immortals, Immortality: Curse or Boon is all about?

Shalini Modi- The lives of the Hindu mythology’s Sapt Chiranjeevis, or immortals, are the subject of this book. All of them are male characters who were either given the blessing or the curse of surviving till the end of the Kalyug. They are top achievers of their era and eternal, belonging to either the Treta or Dwapar Yug.

There are writers like Amish and Devdutt Pattanaik who have been writing in the mythology genre. Do you feel any competition from them?

Shalini Modi- Actually, there is no competition as our writing styles are different. Amish write about mythology in a different way. Devdutt on the other hand has been writing for a long time. We all have different flavors in our writing and our audiences are different.

Can you tell us something about the work your NGO Pragati Kendra does?

Shalini Modi- It was started in February 2014 for supporting underprivileged kids with their education. We provide computer training to 200 slum kids. A lot of mothers learn stitching when their kids are learning computers. We have Singer certified 6-month course for mothers. Hence we have been helping both the mothers and their kids.

Have you decided what your next book will be about?

Shalini Modi- my next book will be on the 9 emotions. Each emotion will be connected to a mythological couple. For example, Gautam Rishi and Ahalya’s story will explore Raudra or anger.

What will be your advice to authors who want to start writing on mythology?

Shalini Modi- One must never be scared. They must find their niche and try to write in their own style. Then the sky is the limit for them.