Unveiling Journey: Sumit Raj’s Literary Odyssey in Shimla’s Lap
Every writer embarks on a unique journey, and despite being directed towards a medical career by his father, Sumit Raj—now a renowned figure within Shimla’s literary community, affectionately known as ‘Summit’ by his British friends—chose a different path. He pursued an art’s degree and later graduated in tourism from Delhi University.
Life seldom unfolds as envisioned; over time, one must adapt or circumstances compel a change in direction. Enamored by the hills, Sumit’s writing draws inspiration from nature, a sentiment he encapsulates as, “Shimla shehar mere ander basaa hua hai” (The essence of Shimla resides within me).
Prachi Kaushal, a BSc graduate currently preparing for competitive exams, engaged Sumit in a captivating dialogue to delve into his life and work. The conversation delved into Sumit’s beginnings as a Ghazal and poetry writer, his transition to crafting stories, and how Shimla became both his muse and a catalyst for authoring ten books to date—with more in the pipeline. His affinity for hill walking and hiking not only fueled his creative expression but also enabled him to flourish in the tourism sector as a tour guide.
For more insight into his “31 jobs,” a question he left for us to ponder, we’re urged to track his journey. Stay tuned for weekly episodes and subscribe to our channels. On the upcoming Saturday, August 26, 2023, we’ll welcome our fourth guest, Ranjodh Singh, interviewed by school student Ms. Prachi.
The talk show “व्यक्तित्व – बातचीत का कारवां” has been curated especially for children and young writers/readers, offering them an informal platform to engage with esteemed writers and artists. Over fifty-two weeks, starting from August, fifty-two personalities will be introduced, with interviews conducted by school, college, or university students. These discussions will take place offline at Brews & Books Café in Shimla, which boasts an open library based on the “Borrow, Exchange, Donate” concept. The interviews will be streamed live on Keekli’s Facebook Channel and HimachalTonite’s YouTube Channel.
Founded a decade ago in 2013 by Vandana Bhagra, Keekli Media Channel provides a platform to nurture creative writing and reading among children. Over time, it has organized various inter-school competitions and skill-building workshops in elocution, story writing, and poetry for Shimla’s young minds. Another significant stride was the establishment of the Keekli Book Club, designed exclusively for young readers. In collaboration with media partner HimachalTonite, the Association of Book Clubs, and Food4Thought Foundation, the inaugural episode was recently broadcasted.
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