Sayan Mondal Speaks- Contributing Storyteller of The Shakti Within

Sayan Mondal, a Software Engineer from Nadia working at a leading multinational, has a deep-rooted connection to his homeland. His passion for technology and electronics drives him to leverage his skills for nation-building, often contributing to open-source projects and supporting educational initiatives. A dedicated reader and lifelong learner, Sayan is committed to using his technical expertise to give back to society, aiming to make a positive impact both within his field and in the wider community. His work embodies a blend of innovation and service, grounded in a genuine love for his land and its people.

In conversation with Samata Dey – Founder Indiacafe24.com and compiler and editor of The Shakti Within- Durga’s Call

Q: Hello Sayan, welcome to Talk Time by Indiacafe24. Would request you to introduce yourself to my readers.

A: Thank you for having me. I’m Sayan, Am working as an engineer, and I started writing as my hobby and mostly into non fiction.

Q: What draws you to portray strong female protagonists like Queen Madhura and Devi Durga, and how do you balance their divine and human qualities?

A: I’ve always been inspired by the powerful women in mythology who embody both divine and human traits. I think all woman characters represent resilience, compassion, and strength. Throughout history, royal women have stepped onto the battlefield, displaying bravery and leadership that mirror the qualities of Devi Durga—the embodiment of strength and protection in Hindu mythology.

If you think the Queens like Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi fiercely fought against British colonial forces during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, becoming a symbol of resistance and empowerment. Similarly, Rani Rudrama Devi of the Kakatiya dynasty ruled as a monarch and led her armies into combat to defend her kingdom. These women, much like Devi Durga wielding her weapons to vanquish evil, took up arms to protect their people and uphold justice. Their courage and determination not only shaped history but also continue to inspire, reflecting the divine spirit of Durga in their unwavering commitment to righteousness and warrior spirit. Balancing their divine aspects with human qualities allows readers to connect with them on a personal level, seeing reflections of their own struggles and triumphs.

Q: Fear and courage are recurring themes in your work. How do you craft characters like Bhayakarasura who embody such powerful abstract concepts?

A: Fear and courage are intrinsic human emotions that shape our actions and decisions. In crafting a character like Bhayakarasura, I delve into the personification of fear itself. The name “Bhayakarasura” is inspired by the Hindi word “Bhayankar,” which means “fearful” or “terrifying.” This etymology reflects the character’s embodiment of fear in its most potent form.

In many mythological narratives, devils or demons often present themselves as formidable and dangerous beings, instilling fear to exert power—the fear they generate is essentially the currency of their influence. By portraying Bhayakarasura as a manifestation of fear, I explore how this emotion can be both a destructive force and a catalyst for courage.

To make such abstract concepts relatable, I focus on the psychological aspects of fear—how it affects individuals internally and the ways it can be overcome. Bhayakarasura represents the obstacles that characters must face within themselves. By confronting him, they confront their own fears, leading to personal growth and transformation.

Q: The settings in your stories, such as the ancient kingdom of Malava, feel rich and atmospheric. How do you choose these landscapes, and what role do they play in your storytelling?

A: I draw immense inspiration from the richness of ancient Indian culture, which is abundant with diverse traditions, philosophies, and artistic expressions. The landscapes I choose, like the ancient kingdom of Malava, are not just physical settings but embodiments of India’s historical and cultural wealth.

Ancient India was a mosaic of kingdoms, each with its own unique customs, architecture, and lore. By situating my stories in these vibrant settings, I aim to immerse readers in the depth and grandeur of India’s past.

Q: In The Goddess Within, you depict divine strength as something accessible to everyone. What message do you hope readers take from this theme?

A: I hope readers realize that strength and divinity aren’t exclusive to deities or mythical figures; they’re inherent within all of us. The Goddess Within is about uncovering that inner power, embracing it, and understanding that we all have the capacity for greatness and profound impact.

Q: Your stories often blend mythology with themes of inner strength and transformation. What inspired this approach, and how do you make it relatable to modern audiences?

A: Mythology is a treasure trove of universal themes and lessons. By blending these ancient stories with contemporary issues of inner strength and transformation, I aim to create a bridge between the past and the present.

Making it relatable involves highlighting the timeless human experiences—love, loss, fear, hope—that resonate regardless of the era.

Q: What challenges do you face when writing stories rooted in myth and spirituality, and how do you keep them relevant for today’s readers?

A: Transitioning from non-fiction to fiction presented significant challenges for me. Being primarily focused on non-fiction, I initially found it difficult to grasp the overall storytelling techniques required for weaving myths and spirituality into engaging narratives. The vastness of mythology and the depth of spiritual concepts can be overwhelming, and encapsulating them into a cohesive story that resonates with contemporary readers required a shift in my mental approach.

I was able to overcome these challenges by immersing myself deeply into the myths, allowing me to internalize their essence. I employed my own mental strategies to bridge the gap between factual writing and creative storytelling. By focusing on universal themes such as inner strength, transformation, and the human experience, I could reinterpret these ancient stories in a way that feels relevant today.

Keeping the stories pertinent for modern audiences involves highlighting issues and emotions that are timeless. I strive to draw parallels between the challenges faced by characters in myths and those encountered by people today. This approach not only makes the stories accessible but also allows readers to find personal meaning and inspiration within them.

Q: What tips would you love to share for budding authors?

A: Stay true to your voice and write about what genuinely moves you. Read extensively across genres to broaden your perspective. Embrace feedback and view it as an opportunity to grow. Most importantly, be patient and persistent—writing is a journey, and every step contributes to your development as a writer.