Interview with Malayalam writer VJ James
* OV Vijayan, Akkitham, MK Sanu, Lalithambika Antharjanam... the list of great writers of Malayalam literature who have won the Vayalar Award is long. Don't this prestigious award lead you to a great responsibility?
As a writer, I have always approached my writings responsibly. The award should not be considered a burden. My desire is to always approach the works with full responsibility and passion.
* The general impression is that science and philosophy are contradictory and are difficult to coexist. But you have been able to shine as both a scientist and a writer. How is this possible?
Science and literature are complementary. They do not have to be seen as two. Science has always helped me. The scientist Abdul Kalam was also a poet. Science is inextricably linked with literature.
* Nature is an important element in most of your works. Do you want to give the message of going back to nature?
The human body is a continuum of nature. That is why I put forward the idea that nature and man are one, rather than a return. They do not have to be seen as two different entities.
* You are not a person who approaches his writings in an advisory manner. But the film adaptation of the story 'Pranayopanishath' is interpreted as being in an instructive manner. How do you feel?
Film is a commercial art. The screenwriter was adapting the story 'Pranayopanishathu' into a movie style. As a reader, he can interpret the story as he pleases. I emphasized love in the book.
* We can see a travel background in your works like Dattapaharam and Purappadinte Pusthakam. Have your travels influenced any book writing?
Life itself is a journey from birth to death. Therefore, travel is an integral part of the composition. The travel background helps to present many ideas strongly and conveniently. Its a symbol lasts forever.
* All writers are open about their political views. What is your political position?
My political stance is clear from my books. My politics is a contribution that includes those at the bottom of society. It is not a contribution that one hates and stands with another. My politics is to reach out to everyone.
V.J. James
V.J. James is a native of Vazhappally, Kottayam. He is the recipient of several awards, including Vayalar Award (2019) and the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award (2017). The major works are Purappandinte Pusthakam, Dattapaharam, Pranayopanishath, Nireeswaran, and Anticlock. He is currently working as an engineer at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center in Thiruvananthapuram.
