My Father Was My Biggest Support and Motivator - Shruti Naik Arondekar




1. Tell us more about your background and journey.

I'm Shruti Shantaram Naik Arondekar from Pernem Goa. I graduated from Goa University with a Master's degree in English. I started writing when I was in 6th standard. I had written 2 poems for Hindi day and my teachers appreciated my write up. I took part in various essay and short story writing competitions when I was in school, both at Taluka level and state level. I wrote whenever I got time or whenever a thought made a home in my head. But later I realized I could write more and better so I kept it regular.

My father was my biggest support and motivator. After he passed away in 2012 I found his diary, from that I got to know how I inculcated this hobby or say writing skills in me. No, my father wasn't a writer, but in his dairy he had written numerous quotes, stories and poems which amazed me.

I now write poems, quotes also participate in competitions, share my work through social media, newspaper. More than a writer, I would consider calling me as a poet. I was once interviewed for Dainik Herald's College Katta edition and it was published on the same and from there I got motivation to write more and appreciation from everyone.


2. When did you decide you wanted to be a writer?

I did not think of becoming a full time writer because my dream is to be a teacher. I kept writing as my passion not my profession. I have decided this when I was doing my Bachelor's that along with studies and my profession I will continue to work towards my passion and won't let the writer in me die. Also, being a student of literature my connection and interest in writing got deeper.


3. Is it a financially stable career?

As I said earlier writing is my passion and not profession so I my motive is not to earn from it. But yes, writing can be financially stable if one keeps on creating good work keeping in mind the interests of the readers then definitely the readers and publishers would buy their work. Similarly a writer needs to invest his/her time and money to start up the career. I never thought of being a full time writer so I cannot go deeper into explaining this. Writers do have their perks.


4. Who is your favourite writer and why?

Keeping literature in my mind I would say Shakespeare. I have studied him, learnt and tried to understand his works. He has created histories, Tragedies and comedies. He is the greatest of his times and is still alive in the form of literature. During college days we had enacted one of his plays and it was a wonderful experience. Secondly, I would say Preeti Shenoy. Her novels inspire and motivate me in daily life.


5. Where does your inspiration lie?

My inspiration is my father who unknowingly supported me everytime. Then comes my teachers, who always motivated me and my friends who appreciated me. I consider every person to be my inspiration who help me grow.


6. What does your typical day look like?

As a student I study, complete my everyday work. I be on social media where I share my work and read others works too. I read something and I write at least a sentence everyday so I know my thought process is active. I love to spend time with my mother and our pets. My day is just as normal as any other person.


7. What piece of advice would you like to give to future aspiring writers?

Every person is an artist. There is some or the other talent that each one holds. When you wish to do something do it with your whole heart. Do not get distracted, do not loose your path, stay focused and you will achieve what you are trying for. If you have the will you will surely find the way. Write regularly, write about anything and everything that interests you and that way you will be able to find out what's good and what's the best.


8. Which is your favourite book and why?

I have many books to be called my favorite ones, but I would like to mention 'Wake up, life is calling' by Preeti Shenoy. This book was really a waking call to me. When I thought everything is falling apart her novel gave me a hope, it taught me not to give up, helped me to look at life differently. This is an amazing novel by Preeti Shenoy and I would suggest youngsters like me to read it. She never fails to amaze me with her outstanding work. 'Her words poured down on me like rain on parched earth.' This is what her words exactly does to me. 


Shruti Naik Arondekar - Writer from Goa, currently pursuing Bachelor's degree of  Education.

Interview by - Soniya Kauthanakar