Anil Annaiah: Inspiring Change Through Creativity
In the world of literature, creativity, and social engagement, Anil Annaiah stands as a remarkable figure who has spent the last two decades conceiving and contributing to diverse projects. He is not just an author but a multi-faceted individual with talents spanning ideation, photography, artistry, writing, podcasting, and filmmaking.
With a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication & Journalism (PGDMCJ) and another Post Graduation in English (PGDIE), Anil brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the literary world.
Annaiah embarked on his journey as an author in 2001 with the release of his debut book, “Nobody Speaks To Me.” Over the years, he continued to astound readers with seven more thought-provoking works: “Simple Perceptions,” “My Mirror,” “New Clouds,” “Open Windows,” “Our Horizons,” “Tiny Pathways,” and “Wide Canvas.”
Each book offers a unique perspective and aims to help readers discover new outlooks, attain better mental health, boost confidence, and find calm and joy in their daily lives.
What sets Annaiah apart is his belief in the transformative power of words. He views words as a potent force capable of shaping destinies. With his literary creations, he aspires to initiate positive changes in the lives of his readers.
As an author, Anil Annaiah’s goal is clear – to help all readers discover a Joy-Filled Calm in their lives. His most precious memory in the world of books, reading, and writing revolves around crafting his debut book and the profound realization that his inspired ideas deserve to be shared with the world.
Anil’s love for writing was ignited in his childhood, influenced by his passion for reading. When asked about his favorite books and authors, he finds it hard to choose, appreciating many across diverse genres.
Beyond his writing, Anil Annaiah is deeply passionate about fostering creative ideas that empower individuals to become changemakers. He continuously explores avenues to create participative platforms for social sustainability, leveraging his rich experience and extensive knowledge accumulated over two decades.
One of his most groundbreaking concepts is “Nature is Art for Conservation,” coupled with “Discovering Science Through The Lens.” This innovative Art & Citizen Science Experience Project encourages people to rekindle their love for nature and discover their inner changemakers. Through “Art, Nature, Science, and You (ANSY),”
Annaiah invites individuals to explore the joy of photography and the profound moments of peace it offers, akin to a practice he calls Camera Yoga. In fact, Earth Day 2023 marked the 10th consecutive year of this inspiring project.
Annaiah’s reach extends far beyond the pages of his books. He actively engages with his audience through various social media platforms, including YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
His authored books are readily available on Amazon and Pothi, while his thought-provoking podcast can be found on Apple, Spotify, and other streaming channels.
Anil Annaiah’s journey is a testament to the boundless potential of creativity to bring about meaningful change. He inspires us to embrace fresh perspectives, prioritize mental well-being, and find tranquility and happiness in our daily lives.
In a world that can sometimes feel chaotic, Anil Annaiah’s work reminds us of the power of art, nature, and science to transform ourselves and, in turn, the world around us.
At bookGeeks, we consider ourselves fortunate to have had the privilege of engaging in an insightful conversation with the esteemed author.
In this exclusive interview, we delve into his unwavering passion for the written word, his profound appreciation for the literary realm, and, naturally, his latest literary masterpiece, “Wide Canvas.”
Join us as we offer you a tantalizing glimpse into this enlightening dialogue.
| Tell us something about yourself? Who is Anil as a person? What are his likes and dislikes? |
| Well, it has always been about pursuing my passion for creating images and writing. I bought my first camera at the age of 11 years, and around the same time, I had filled a small notebook with a few poems, which extended into more writing like short captions, letters, and essays. These two creative expressions became the mainstay of my career path, too, and are now being used to fulfill the purpose of bringing about social impact with behavioral change through participatory engagements to keep building a better world. |
| Tell us about the work you do in your professional sphere? How has it shaped you as a person and as a writer? |
| I am a Filmmaker, Ideator, Photographer, and an Artist. I have founded Annleela Films / Annleela Visual Solutions, Brand Radianz - Me The Changemaker, and A New Life Pledge. I have always found writing, ideation, creative visualization as a part of my everyday endeavor, and all these three dimensions shape me. |
| How did you come up with the idea of your latest book, “Wide Canvas”? Can you shed some light on what the readers can expect from the book? |
| This is my 8th book. From the very first book, the inspiration for me has been to inspire a change in thinking possibilities for the better. The aspiration is to assist everyone in thinking or reflecting with a new understanding so that they can be more peaceful and resilient as they navigate through the challenges life throws at them. "Wide Canvas" follows the same pattern of presenting thoughts and perspectives to instill positivity, facilitate learning, and bring joy and calm to the lives of its readers. |
| Could you share the inspiration behind the title "Wide Canvas" and how it reflects the essence of your book? |
| "Wide Canvas" is a title that signifies that this book reflects all of us living in the world. The cover image of the endless sea with blue skies as its backdrop, for me, suggests that readers can build their lives with hope and wisdom, forever reaching any positive destination they wish to attain in their lives. |
| The book contains two-liners and adage-like sentences. Can you tell us about your approach to crafting these concise yet impactful statements? |
| These are written over a period of time. They come to me just like an instant realization, a moment when I am suddenly struck with a deep insight, and they are totally unpredictable, occurring at different places and times. There is no specific control I have over them. I write them down in my style of comfort, and they eventually become the book. The photography images are also captured intuitively, as I recognize something or am drawn to certain colors, light patterns, structures, and so on. But all these elements are there, filling that magical moment of art and might just change in an instant. That perfect moment for me is both fascinating and humbling as I do not create it; I merely capture it. |
| Are you a disciplined writer or a spontaneous one? |
| My writing regimen is simple spontaneous but with the dedicated discipline required to hold all the writing together and see it through the demands of becoming a well-finished book. |
| Tell us about your other interests apart from writing? |
| Well, as I mentioned earlier in this interview, I have dedicated my journey to the two expressions from my childhood. I hold deep respect for both of these endeavors and continue to harness their inherent power to improve the lives of others. |
| Who or what is your biggest source of inspiration in life? |
| Words out there and visuals emerging from nature. I look up to both of them with reverence. |
| One thing that you cannot live without? |
| I would love to rephrase this as one thing that you live for, and that is to assist people in thinking well through the thoughts written in the book, helping them reach the destination of a good, positive, joy-filled, calm space in their life. |
| Any new projects that you are currently working on? |
| My next book, "The Starburst," is almost ready and hopefully will be shared with everyone before the end of this year or in early 2024. Also, as a filmmaker, I am currently working on a biopic of a Freedom Fighter to be released in a museum. |
| "Wide Canvas" has gained popularity on Amazon India. What do you think has resonated most with readers, making it a best-seller in the Photography books category? |
| I am grateful for this and hope that it plays an even more positive and elevating role in the lives of people over time. |
To stay connected with Anil Annaiah and delve into his world of creativity and inspiration, you can find him active on various social media platforms, including Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn, where he goes by the handle @anilannaiah.
Anil Annaiah, with his unwavering commitment to literature and the profound ability to ignite transformation, unquestionably stands as a formidable presence in the realm of storytelling. You can acquire his latest masterpiece, “Wide Canvas,” today.
