Ayushman Jamwal is a Senior Output Editor at CNN-News18. He completed his graduation and post-graduation in Britain on a full scholarship at the prestigious Cardiff University School of Journalism, and was inducted into the University’s Honour Roll.
Ayushman is a columnist for leading online and print titles. He is also a poet. His first poetry collection ‘Chameleon Lights’ featured in the top 10 poetry bestseller list 2017 on Amazon.com. Ayushman’ssecond poetry collection ‘Silent Sun’is out now.
Ayushman also serves as a Board member of the Kunwar ViyogiMemorial Trust, established to promote and preserve the Dogrilanguage spoken by the Duggar community of the Shivalik foothills. He curates the ‘Cultural Cocktail: Youth For Art’ initiative, a platform for innovation with a focus on convergence of classical, contemporary, regional and global literature and art forms.
In a free wheeling chat with Deepak Raj, he shares his experiences on different issues.
Excerpts of the interveiw.
What made you opt for poetry when writing novels is the craze among present day writers to express their viewpoints on different issues?
I have been writing poetry since my school days, honing my expression and trying to understand the human condition. Poetic expression is succinct and direct, packing depth in just a few words. It is the best way to put forward a poignant point as compared to an extensive explanation in a book. Like a good song, good poetry stays with you and like a good book, those few words make you contemplate the world around you. My aim is to continuously refine my expression with the changing times. Working in a dynamic climate like a newsroom offers me great doses of inspiration and drive. While many don’t visit a bookstore to pick up a book of poems, I am trying to channel my expression via different styles on social media and other visual platforms where there is greater consumption of poetry.
What are the two books – Chameleon Lights and Silent Sun all about? Have you been able to do justice to issues raised in your books? Any other book in the pipeline?
Chameleon Lights was my first poetry collection highlighting a journey of self-discovery. It expressed the confusion of a young soul searching for an anchor or place in the world, trying to make sense of the challenges unfurling before him. I think the justification of that youthful yearning emerged in Silent Sun. In this book, I have focused on more topical themes, from women’s rights, service of soldiers, mythology to the state of refugees to highlight the powerful drive in all humans to find purpose, communion and strive for fulfilment in a chaotic world. I have tried my level best to rally and express these myriad perspectives, drawing from my experience as a journalist. Everyone, from all walks of life can find a piece of themselves in the verses, connecting to these contemporary tales and the all-encompassing pursuit to be a little more than nothing in our existence.
I am currently writing my first novel, a war drama on the pivotal 1947 military operation that saved Jammu & Kashmir, which was led by Brigadier Rajinder Singh, the recipient of the first Mahavir Chakra in independent India.
What is your opinion about national TV channels which are accused of creating more confusion among viewers on various national issues than giving a clear picture?
I completely disagree with the opinion that national TV channels spread confusion about issues. While primetime shows have editorial stands, viewers get the facts from all channels, and their multiple online platforms. CNN-News18 is a leader in the news market and TV journalism because of its focus on facts as well as an editorial edge. Our viewers who engage with us on television and social media are well-informed and they frame their own opinions which we encourage.
What made you to take up the cause of Dogri? Do you feel that Dogri got a fresh lease of life after its inclusion in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution? Is there any apprehension among Jammu based writers that the present generation is more inclined towards Hindi than Dogri?
My grandfather was Group Captain Randhir Singh, also known as Kunwar Viyogi in the world of Dogri literature. After reading his verses, I realised the richness of Dogri culture and what it has to offer the global community. I read Dogri folk tales, plays and immersed myself into the works, realising that they have the same themes and attributes that give depth and appeal to other cultural art forms from around the world.
While inclusion in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution has preserved the language on paper, it needs wider dissemination and evolution to survive for the next generation, which is growing up in an online world of liberated and dynamic expression. Language is the core of any community’s identity. Pushing the promotion and preservation of Dogri culture via policies of community and government leaders, to engage with the youth through a concerted strategy is essential to protect and conserve the language from the domination of English and Hindi.
Tell us about the Kunwar Viyogi Memorial Trust. Why has it been formed & what are its objectives?
The Kunwar Viyogi memorial Trust has three missions – one – supporting young Dogri scholars through grants to expand the academia surrounding the language – two – give a bigger and multimedia platform for the spread and evolution of Dogri culture and art forms in the modern era – three – fulfil Kunwar Viyogi’s vision to create a platform for the youth to promote and hone talent. We are now three years old and our school of artists continues to expand. We seek out and support creative innovation that can help keep Dogri culture alive.
What have been the prime achievements in your career so far?
Juggling my role as a journalist and primetime news editor at CNN-News18, managing the creative strength of a growing cultural foundation like the Kunwar Viyogi Memorial Trust and writing 2 books before I am 30. I love working in creative spaces which drives me to set higher targets. There is a lot more to do and a lot more to come.
What is the ‘Cultural Cocktail: Youth for Art’ project that you are handling and what are its objectives?
It is KVMT’s mission to give a platform and support to artists, namely those who have found innovative ways to promote and develop traditional art forms in the social media era. ‘Cultural Cocktail: Youth for Art’ has given creative direction to artists and a stage in multiple cities including Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Srinagar and Jammu to showcase their talent. KVMT’s last two ‘Innovation in Art’ award recipients – theatre director Aarushi Thakur Rana and Kathak dancer Sanchita Abrol have used this platform to cultivate their art and innovate by infusing Dogri culture into their work, presenting it in the artistic hubs of the country. We are focused on expanding our creative base and outreach, and any artist who wants support to hone his/her talent can get in touch with us via our website (http://kvmtrust.com). The youth has an abundance of creativity and we are committed to share it with the world.
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