In the absence of proper response from publishers and readers, writers in the national language are facing endless struggles.
Writers, especially Hindi writers do not come in limelight in India as much as their English counterparts do. Hindi writers hit the headlines occasionally for all reasons except their writing. For example, Upendra Nath Ashk, a noted Hindi writer came in news during mid 80s when he opened a small grocery shop at his residence in Allahabad, where he sold toffies (called lemon choos in Hindi).
A reporter of an English weekly mistakenly described him selling nimbu-paani (lemon juice). The news made uproar for sometime, when Ashk was quoted as saying he would not have settled for this tuchcha dhandha (petty job) had his writings fetched him enough money to maintain a respectable living standard.
But Laxman Rao is writer with a difference. He is a Hindi writer and sells tea at his small roadside stall also. A loyal clientele throngs his stall in Rouse Avenue near the bustling ITO area. They come not only for the brew, but also a taste of his words.
Yes, 63- year-old Rao is an award winning author of 25 published books, which are based on real-life stories and experiences of his customers and other people around. But his journey from Maharashtra's Amravati district to a flourishing writing career in Delhi was full of bends.
In 1975, Rao had come to Delhi with just Rs. 40 in his pocket -- borrowed from his father to make it big in the national capital. He was a young man of only 22 then. Five years later, he started selling tea at Vishnu Digambar Marg and in no time became popular among office-goers and other passers-by, who would stop for his tea.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Donald John Trump brings the US to inflection point
The president elect is being looked upon with more apprehensions than appreciation.
Demonetisation: ‘Unleash the black money demon'
An audacious move but there is a need to differentiate between despotic and democratic ways.
High Tech Courts Of Social Justice
These can provide speedy justice to the needy sections in an inexpensive way.
Gujarat Ke Gadhey!
Netaas May Call These Animals ‘Gadheda’ (Donkey), but for Me, They Are ‘Ghudkhar’ (Wild Ass), Says a Guard at the Wild Ass Sanctuary in Surendranagar.
I Wish to Get a National Award Shakuntala Barua
A famous Bangla Cinema actress talks about her past, present and future.
On Keeping Secrets
A little-known tale from Mahabharata that is so often used by men to prove male chauvinism.
Cho Ramaswamy: Not Just A Film Comedian
Even in octogenarian phase of life he continued as the editor of ‘Tughlak’ and ensured the weekly never lost its sting.
Bombay High Court quashes ban on women in Haji Ali Dargah
Removing the status of persona non grata for women at religious sites.
Pullela Gopichand
The man behind the coaching factory of badminton.
Asha Bhosle's gift of lineage
Some untold aspects of the singing legend.
