Questionnaire for Satish Panchmahalkar:
Akhila Saroha: Before we begin with the interview, I would like to extend a warm congratulations from our team for “Learn English Yourself.” It seems to have become quite a sensation soon after its publication. How do you feel about it?
Satish Panchmahalkar: Thank you.
I felt very much happy after publication of my book. It was my dream to deliver my knowledge to the learners which finally turned into reality.
Akhila Saroha: Tell us the story behind the creation of “Learn English Yourself.” What were the events that led to its creation?
Satish Panchmahalkar: I already revealed in my previous interview that my knowledge of English should be accessible to all learners across the world. It shouldn’t be parochialistic. It should go beyond a classroom. This is the foremost reason behind the creation of the book.
Akhila Saroha: As an author, do you think “Learn English Yourself” successfully conveys all that you had in mind? Or would there be more to come through your pen?
Satish Panchmahalkar: Yes, I think that it conveys all that I had in my mind. I have made learners available a suitable platform. Now it is up to them, how they perceive and make use of this opportunity.
At present, I don’t think that something is left to be written.
Akhila Saroha: “Learn English Yourself” is developed keeping in mind the readers’ requirements and reaches them in no time. Did you have any other ideas for its construction of the book for writing in the first place?
Satish Panchmahalkar: A book is a best source of gaining knowledge and can be accessible to all due to latest marketing technology. It is independent. Other sources like internet, online require a mobile or a computer.
Akhila Saroha: “Learn English Yourself” as a book is difficult to be restricted to one category. Yet, if you were to categorize, which would that category be?
Satish Panchmahalkar: I don’t think that it is restricted . It is free and accessible to all.
Akhila Saroha: As an author of “Learn English Yourself,” would you describe yourself being influenced by other authors? Which author would they be?
Satish Panchmahalkar: I have been influenced by the author Wren & Martin who have written a grammar book for high school students.
Akhila Saroha: “Learn English Yourself” has introduced you as a promising writer. Can the readers expect more work from you in the future? Would you please share your plans?
Satish Panchmahalkar: Yes, definitely, the readers can expect a lot from me in future.
I will plan for that.
Akhila Saroha: Would it be justified to say that “Learn English Yourself” is a culmination of your teaching as well as learning experience of the English language?
Satish Panchmahalkar: Yes, it is a culmination as far as teaching is concerned. But I have more appetite for learning English language.
Akhila Saroha: As a title, “Learn English Yourself” carries associations that touch multiple dimensions. What is the story behind its creation?
Satish Panchmahalkar: When I used to teach students, I observed that they were unable to make proper use of language. Say for example, after teaching them simple present tense, when I used to ask them to use it and write about their daily life, they couldn’t write. I understood that unless and until a student doesn’t understand thoroughly, he can’t learn language. Keeping in this mind, I made the transition of sentences in three languages. At the same time, I thought that some basic grammar part is also essential to learn the English language. So, I included that part also. In this way I understood the difficulties of students in learning and worked on that and delivered my best to fulfill their needs.
Akhila Saroha: “Learn English Yourself” strongly stimulates the readers to take an objective approach and learn the language with determination. How did you as a person develop this approach?
Satish Panchmahalkar: This is my confidence which I gained during my teaching. I made the students of my spoken English class who already left their education a long ago, to speak English on the first day without fear. Their response was wonderful. This type of experience helped me to develop a positive approach.
Akhila Saroha: How would you describe your literary endeavours and all that went into your making as a writer before “Learn English Yourself” materialized?
Satish Panchmahalkar: My English knowledge, teaching experience, difficulties of students while learning and solutions found out for them were the things which helped me to a greater extent in the creation of this book.
Akhila Saroha: There are so many unique perspectives in your “Learn English Yourself.” What is the most challenging thing about writing such complexity in a simpler version?
Satish Panchmahalkar: The most challenging thing was introduction of three languages, Marathi, Hindi and Telugu along with English language. But anyhow I haven’t withdrawn myself, accepted challenge and succeeded in it.
Akhila Saroha: I wish you luck with your future ventures and hope to read more powerful and exciting books from your pen. Thank you for sparing your time.
Satish Panchmahalkar: Thank you.
Definitely, you can expect a lot from me and I promise I will live upto expectations of all of you.
