Akhila Saroha: I would like to begin by congratulating you on the publication of “NEFA-1962- A Subaltern’s Experience.” How has the response to the book been so far?
Lieut Mohan Singh Bath: A few known people who have read it have liked it but I am not aware if any others have seen it or read it.
Akhila Saroha: What led to the idea of writing “NEFA-1962- A Subaltern’s Experience”? Were there any events that inspired the work?
Lieut Mohan Singh Bath: After the war we, who had taken part in it, faced humiliating remarks. I wanted to highlight the difficulties the army faced.
Akhila Saroha: How easy or difficult was it for you to decide the placement of ideas in “NEFA-1962- A Subaltern’s Experience” and keep it simple to understand for the readers?
Lieut Mohan Singh Bath: There was no difficulty I just wrote what happened around us in simple language. Some previous happenings (during our training days) were also mentioned.
Akhila Saroha: What are your views about present-day writing? Do you think it does complete justice in depicting human nature in the light of “NEFA-1962- A Subaltern’s Experience”?
Lieut Mohan Singh Bath: I have not read many present day writers I still like to read old authors and who are in plenty.
Akhila Saroha: “NEFA-1962- A Subaltern’s Experience” shows the uniqueness of your style of writing. Are there any authors that you enjoy reading or any books which are your favorites?
Lieut Mohan Singh Bath: There are many old writers whose books I like to read. However, I like Rudyard Kipling the most especially his writings about the armed forces.
Akhila Saroha: How would you categorize “NEFA-1962- A Subaltern’s Experience” as its appeal seems to be to a broad audience?
Lieut Mohan Singh Bath: I don’t know about its appeal to audience. Only a few have read it and congratulated me. It’s too soon to say anything at this time.
Akhila Saroha: “NEFA-1962- A Subaltern’s Experience” has given a powerful introduction to your potential as a writer. Can the readers expect more from you in the future? Please share about your future projects.
Lieut Mohan Singh Bath: I am no writer or intend to be one. I have no future projects at the moment.
Akhila Saroha: What is the story behind the title of your work, “NEFA-1962- A Subaltern’s Experience”?
Lieut Mohan Singh Bath: There is no story in this. The title is simple and a subaltern is excused for many a mistake as he is just a beginner!
Akhila Saroha: Of all the modes of writing, what made you come up with the idea of writing in prose form in “NEFA-1962- A Subaltern’s Experience”?
Lieut Mohan Singh Bath: Prose form is simpler to write than other forms of writing.
Akhila Saroha: In the present time, the ideas in “NEFA-1962- A Subaltern’s Experience” do not find much mention. What, according to you, could be the possible reason for that?
Lieut Mohan Singh Bath: A lot of time has elapsed since 1962 and there have been many more military adventures after that to attract people’s attention.
Akhila Saroha: If you were to describe your book “NEFA-1962- A Subaltern’s Experience” in a few words without giving any spoilers, what would those words be?
Lieut Mohan Singh Bath: Just read it and excuse any short comings.
Akhila Saroha: What advice would you give to budding writers who may be planning to write in the same genre as “NEFA-1962- A Subaltern’s Experience”?
Lieut Mohan Singh Bath: Just write the bare facts as they are and keep it simple.
Akhila Saroha: Thank you very much for sparing your time. I look forward to
reading more books from you in the future. All the best.
Lieut Mohan Singh Bath: Thank you very much for the good wishes.
