The author of the book, Mr. Raghvendra Kumar Dixit, was born on April 20, 1946, in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. His father, Mr. Nand Kumar Dixit, was a lawyer by profession, and his mother retired as the principal of Juhari Devi Higher Secondary School in Kanpur. Raised in a middle-class intellectual family, Mr. Dixit developed an early interest in academics. He graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Kanpur.
He began his career as a Junior Engineer at Fertilizer Corporation of India, Sindri, Bihar. Later, he served in various capacities at National Fertilizers Limited (a Government of India enterprise) in the Nangal, Panipat, and Vijaypur units. He retired in 2005 as the Chief General Manager from the Nangal unit.
Post-retirement, he worked as the Director at ICFAI National College (Business School), Panipat, for three years. He also held the position of Director at the Prem Institute of Medical Sciences and an engineering college in Panipat. Upon retiring, his passion for writing came to the forefront. Mr. Dixit has written around ten poems and several essays on social issues, common life events, and incidents from his surroundings, presented in an engaging manner.
In 2014, he established an NGO named Gyaan Jyoti, which he continues to operate. The primary goal of Gyaan Jyoti is to encourage education among underprivileged and meritorious girls. With the generous support of philanthropists and kind-hearted individuals, a monthly scholarship of ₹500 is provided to these girls. The NGO currently operates branches in Panipat (Haryana), Greater Noida (Uttar Pradesh), and Bhiwadi, Alwar (Rajasthan), supporting over 500 deserving girls with scholarships.
Mr. Dixit encourages others to join this noble cause. Detailed information can be found on the Gyaan Jyoti website (www.gyaanjyoti.com). He has pledged to donate 50% of the proceeds from the sales of this book to the NGO.
This is his debut book, dedicated to readers. We hope Mr. Dixit continues to enrich readers’ experiences with his remarkable writing in the future.
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The Literature Times: What inspired you to write Peedhi Dar Peedhi, and how did the idea for the book take shape?
Raghavendra Kumar Dixit: Well, ideas do not take shape but they just flash. My grandmother, mother, and father have greatly inspired me in life. It is their real-life story of struggle with Satya, ahinsa and Asteya.
The Literature Times: How does your engineering background influence your perspective on life and the themes you explore in the book?
Raghavendra Kumar Dixit: My engineering background helped me take a balanced view of life.
The Literature Times: The book touches upon universal themes like relationships and societal issues. How do you ensure these resonate with readers from diverse backgrounds?
Raghavendra Kumar Dixit: My deep emotional touch and involvement in stories as a silent character.
The Literature Times: You’ve pledged a portion of the book’s proceeds to Gyaan Jyoti. How does your NGO’s mission align with the values expressed in your writing?
Raghavendra Kumar Dixit: I have always been very dear to the cause of women’s emancipation. “Educate the girl, Empower the Nation” Birds can not fly with one wing. India can not fly without women’s empowerment.
The Literature Times: As a debut author, what challenges did you face while transitioning from a professional career to writing?
Raghavendra Kumar Dixit: I did not get enough time during my busy career to purse my hobby of story writing. After retirement, all the time for such creative activity.
The Literature Times: The book focuses on finding meaning in ordinary events. Could you share an example of such an experience that inspired a specific section?
Raghavendra Kumar Dixit: My father was a lawyer by profession but he believed in the power of truth. He suffered but never deviated from the path. Once he rebuked an engineer who had come to him to get a stay order since the posting in which he was working was very powerful. He said that even six month’s delay would mean a lot of bribe money. Father refused to take his case.There were so many such incidents which shaped my mindset.
My parents were helped all their poor relatives out of way.
The Literature Times: What role do your personal experiences and upbringing in Kanpur play in shaping the reflections in your book?
Raghavendra Kumar Dixit: Kanpur is the largest industrial city in Uttar Pradesh. I was living in a very busy area in front of the New Basant Cinema of Kanpur. A number of stories are inspired by my Kanpur societal living.
The Literature Times: What message or lesson do you hope readers take away from Peedhi Dar Peedhi?
Raghavendra Kumar Dixit: Readers will get a feel of three generations starting from 1930 to 2024. India has got wings and trying to fly high. It is a relay race. I am happy the baton has been handed over to the new generation which will bring laurels. India I am sure will achieve its old glory of Golden Bird.
The Literature Times: How do you balance simplicity and depth in your writing to make profound ideas accessible to all readers?
Raghavendra Kumar Dixit: Readers to judge. My simple language will go straight to give them my message.
The Literature Times: What advice would you give to aspiring authors who want to write about personal reflections and societal themes?
Raghavendra Kumar Dixit: We must write with conviction and emotions. Only those topics which can be simply related to yourself.