Vinod Khurana Talks About His Book “Those were the days”

About the Author:

The author holds a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Delhi, an MBA from FMS, University of Delhi, an Advanced Management Programme from IIPA with an emphasis on public administration, and an M.Phil in social sciences from Panjab University. After initially working in the corporate sector, he joined the IRS (Income Tax), Govt. of India. He served as DGIT and then as Vice Chairman of the Income Tax Settlement Commission before retirement. He started writing poetry about ten years ago. This being his first book on poetry, the author hopes that readers will enjoy the poems and find them interesting and meaningful.

Exclusive interview with the author

Q: What Inspired You To Write This Book?

A:I started writing about 10 years ago; about myself, my friends in IIT with whom I spent five years at undergraduate level, studying, learning new things and interacting with them closely on daily basis as we were staying in IIT hostel accomodation which was compulsory, and also anything concerning my official interactions which I found useful and interesting. But it was by way of poetry which began to come naturally to me and I could also express myself better. I was encouraged by my IIT friends to get my poems published. This inspired me to write this book.

Q: Can You Tell Us About The Book?

A: The book contains poems concerning my days in IIT Delhi as well as some other poems. The poems raise several questions but leave it to the reades to find their own answers. The author believes that less said is better and the meaning is in unsaid spaces, which makes the reader think. It serves the purpose for which book is written.

Q: What Does The Title Mean?

A: The days spent in IIT by me were formative years. They were full of wonder,new learnings and very enjoyable. The IIT friends meet whenever possible and fondly remember those days. The title of the book is taken from there ‘Those were the days’.

Q: What Did You Learn When Writing The Book?

A: I learnt from this writing process that ambiguity and lack of flow in the poems distracts the reader. The clarity and the manner with which message is conveyed in a few but meaningful words, which deeply touch the reader, it helps to greatly improve one’s writing process.

Q: When Did You Write Your First Book And How Old Were You?

A: This is my first book. I started writing poetry as a hobby after my retirement in 2012. At the time, I shared these poems with my friends, and posted some of them on my blog. However at the insistence of my friends, I decided to publish my first book of poems now at the age of 74. It has been an insightful and a good learning experience for me.

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

A:The poems are written on whatever inspires me, and in free flow style. At that time, the reader is not in my mind. But while editing and giving final touches the reader’s sensitivity is taken care of. The poems are not molded to suit the reader’s tastes, beliefs or faith. The originality is maintained and is further refined.