The Literature Times: What inspired you to write Antarangi Anubhav and share your personal experiences with readers?
Dipti Pundalik Salkar: When I was in 8th grade, I began writing small poems and short stories. However, I was always anxious about my siblings and parents discovering them. I often wondered how they would react, and the thought was a constant source of anxiety. I kept my writing a secret, sometimes even throwing my work in the dustbin to hide it. It wasn’t until I reached 11th grade that I met a Marathi teacher who introduced us to the works of renowned Marathi authors. Her encouragement to read and appreciate literature deeply inspired and motivated me. It was during this time that I decided I would one day turn my passion into a book, gaining the confidence to pursue writing more seriously. This shift marked the beginning of my journey toward Antarangi Anubhav and beyond.
The Literature Times: How did your background as a poet and storyteller influence the narratives in this book?
Dipti Pundalik Salkar: After our study while having dinner my mother always put on radio FM around 9 pm. it was Neelesh Misra show ‘Yaado Ka Idiot Box‘, which is still going, where he used to tell all different types of stories like funny, serious, suspense, some were thriller. His melodious magical voice with perfect description always influenced me to sow seed within me to write story. For Antarangi Anubhav, my goal was not just to present information or recount experiences but to weave them into a compelling journey that resonates emotionally. My storytelling experience taught me how to create a rhythm in the narrative, balance descriptive details with reflective insights, and build an emotional arc that keeps readers engaged.
The Literature Times: Could you share the process of compiling these stories and how you chose which experiences to include?
Dipti Pundalik Salkar: The way trees absorb nutrition and grow, eventually bearing fruit, reflects a natural process of transformation. Similarly, the stories in this book are the fruits of true incidents and real-life situations that have nourished my thoughts and stayed with me over time. Some are drawn from my own childhood memories, while others are experiences shared by people I’ve met or stories I’ve heard along the way. These moments lingered within me, shaping my perspective and eventually compelling me to write this book. Choosing which experiences to include was a deliberate and thoughtful process. I asked myself key questions: Does this story resonate universally? Does it reveal something deeper about life, relationships, or human nature? Will it evoke reflection or connection in the reader? Each story needed to strike a balance between personal significance and broader relatability, ensuring that it wasn’t just my experience but also something the reader could see themselves in. The result is a collection of stories that, much like the fruits of a tree, carry the essence of the experiences that nurtured their growth. Each one is a piece of my journey, shared in the hope that it will offer nourishment, insight, or even a moment of joy to those who read it.
The Literature Times: What role did your roots in Goa and its culture play in shaping your storytelling style?
Dipti Pundalik Salkar: My roots in Goa have deeply influenced my storytelling, and I feel fortunate to be Goan. Beyond its natural beauty, Goa’s rich cultural heritage—its folk music, dance, drama, and literature—has shaped my perspective. Writers like Laxmanrao Sardessai, Ravindra Kelekar, and Balkrishna Borkar, along with non-Goan poets like Kusumagraj and Mangesh Padgaonkar, inspired a love for storytelling and literature in me. This vibrant environment taught me to weave authenticity, simplicity, and depth into my narratives, much like Goa itself—a blend of tradition, creativity, and celebration of life.
The Literature Times: How do you think readers can relate to the personal nature of the stories in Antarangi Anubhav?
Dipti Pundalik Salkar: I believe readers can relate to the personal nature of the stories in Antarangi Anubhav because they reflect universal human experiences. While the incidents are drawn from my life and those shared with me, they touch on emotions and themes—joy, struggle, love, resilience, and self-discovery—that everyone encounters in some form. The authenticity of these stories allows readers to see fragments of their own lives within them. Whether it’s a childhood memory, an inspiring anecdote, or a moment of reflection, these stories invite readers to connect on a personal level, sparking nostalgia, empathy, or introspection. Ultimately, the book serves as a mirror, reminding readers of their own unique journeys and the shared beauty of human experience.
The Literature Times: What challenges did you face while translating your emotions and experiences into written words?
Dipti Pundalik Salkar: The biggest challenge was capturing the depth of my emotions while ensuring they felt authentic and relatable. Reliving personal or painful experiences was difficult, as it required vulnerability. Balancing personal details with universal appeal was crucial to make the stories connect with readers while staying true to my experiences.
The Literature Times: As a teacher and writer, how do you balance your professional commitments with your passion for writing?
Dipti Pundalik Salkar: Being a teacher is no easy task; there’s constant pressure—from staying updated on new developments to ensuring that students understand the material. Every day, there’s the challenge of completing tasks and meeting deadlines. Despite the busy schedule, my passion for writing has always been important to me. Balancing teaching and writing requires effective time management, prioritization, and self-care. I’ve learned to dedicate time to both my profession and my passion, understanding that teaching fuels my creativity, while writing enriches my approach to teaching. It’s all about creating harmony between the two and making sure each gets the attention it deserves.
The Literature Times: Your book invites readers to reflect on their own lives. What is one key message you hope they take away?
Dipti Pundalik Salkar: Antarangi Anubhav is a collection of diverse experiences—joyful, challenging, pleasant, and sorrowful—that shape and mold life in unique ways. Each situation offers a different perspective, highlighting the diversity of human experience. I hope that as readers immerse themselves in my journey, they will not only reflect on my experiences but also find connections to their own lives. The key message I want to convey is that every moment, whether joyful or difficult, contributes to personal growth, and by embracing them, we gain deeper insight into ourselves and the world around us.
The Literature Times: How did Astitva Prakashan help bring your vision for this book to life?
Dipti Pundalik Salkar: I am deeply grateful to Astitva Prakashan for their guidance and expertise, which were instrumental in shaping Antarangi Anubhav. Their team understood the essence of my stories and worked closely with me to refine the manuscript, ensuring it resonated with readers. A special thanks to Pradeep Dewan, who has been my guide throughout this journey. His constant support and thoughtful input in modifying my ideas were invaluable in helping bring my vision to life. With their dedication and collaborative spirit, Astitva Prakashan helped turn my dream of this book into reality.
The Literature Times: What are your future plans as a writer? Can readers expect more stories or poems from you soon?
Dipti Pundalik Salkar: Currently, I’m working on a new book, so yes, readers can expect more from me soon. I’m excited to continue sharing my stories and reflections, and I look forward to bringing my next book to life. Stay tuned for what’s to come!
