An Afternoon with Dr. Supriya Bansal

Tuesday, March 10, 2026, I had the opportunity to meet Dr Supriya Bansal, author of Mysteries, Mountains, and Mythology, at The English Book Depot. It was a thoughtful and engaging interaction, during which I had the chance to learn more about her book and the ideas that inspired it. Dr Bansal spoke about the interesting concept behind the title of her book. She highlighted how the letter M connects the three central themes of her work - Mystery, Mountains, and Mythology. According to her, each of these elements carries a kind of magic. Mountains often hold hidden stories, mystery keeps readers curious, and mythology connects us with the deeper cultural roots of a place.

When asked about bringing together mystery, mountains, and mythology, she explained that mountains are full of untold stories waiting to be discovered. Being in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, a place deeply connected with mythology, naturally inspires narratives rooted in legends, culture, and the landscapes around us.

I also asked her about the idea that a story truly lives only when it is told. Dr Bansal shared that storytelling plays an important role in keeping cultural traditions alive. She spoke about how stories and folklore need to be passed forward so that younger generations remain connected to their heritage and traditions.

Another unique element of her book is the way it brings food and storytelling together. When asked what inspired this combination, she explained that food creates a strong sensory connection within stories. When readers imagine what the characters are eating, they can almost feel the taste, smell, and atmosphere of the place. This adds depth to the narrative and helps readers experience the place’s taste and the story’s vibrance.

The interaction was thoughtful and inspiring, offering a glimpse into how stories can connect nature, culture, and everyday experiences. The meet-and-greet at EBD was a memorable opportunity to hear directly from an author who beautifully blends imagination with the landscapes and traditions around us.

Sneha

BOOKS OF THE WEEK

The Daughter of Kumari

 

by Jeyamohan and Suchitra Ramachandran

ABOUT THE BOOK

When the troops of the powerful sultan Allauddin Khilji conquer Madurai, the city’s goddess, Meenakshi, flees to the coastal land of Kumari. There she remains for sixty years, sheltered within the Venad kingdom, as the land flourishes under her presence and protection. When the divine law finally calls Meenakshi to her home, Madurai, her departure is felt as a deeply human loss – to the people of Kumari, she is no longer just a deity but also a daughter.

This elegant and vivid translation traces the entwined lives of gods and mortals, where history, devotion and love meet – and where faith is tested by exile and return.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

B. Jeyamohan (b. 1962), based in Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, is a pre-eminent writer in modern Tamil literature. Apart from his other landmark novels such as Vishnupuram (1997) and Kotravai (2005), his body of work includes more than three hundred short stories, many volumes of literary criticism, biographies, travelogues,introductory texts to Indian and Western literature, as well as essays on heritage and philosophy. He won the Akilan Memorial Prize for his first novel, and the Katha Samman and the Sanskriti Samman awards.

Suchitra writes fiction in Tamil and translates between Tamil and English. Her work has appeared in journals such as Asymptote and Narrative Magazine.The Abyss is her first full-length translated work to be published. Suchitra lives in Basel, Switzerland.

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Intergenerational Communication

 

Brewing Knowledge Friday

Discuss intergenerational gaps and the challenges of modern teenage life.

Key Takeaways

• The “Performance Culture” is eroding genuine childhood. Parents are pushing kids into manufactured achievements (e.g., fake NGOs, paid-for books) to build college admissions portfolios, replacing authentic experiences with a constant online “show.”

• A critical reading crisis is emerging. Teenagers are losing the ability to read deeply and are relying instead on social media for information. Parents are often the root cause, as children rarely read if books aren’t visible in the home.

• Effective communication is the only Solution. The book’s graphic novel format is a deliberate tactic to meet teens where they are. Key strategies include respecting teen choices and using their own digital tools (like reels) to bridge communication gaps.

• The creative industry struggles with typecasting. Author Pooja Marwah and actor Himani Shivpuri shared how they must actively fight being “boxed in” by their initial successes to maintain artistic freedom.

Topics

The “Performance Culture” & Erosion of Childhood

• Modern teenage life is a constant “show” for an online audience, driven by social media metrics.

• This performance culture is actively eroding genuine childhood experiences, replacing them with a focus on manufactured achievements.

  • Example: A parent sought help getting a 12-year-old on LinkedIn to showcase achievements for college admissions.

  • Example: The fad of “make your child an author,” where parents pay to print a few copies of a book to create a published author credential.

• This pressure creates burnout and prevents teens from developing authentic interests.

The Reading Crisis & Its Impact

• A critical reading crisis is emerging, with teenagers losing the ability to read deeply.

• They rely on social media (e.g., Instagram Reels) for news and information rather than on credible sources.

• Root Cause: Parents are often the primary influence. If children don’t see books in the home, they are less likely to read.

• Proposed Solution: “Read to lead” initiatives and make reading an engaging, shared activity, not a forced chore.

Intergenerational Communication

•  The book, Being an Indian Teenager, addresses the communication gap in multi-generational homes.

• Core Issue: A lack of respect for teen choices, which erodes trust.

  • Example: Asking a teen for a dinner preference, then making something else.

• Proposed Solutions:

  • Open Dialogue: A daily “tour of sorts” to discuss the day’s events, both positive and negative.

  • Meet Them Where They Are: Use their digital tools (e.g., reels) to initiate conversations.

  • Set Boundaries: Enforce screen-free time, especially during meals.

Creative Freedom vs. Typecasting

• Artists struggle against being “boxed in” by their initial successes.

• Himani Shivpuri (Actor): After her hit “Bua” role in DDLJ, she was typecast and had to actively seek diverse roles to avoid being confined.

• Pooja Marwah (Author): It took her four years to break from mainstream fiction and publish a Young Adult graphic novel, as publishers initially resisted.

Next Steps

• Pooja Marwah: Join Jugjiv Singh’s “My Good School” Sunday sessions to share insights on engaging teenagers.

• Sandeep Dutt: Invite Pooja Marwah to the “My Good School” retreat at Mayoor School Jaipur (April 10–14).

• Sneha Pundir: Host Priyansha next Friday to discuss her self-help book, We Have Never Been Single.

Show notes courtesy FATHOM