For veteran writer, Tarsem Gujral, writing is sacred dharma

For 75-year-old veteran writer Tarsem Gujral, writing is more than a profession; it is his dharma (religion). A recipient of the President’s Award for his remarkable work Raakh and Cheelein, Gujral has authored 77 books, with his most recent release being Pani aur Patthar ki Kavitaaye. He was also honoured by the Language Department of Punjab a few years ago for his contribution to literature.

“I can skip going to a religious gathering or a place, but I don’t miss going to a book fair. That is my religion,” Gujral explains, reflecting his deep love and respect for the written word.

Gujral fondly recalls anecdotes from his Hindi teacher during his school days. “I was in class IX when our Hindi teacher told us that there was no greater sin than stealing. One should never steal, but if you cannot get Munshi Premchand’s Godan, then stealing is allowed in this case. This stuck me, and I read Godan,” Gujral shared with The Tribune.

From that moment, there was no looking back. Gujral became a doyen of Hindi literature, celebrated not just for his own writings, but also for his translation of 25 books into Hindi.

His early memories of storytelling trace back to his childhood when he would listen to his father reading India’s history in Urdu. “Urdu newspapers would come to our home. I didn’t know the language, but my father would read them aloud to me and my brothers. I used to love and cherish that time. Those are my initial memories with stories,” he recalls fondly. Growing up, he and his brothers would contribute 10 paisa each to buy a Patrika worth 40 paise, a reflection of his early passion for books.

Gujral’s writing journey began in the late 1960s when news broke about the American astronaut landing on the moon. Inspired, he penned his first poem, Chand par ja rahe ho, toh usse mera sandesh kehte aana. However, he did not find it satisfactory and never published it.

As Gujral reflects on his life experiences and the power of writing, he also shares his thoughts on the changing world. “Today, people are in a strange kind of race. There is no peace left, and they spend their entire lives chasing after things. One must understand that money is not the ultimate goal of life,” he expresses.

With his children well-settled in different parts of the country, Gujral now divides his time between writing and caring for his wife, who has been unwell. “I am giving my maximum time to her, which is why some projects are getting delayed,” he shares.

Despite these challenges, the accomplished writer continues his work. For Tarsem Gujral, the future remains focused on his one true commitment: “To always respect his religion—writing.”