Author Aritra Sarkar- A Storyteller On a Mission

Posted by On September 21, 2024 0 Comment
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Aritra Sarkar is a Kolkata-based writer with a diverse background in media, corporate leadership, and spiritual exploration. At present he is focused on spiritual writing, and is deeply involved with Oneness India, a spiritual foundation led by Sri Harit Ratna. It was a golden opportunity for me to get chance to interact with this brilliant author.

1.      Hello Mr. Aritra Sarkar, Welcome to this interview session @indiacafe24. Before we go ahead, we will insist you to say something about you, your family, and your life in school.

Thank you! It’s a privilege to discuss my book with you. I’m a 48-year-old author based in Kolkata, coming from a family deeply rooted in media, publishing, and academics. Surrounded by journalism and literature from a young age, I naturally gravitated toward the arts. After completing my schooling at St. Xavier’s, Kolkata, I pursued an undergraduate degree in Mathematics and Philosophy at New York University. My early professional journey took me to The Wall Street Journal in New York, where I worked for two years.

Upon returning to India, I joined the ABP Group, taking on various corporate roles for nearly a decade. In 2012, following a personal setback—a divorce—my outlook on life shifted. I transitioned from merely following corporate directives to leading my own ventures, including the launch of MeVero, an incubation platform for the pursuit of passions. After stepping away from the startup in 2021, I joined a spiritual foundation, Oneness India, led by philosopher Sri Harit Ratna, which marked the beginning of my journey into spiritual writing, and eventually, publishing.

2.      What inspired you to write Stress to Zest? Did any of your personal experiences with stress influence the book’s creation?

Amazon

Stress to Zest emerged during the pandemic years of 2020-21, a period of immense personal stress due to funding issues with my startup and a forced period of separation from my companion. The pressure built up, isolating me from friends and family. Writing became my outlet—cathartic and healing.

As I shared my experiences on social media, I began connecting with people globally, each facing stress in unique ways. Realizing the universality of stress, I decided to compile these reflections and insights into a book that captures its multifaceted impact on lives.

3.      How did you come up with the idea to combine fictional narratives with self-help lessons? What do you believe this unique blend offers readers that traditional self-help books may not?

As a lifelong reader and storyteller, fiction has always been a means of escape for me. When I began writing in 2011, I focused on storytelling. By 2021, I saw that stories could do more than entertain—they could convey complex ideas and arguments, which is often the domain of non-fiction. Lacking the academic grounding to write traditional self-help, I decided to leverage my strengths: storytelling and philosophy.

I also observed a gap in the self-help genre—many books focus on giving advice but lack personal, relatable stories. Combining fiction with self-help allows readers to emotionally connect with characters, making the lessons more meaningful and applicable to their own lives.

4.      The book addresses seven common stressors, from financial to relationship stress. Which of these do you feel people struggle with the most today, and why?

While all seven stressors are prevalent, I believe relationship and financial stresses dominate today’s landscape. With the rise of consumerism and digital adoption, people have become more isolated, leading to fewer meaningful connections. At the same time, financial pressures have increased, often compounding the loneliness. Without strong social support, people find it harder to navigate these stresses, leading to deeper emotional strain.

5.      Why do you think storytelling is such a powerful medium for helping people transform their lives, especially in dealing with stress?

Stories resonate with us because they bring depth, emotion, and relatability to human experiences. When readers see how characters like Sonny and Ankita Kapoor resolve their relationship issues or how Agata Kowalski breaks free from her stagnant career, they are inspired to confront their own challenges. These characters aren’t superheroes; they’re ordinary people facing extraordinary struggles. By seeing their transformations, readers can envision their own, realizing that perseverance and belief can lead to change.

6.      Each story in your book includes a reflective section for readers to introspect. How did you decide on the format of these reflections, and what impact do you hope they have on your readers?

As I completed each story, I felt the need to offer readers a clear takeaway, ensuring the lessons weren’t lost in the details. I crafted short reflective pieces after each story, blending insights from my experiences, to encourage readers to apply the principles in their lives. My aim is for readers to not only enjoy the stories but also find actionable wisdom to guide their personal growth.

7.      In Stress to Zest, how much of your personal journey is reflected in the characters or stories? Are there any particular anecdotes that resonate deeply with your own life?

My personal journey is woven throughout the book. Nearly every chapter reflects a part of my life—how I struggled with specific issues and overcame them. One anecdote that stands out is how life constantly places us in uncomfortable situations. In those moments, our choices—whether to follow our true desires, remain passive, or conform to others’ expectations—define our future happiness.

8.      Stress is often seen as negative, but your book emphasizes using it as a catalyst for growth. How can someone make that mental shift from seeing stress as a burden to viewing it as an opportunity?

The key is to view adversity as a necessary step toward personal growth. Without challenges, there can be no transformation. When faced with stress, pause and embrace spiritual silence observe your thoughts without judgment. In that stillness, solutions often become clear. One approach I recommend is pursuing your passion. Whether through meditation or an activity that fully immerses you, when you reach that state of flow, the answers reveal themselves.

9.      What are some actionable insights you hope readers will take from Stress to Zest and apply in their daily lives?

The core lessons are:

•        Strive for purity and transparency in your thoughts and actions.

•        Engage deeply with your passion, whatever brings you into a meditative state.

•        Surrender to a higher power you believe in, whether that’s God, the universe, or your true self. In times of difficulty, faith will light the way forward.

10.    Stress to Zest is the first in a planned series. Can you give us a sneak peek into what other kinds of adversity or transformations you will explore in future books?

In future books, I will explore themes such as systemic barriers—like resource constraints and prejudice—as well as personal struggles, including isolation and trauma. The aim is to delve into a wider spectrum of human adversity and offer paths to transformation.

11.    Authoring a book that blends fiction and self-help is unique. Have you faced any skepticism or criticism about this approach, and if so, how do you handle it?

So far, the response has been positive. This approach broadens the appeal of self-help by attracting fiction readers and inviting self-help readers into the world of storytelling.

12.    If there’s one key message you would like readers to take away from Stress to Zest, what would it be?

Follow your passion with devotion.

13.    What are your passions in life?

Spirituality, writing, fitness, philosophy, tennis, cricket, traveling, and food.

14.    Who is your creative work’s best critic?

Myself.

15.    Who are your favorite authors/poets and why?

Authors: Paulo Coelho, Haruki Murakami, Rumi, Isaac Asimov, H.G. Wells, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni.

Poets: Robert Frost, William Cowper.

16.    Describe Author Aritra Sarkar in one line.

A storyteller on a mission to shape a meaningful life for all.

 

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