Dr. Arvind Kumar Malaviya Talks About His Book “History of Hindi Journalism”

About the Author:

Dr. Arvind Kumar Malaviya was an eminent literary personality wrote several articles on various topics and issues. He did his M.A. in Hindi from Ramjas College, Delhi University and Ph.D in Hindi Journalism from Kanpur University. Writing was his passion from early days of his life. After doing M.A. he worked for Career and Courses, translated and published its English journal to Hindi, consequently headed its editorial team. He was also a very good friend of Late Shri Harivansh Rai Bachchan, father of the great actor Shri Amitabh Bachchan. Shri Harivansh Rai Bachchan, was actually friend, philosopher and guide, as he used to exchanged his thoughts, literary and philosophical guidance, this was in those days when Shri Harivansh Rai Bachchan, used to reside in Delhi. In 1956, Government of India established the Hindi Division (Kendriya Hindi Nedeshalaya). In 1958, he joined Kendriya Hindi Nedeshalaya, involved in the making of Dictionary of Technical words, contributed his knowledge of technical words used in it. He also worked on deputation as Hindi Officer for Ministry of Education, in which he edited the magazine ‘Sanskriti’. Then Rajbhasha Vibhaag (now Central Translation Bureau, Department of Official Language) was opened under the umbrella of Ministry of Home Affairs, in which all government official translation is being done. He was under the first batch of employees, who joined the Department at that time, then he served this department as Senior Assistant Director till his end. In November of 1985, he left his mortal coil and rested in peace. He constantly serviced himself for the sake of Hindi, apart from this he was involved in publishing various articles, comments and critics for various Hindi newspapers, magazines and journals of those days. This work of his contains research in Hindi summarized as a book and collection of his articles, which was originally written/ compiled in 1980, is now been published as per modern literature standards.

Exclusive interview with the author

Q: What Inspired You To Write This Book?

A: I was inspired to start this work by an article written by Pandit Banarasi Das Chaturvedi in ‘Saptahik Hindustan’ in 1966.

Q: Can You Tell Us About The Book?

A: It has been more than 70 years since we gained independence. Until now, the majority of our country’s educated public has held the view that our freedom struggle was fought through the medium of English, and that journalism’s contribution to such a struggle is insignificant. And considering its importance, English journalism has played a greater role and significance in this struggle. This perception needs to be dispelled.

Q: What Does The Title Mean?

A: This book is based on my thesis on “The Contribution of Hindi Journalism to the Indian Renaissance,” for which I received my Ph.D. from Kanpur University.

Q: Was The Character Inspired By A Real Person?

A: Yes, I got the inspiration to start this work from an article written by Pt. Banarasi Das Chaturvedi in ‘Saptahik Hindustan’ in 1966.

Q: What Do You Think Happened To The Characters After The Book Ended?

A: The Book originally written during 1975 till 1980, so most characters described in it are no more in the world now.

Q: Do You Have Any Suggestions To Help Others To Become A Better Writer? If So, What Are They?

A: Read Widely and Deeply, Write Every Day, Focus on Clarity and Conciseness, Outline and Revise, Maintain physical diary or notepad to Keep a “Swipe File” or “Idea Bank”.

Q: Do You Try More To Be Original Or To Deliver To Readers What They Want?

A: More to be original and stick to truth and practicality….

Q: What Is The Most Difficult Part About Writing For You?

A: Collecting all artifacts in those days was really difficult as there was no computer, laptop, mobile, digital camera, that was not a digital or mobile, computer age, so really tough game to collect parables and further write a book.

Q: What Does Success Mean To You? What Is The Definition Of Success?

A: To me, success is defined by utility, accuracy, and efficiency, Continuous Improvement/ change in your life.

Q: Which Of Your Books Were The Most Enjoyable To Write?

A: My collection of various articles in hindi and english which will be published as a separate book.

Q: How Important Is Research To You When Writing A Book?

A: Research strengthens your arguments with evidence, Research helps you understand existing literature, allowing you to develop a unique thesis and contribute something new to the conversation.

Q: What Advice Would You Give To Aspiring Authors?

A: Write Every Day (or Nearly So), Finish the First Draft, It will be imperfect, and that is okay, Don’t Wait for Inspiration, Read Widely and Deeply, Become a Ruthless Rewriter and Editor.

This book is published by OrangeBooks Publication. All rights are reserved with the author & the publisher.