Raghunath Vagle talks about his latest book | Interview

All it took was a single question asked during a competition in his college days – ‘Who Am I?’ that led author Raghunath Vagle on the path to discovering the deeper meanings of life. What followed, was a profound study of philosophy, wisdom, and different ideologies. It led Raghunath on a path to discover and learn new things, new perspectives.

The question ‘Who Am I’ continues to amaze him, as the author persists to gain grounds on the path that he has charted out for himself – reading and learning from philosophy.

But that’s not the only thing that Mr. Raghunath Vagle reads. His interests are diverse and unique, and they range from technology, medical sciences, linguistics, philosophy, to stock markets. In another world, he is a cricket enthusiast who is also a post-graduate in Information Systems, English Literature, and Philosophy.

His debut book, “The Quest for Inner Sunshine” was conceptualized when the author was pondering over the everyday challenges and struggles of a common man, as opposed to a person from a stable financial background. He realized the need for more empathy, and he wanted to help people gain a deeper and more compassionate understanding of the life of the underprivileged.

In his debut book, the author narrates the inspiring story of Karan Singhania, the sole heir to the multi-million-dollar Singhania industries, who takes on an unprecedented challenge, as a test for his competence and as a measure of his credibility, to assume charge of his family legacy.

Raghunath is currently pursuing a diploma in creative writing in English, while also pursuing a post-graduation course in Political Science. He works as a PGT in a government-run residential school and hails from the village of Desaipet in Kamareddy district of Telangana.

We at bookGeeks had a candid tete-e-tete with the author. Here’s what he has to say about his writing, his interests in reading, and about books and life in general.

Tell us something about yourself? Who is Raghunath and what are his likes, dislikes, tastes, and preferences?

I am largely interested in knowing deeper meanings of life and am mostly inspired by the question 'Who Am I?' Interestingly that was the question asked to me in an essay writing competition during my college days. I am a cricket enthusiast and enjoy reading different subjects like philosophy, technology, medical science, stock markets, and linguistics. When I am not searching for answers to life's difficult questions, I indulge myself in my love for technology in different phases of life. In a moment of perspicacity, I realized the true essence of life and the importance of life lessons to be learned by everyone who wants fulfillment in life.

“The Quest for Inner Sunshine” is your debut book, what inspired you to write it?

The idea of the book came when I started thinking about understanding the problems faced by a common man and how important it is for everybody to dig deeper into the life of the underprivileged. Especially the ruling class, who is unaware of the happenings at the grass root levels. Every emotion triggered in a common man must be understood by the rich to achieve the much-needed balance in society. The astute understanding of life is the main purpose of the book.

“The Quest for Inner Sunshine” delves deeper into the true meaning of life, going beyond what general fiction delivers and venturing into a world that is meaningful and philosophical. What made you select such a subject over a regular fiction?

This story dates back to the early days of my college life. I was asked to write an essay in a soft skills session. The topic was 'Who am I?'. The question still incites me to know what my true calling in life is. Even though the instructor was happy with my lengthy answer, I later realized that the answer is still incomplete. There is something which I need to achieve and I was not sure about that. They say 'Do what you love and love what you do’, but it took me a lot of time to find what I love. I did not find happiness even in the much-hyped professions. This thought led me to the fundamental question again i.e. 'Who am I?'. I read multiple books to quench the thirst for my spiritual knowledge. In a moment of epiphany, I realized that I should contribute something to the world. And the best form in which I can contribute is through my writings.

You do a lot of reading, tell us about your favorite authors and their works?

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand, All the works of Shashi Tharoor, Jiddu Krishnamurti, and Khaled Husseini.

It is said that the book is inspired by a real story? Can you shed some light on this? What are the real parts and where do the similarities end?

The thirty-day challenge was inspired by a real-life incident that I read in a newspaper long ago. However, all the fictional aspects are developed during the course of writing.

You are member of a highly active online writing group? How has it shaped your writing? Is this something that you would recommend to aspiring writers?

I stumbled upon a writer's forum called 'My Dictionary' which brought fundamental changes in my writing style. It is a forum where multiple writers post their writings by using specified words daily. I took this as an opportunity and a challenge. There was not a single day where I missed the writing challenge of the forum. There were many talented people in the forum. This enabled a paradigm shift in my writing, from casual to professional writing with constant feedback from experts.

Do you have a strict writing regimen or are you a mood writer?

It depends on the content I am writing. If it falls in my area of interest then I am a strict writer.

Since you are an avid reader yourself, would you ever consider writing nonfiction on spiritual wellbeing or any other related subject?

Yes, there are many ideas to start non-fiction in the future, particularly on religious fanaticism.

What advice would you give to those who are finding it difficult to stay positive in times of the current Covid-19 crisis?

Develop a habit and just focus on one thing at a time, and do not bother too much about anything. Stay in the present and do not worry about things that are beyond our control.

Who is your anchor in life? Who or what is your biggest source of inspiration?

The writer in Shashi Tharoor and his vocabulary is my primary inspiration. He is the master at using very appropriate words to describe a situation or event.

Any other books or writing projects that you are currently working on?

I am planning a sequel to ‘The Quest for Inner Sunshine’.