Niharika | Jalandhar
From ‘Rag to Rags’ Preet Inder Dhillon is back with the ‘Overcome and Become’. Portraits in words of five heroic punjabi women who steps down from their pedestal takes the baggage of being perfect off their shoulders and to set the example to this world. After the biography of Sufi Singer Hans Raj Hans. This is the second book. So here’s little chit-chat with her.
Tell us about your book ‘overcome and become’?
Overcome and become is a tribute and salute to the five daughters of Punjab-Surinder kaur, Amrita Pritam, Dr. Kiran Bedi, Dr. Inderjeet Kaur and last but not the least Amrita Shergill. These women with the spine of steel at times could be broken but could never be defeated. They rose unfettered, unbeaten and unimpeded. The society did try to chop their wings but their spirits were were indomitable.
If we talk about your current book, which was the first out of five characters that you started research?
The first name that come to my mind was of Dr. Inderjeet Kaur ji the Mukh Sevadaar of Pingalwara but Surinder Kaur ji the Nightangle of Punjab, is the first lady I started my research with.
It is said that writer pours herself in their stories, so what kind of Preet readers Will find in your book?
That’s so true. I too believe that every writer work is a map of their psyche and one can really see what their concerns are, what their obessions are and what interest them. In the stories of these five women, somewhere is hidden ‘My Dream and My Story Too’. I feel like am stored like a genie in tense, tiny black pages. Lets see if my readers are able to release me and my vision from the pages of minds like smoke and help me bring a change.
Is there any difference between writer Preet and actual Preet?
Yes & no actual me, sometimes gets disillusioned but writer Preet is always fearless and full of hope. The real Preet is extremely sensitive and would cry at the drop of hat but when she picks up her pen, she’s all determination and grit, bold and brave.
Your background is Punjabi, so rather than writing in Punjabi why did you choose to write in English?
I’m far more comfortable expressing in this language than Punjabi or Hindi. I feel I can convey better in English. Moreover I feel that english is a universal language, can help me take the stories of these five women across Punjab and India. The non-Punjabi/Hindi readers all over the world will be able to know about these daughters of Punjab.
As there are conflicts between Hindi and Punjabi language reacently you have worked in both languages, how do you see that?
I personally am very fond of every language, every Culture, I am a radio presenter too and I do my shows Either in Hindi or Urdu. I have written for English Nationals and my articles have been published in Punjabi magazines too. I love Turkish, Iranian writers. I’m proud Punjabi in love with Hindi, English, Urdu, French &basically every language that exists in this world.
When you feel upset or shattered what mantra you use to energize yourself?
I want to be the reason behind someone’s smile and hope. I want someone to feel and say that because of me they did’t give up. And for that I myself have to stay positive and happy.
Writing is your passion we all know that but rather than writing which thing you enjoy doing the most?
Beside writing, I love reading, watching documentries regarding various other cultures and cooking too.
Which writers you like the most?
Elif Shafak is my absolute favourite writer. I love Paulo Coelho work too.
Every strong, warrior soul is my inspiration but I love my maternal grandfather, my nana ji, Sardar Harcharan singh ji the most.
What kind of support you have from your friends and family?
I’m very fortunate to have parents, teachers, friends who feed me with a simple, consistent message “you matter, your voice matters”.
What are your future projects?
Any message for the upcoming writers?
Every word, every voice matter. You have the most powerful thing- the pen in your hands. If you really want to change the world, pick up your pen and write. Release your imagination. Paint your voice. You are blessed. Let your words flow smoothly like a river-‘the river of ink’.
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