Can you share with us what inspired you to write Gandhi – The Messiah and how it reflects your own views on Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings?
Prof Rajeshwar Prasad: Mahatma Gandhi has been a very big inspiration for me and many people around the world. When people talked about Gandhi without knowing much, they used to criticize him unfairly. Their thoughts were completely wrong and biased. For example, some would say Gandhi was against Dalits, supported Muslims, supported Pakistan, caused the partition of India or was not a nationalist. People who said these things should know history, the situation at that time, India’s struggles and foreign rule’s impact. Mahatma Gandhi is, in my opinion, the greatest person ever. The whole world probably cannot fully understand him and his teachings. To know him, people must understand the history of many cultures, different philosophies, religious texts, all great works of art and great figures of history.
In your view, why do you think Mahatma Gandhi’s principles are still relevant in today’s world?
Prof Rajeshwar Prasad: The ideas of Mahatma Gandhi still matter today. Many individuals have fixed big social and political problems by following his ways in their societies and countries. His methods of peaceful protest, nonviolence and truth remain important even today. Gandhi’s ideas probably matter more now than ever. People need to realize that every conflict ends with peace and without violence. Everyone accepts this, but only after losing a lot. Look at the world today: Ukraine-Russia, Hamas-Israel, and Israel-Lebanon. What did they gain from fighting? Lastly, they returned to Gandhi’s way of peace, which he used in his own life.
How has your academic background, particularly your PhD on Christopher Marlowe, influenced your literary style and thematic choices?
Prof Rajeshwar Prasad: My parents were very poor, but there was no lack in their intelligence and qualities. I was an excellent student in class and studies have always been important to me. Christopher Marlowe is actually a very great dramatist and his dramas have always inspired me. His heroes possess a unique courage and enthusiasm, which is lacking in Shakespeare’s work. So, I have decided to study Marlowe.
What inspired you to write The Gandhi-Gita and explore Gandhian philosophy in your other works like the article “Gandhian Whirlwind and the Image of Mahatma Gandhi in Indo-English Fiction”?
Prof Rajeshwar Prasad: As I mentioned before, Mahatma Gandhi has inspired me and countless others worldwide. People are losing sight of his sacrifices for nations and the importance of his ideals and philosophy. When I noticed Indians drifting from the reality of his time, I chose to write an epic about Mahatma Gandhi and some research papers to examine his work in India and for its independence. “The Gandhi-Gita” is the second epic written in English in India. So far, India has two English epics: The first is “Savitri” by Sir Aurobindo, and the second is “The Gandhi-Gita” by me.
Among your plays, novels, and poetry, which work do you feel best encapsulates your vision for a fairer world and why?
Prof Rajeshwar Prasad: Absolutely! Righteousness! This is an extraordinary tale of suffering, a relentless quest for justice that the hero endures, filled with pain, sorrow, and heartbreak. It’s hard to find any other stories, in any language, that depict such a hero and their trials in the ongoing fight for justice. Though he faces numerous unexpected losses and tragedies along the way, he ultimately emerges victorious.
You’ve written across various genres like plays, poetry, and novels. How does your creative process differ when approaching different forms of writing?
Prof Rajeshwar Prasad: I’m a teacher with a wealth of experience across different genres, and I’ve been doing this for 26 years. Teaching is really about learning too, and over the years, I’ve picked up valuable lessons about the world. With that knowledge in hand, I can kilfully create various genres in a clear and organized way.
How has being published by TSL Publications in the UK and your recent work appearing in The Aerial Perspective shaped your global literary identity?
Prof Rajeshwar Prasad: These artworks published in the UK and the US have really helped me gain recognition as a leader in my field. As a result, I’ve received invitations from several publishers to submit research articles in Spain, the US, and the UK. Plus, The Aerial Perspective along with TSL Publications, UK have already chosen two of my other works for publication.
What are you working on next? Can we expect more works exploring philosophical or existential themes?
Prof Rajeshwar Prasad: I’m currently diving into some fictional and dramatic pieces. These works explore philosophical, moral, and social themes, reflecting a deep desire for peace and happiness in our lives. Through my writing, I long for a better society and a greater understanding that can lead us to a better world. Achieving this is definitely within our reach, especially if we take responsibility for making it happen. Definitely, some other philosophical works will be published in the next year.
