Amitav Ghosh on the Salman Rushdie attack: ‘Horrified yet awed by his resilience; we’ve forgotten our shared humanity’
In an exclusive interview with indianexpress.com, Amitav Ghosh discusses the solitary nature of writing, why recognition and awards should not constrain artistic expression, the challenges of writing in the digital age, and the balance between free speech and sensitivity.
"We must always strive to exercise our right to freedom of expression responsibly," author Amitav Ghosh shares with indianexpress.com in an exclusive interview. (Image: PR Handout)
Ghosh said, stressing the need to balance free expression with sensitivity. He underscored how literature can foster dialogue, understanding, and empathy in an increasingly polarised world.
Best known for his novels The Shadow Lines, The Glass Palace, Sea of Poppies, and The Hungry Tide, Ghosh is recognised for his intricate narrative techniques that examine national and personal identity, particularly concerning the people of India and South Asia.
His contributions to literature have earned him numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri (2007) and the Jnanpith Award (2018)—India’s highest literary honour—making him the first English-language Indian author to receive it. Most recently, he was honoured with the Crossword Lifetime Achievement Award.
In an interview with indianexpress.com, Ghosh discussed the solitude of writing, the evolving role of literature in society, and how authors can navigate artistic freedom in a world increasingly sensitive to language and expression.
Edited excerpts below:
Q. Writing is a solitary craft. How does this solitude shape your ability to process and express intricate ideas? Are there personal practices or philosophies that guide your creative journey?
Amitav Ghosh: Writing, at its core, is an act of solitary exploration. You sit with your thoughts, your fears, the echoes of the past, and you try to give them shape, to breathe life into them.
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This solitude can be both a blessing and a curse. It allows for deep introspection and an uninhibited flow of ideas without the constraints of external expectations yet it can also be isolating, leading to self-doubt and disconnection from the world.
To navigate this, I find solace in rituals. A morning walk, a cup of tea, the familiarity of a particular corner in my study. These small acts help anchor me, creating a space where creativity can flourish.
Q. Your novels transport readers into richly imagined worlds where history, culture, and nature beautifully converge. Could you share a journey or historical insight that deeply influenced your storytelling?
Amitav Ghosh: Travel has been an integral part of my life and my work. It’s not just about visiting new places; it’s about immersing oneself in different cultures and experiencing the world through the eyes of others. For example, my research for The Glass Palace took me to Burma, where I spent time in remote villages, exploring the history of the country and witnessing the enduring impact of colonialism. These experiences profoundly shaped the novel, infusing it with a sense of place.
Q. Your works often uncover lesser-known historical events. What draws you to these untold stories, and how do you balance historical authenticity with creative storytelling?
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Amitav Ghosh: I’m drawn to the stories that have been forgotten, the voices that have been silenced. History, as it is often presented, is a sanitised version of the past, a narrative that conveniently ignores the complexities, the contradictions, and the suffering. By unearthing these untold stories, I hope to offer a more complete and nuanced understanding of the past.
Q. As today’s world becomes increasingly polarised, how can literature serve as a bridge to foster dialogue, understanding, and empathy? https://twitter.com/GhoshAmitav/status/1123983546459271168 Amitav Ghosh: In these polarised times, empathy is perhaps the most crucial ingredient missing from our discourse. We have become so entrenched in our narratives, so quick to demonise the “other,” that we have forgotten our shared humanity. Literature, at its best, can serve as a powerful antidote to this polarisation. It allows us to step into the shoes of another, to experience the world through their eyes, to understand their joys, their sorrows, their struggles. A well-crafted story can break down barriers, challenge our prejudices, and foster a sense of empathy and compassion.
Q. With increased scrutiny and sensitivity around certain topics today, to what extent can authors exercise their right to freedom of expression, and how do you balance storytelling with social commentary?
Amitav Ghosh: We must always strive to exercise our right to freedom of expression responsibly. This means being mindful of the impact of our words, being respectful of diverse perspectives, and engaging in constructive dialogue, even when we disagree.
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Q. How do writers navigate the balance between freedom of expression and the sensitivities of diverse audiences, especially in light of incidents like the attack on Salman Rushdie?
Amitav Ghosh: I have the greatest respect for Salman Rushdie, and I was horrified by the attack on him. I also marvel at his courage and resilience. As for the question of how to create a balance between free expression and sensitivity to the feelings of others, there is no easy answer. I think writers have to navigate this issue to the best of their abilities.
Q. In today’s hyper-connected world, where debates around free speech unfold instantly, how do you see the digital age influencing creative freedom?
Amitav Ghosh: The digital age has undoubtedly expanded access to information and created new avenues for expression. However, it has also created new challenges for freedom of speech. The rise of online censorship, the spread of misinformation, and the echo chambers of social media—these are all concerns that need to be addressed.
Q. As you have been honoured with several awards and accolades, do they impact your creative freedom and bring a sense of expectation or maybe a constraint?
Amitav Ghosh receiving the 54th Jnanpith Award award from Gopalkrishna Gandhi in 2019. (Express Photo by Prem Nath Pandey)
Amitav Ghosh: Awards and accolades are certainly gratifying, but they should not dictate the direction of one’s work. The most important thing is to remain true to one’s vision, to continue to explore new ideas, and to tell the stories that feel most urgent and meaningful.
Q. As someone who seamlessly writes across genres, how do you perceive the boundaries between fiction, non-fiction, and poetry evolving? Looking ahead, would you consider blending them further in your future works?
Amitav Ghosh: The lines between fiction, non-fiction, and poetry are becoming increasingly blurred, and I believe this is a healthy development. In my work, I often find myself blending different genres, drawing on elements of history, memoirs, and even travel writing. These hybrid forms allow for greater flexibility, greater freedom to explore different modes of expression, and engagement with the world in more nuanced and multifaceted ways.
Cherry Gupta is an Assistant Manager – Content at The Indian Express. She leads the Top 10 section, curating list-based features on key national and international developments, and manages daily news content. She also produces SEO-driven articles and collaborates with the Lifestyle team to conduct interviews with notable artists and write workplace culture features. ... Read More
