Writing with a grand vision for humanity

Exclusive interview with Sri Ramana, the renowned international lawyer, philosopher, and author most recently of ‘The Whispering Star’.

A giant-slayer in international arbitration matters, PAMARTY VENKATARAMANA (called respectfully Sri Ramana) is also hailed as ‘Prophet of New Age Literature’. An enthralling classical writing style and love of nature have made him popular among critics and academicians. 

Coming after three of his poetry books (titled ‘In a Blink’, ‘Chasing A Shadow’ and ‘A Master’s Piece’), New Delhi-based Sri Ramana’s ‘The Whispering Star’ (Novum) is a collection of 19 short stories that he published from Europe in 2021. It conveys the philosophy of life as distilled across ages of ancient Indian culture, and as applicable in modern times. He touches on the key concepts of Santana Dharma (better known as Hinduism) – Universalism and Humanism.

This lawyer-philosopher’s vision of religion is grand. For him, religion is not ritualistic acts. A society that has a sense of orderliness can be said to be religious. Mankind can evolve into becoming humanity only if divinity is embraced in spirit and mind, he has been quoted as saying.

Here are excerpts from the interview Sri Ramana gave to Riya Agrahari, a freelance journalist:  

You have been called the “Prophet of New Age Literature”. How do you see its future in the hands of the next generation of writers?

Sri Ramana: A path is set every once in a few centuries by writers who are thinkers and lead a life of obsession to care for humanity and restore or repair the moral fiber of societies. Spiritual poetry amply reflects the ethos of Sanatana Dharma and I deem it a privilege that honors have been bestowed on me. Incidentally, a few scholars overseas are doing a comparative study of my writings and Shakespeare’s for their doctoral degrees. Many are trying to emulate my intrinsic style. It is good for all at a time when societal mores have changed from the time of the Vedic age. 

Which is your favorite genre in poetry and why?

Sri Ramana: Spiritual poetry. Every single work of mine falls under this category. Spirituality has got shrouded in the last few centuries, resulting in bad blood and a breakdown of law and order. Religious edicts have become either dictatorial or loose to be able to add value to the betterment of the human race. Therefore, this genre is very essential to rake up the good conscience of people from all walks of life in our society. 

What goes into choosing a genre and how important is innovation?

Sri Ramana: The writing style of good writers is often unique, but versatility forms the hallmark of good writing. Moods, situations, or compelling thoughts of an author or the poet could prompt switching genres. Prose may be poetic, and poetry can be tell-tale writing. Ballads, for instance. 

What is your next book? 

Sri Ramana: ‘Vishwaguru (X-raying the Mahatma)’, political essays giving a prescription for carving a better #NewIndia. 

Being an attorney, you face two kinds of people, the accused, and the victims. A victim’s story everybody empathizes with, but has an accused ever inspired you to write about their helplessness, rage, or their perspective towards society?

Sri Ramana: It is an open secret and common grouse in contemporary society (at least in India) that the criminal justice system has literally collapsed due to several factors. Innocents are arraigned as accused and the snail-like pace of the judicial process takes its toll on such wrongly implicated persons, even if the Trial Court or Appellate Court exonerates him or her eventually. Travesty of justice in human hands, however, is often meted out with natural justice that does not let the wrongdoers go scot-free.

Inspiration is the core of a writer’s work. What inspires you the most?

Sri Ramana: Nature and Universe include even inanimate objects. Hence, inspiration can spring from humans as well as non-living things that can pour life into a story or message conveyed via spiritual poetry. 

What are the expectations a writer has from his readers?

Sri Ramana: A successful book is when the reader becomes the alter ego or connects with the characters and messages imparted by the author.

Language is a major hurdle for literary arts. Do you agree?

Sri Ramana: I disagree. Language can never be a barrier if art and literature are powerful enough. Dumb charades are the best example as is Braille. 

In this digital age, reading and writing patterns are changing drastically. Is the change for better or worse?

Sri Ramana: I have often said that this is a loss to those who derive great pleasure by turning the pages of a paperback book with its special aroma and sense of mystery behind the cover page. The younger generation should be goaded to cultivate the solid habit of reading books other than in digital media formats.