Principal of a prominent school in Mumbai. Taking up huge responsibility at tender age, She got married to a sailor with which came along isolation, sacrifices and compromise. She faces real problems like loneliness, raising kids alone and managing everything right from managing house to managing finance. Being a working woman, its the dual responsibility. She also wants the world to know about the unsung heroes who work at sea. Their hardships, their sacrifices and passion for work but never get any appreciation. We only appreciate the front liners but forget about those ripping apart the mighty sea and keep world the trade going. They live in silence and retire in silence.
Interview With Sonal Bhatia
Soudia Parveen:- A heartfelt congratulation for the publication of your book “Sea Through My Eyes“. How has been the responses towards the book till now?
Sonal Bhatia:- The response was overwhelming. People of the Seafarer fraternity appreciated, saying that the unknown facts were brought in front of the world and myths were uncovered.
Soudia Parveen:- You have taken a great step in writing such a book! What in real inspired you to do so and how has been the outcome?
Sonal Bhatia:- My life journey marrying a sailor and living an unusual life itself inspired me to showcase the life journey of a seafarer and their family to the world.
Soudia Parveen:- Was it difficult or easy to frame and conceptualize the minute details your life and consequences of it? How did you manage to put your life history in a story format?
Sonal Bhatia:- It was not difficult to frame the details of my life as marrying a seafarer was like a story for others. A fairytale where the sailor leaves for work and wife is left alone with responsibilities and compromises at each step of life. Not every man is made for sea and not every woman can marry a seafarer. Every incident that happened on board or in my life was framed and conceptualized easily.
Soudia Parveen:- The book is all about two protagonists you and your husband, what would you like to say about these merchant navy’s struggle in reference to your autobiography?
Sonal Bhatia:- 70% percent of the world trade is through sea and the industry which carries it out is Merchant Navy. But unfortunately not all know about them or their lives. They are overlooked by people. Nobody is aware of their hardships and struggles at sea. They have one of the most hazardous jobs at the mercy of water.
Soudia Parveen:- For the reader, it will be very helpful to develop a better perception towards the merchant navy/sailors and show gratitude towards the same; what more do you want to add up to this context?
Sonal Bhatia:- Merchant Navy serves the world to bring food to our table. Thus, they should get the respect and recognition they deserve.
Soudia Parveen:- What knowledge would you like to provide to the youngsters on the concept of marriage? Is marrying a sailor a good choice?
Sonal Bhatia:- Marrying a sailor is ofcourse not easy but it is a prince who treats you like a princess. Sailors have a unique personality which makes them stand out in a crowd. Their personality makes them the talk of the town and that makes any spouse take pride in.
Soudia Parveen:- How would you provide meaning to the perception of every being who looks within themselves in an inferior position while choosing an eligible bachelor?
What do you want to say more about being a sailor’s “Queen”?
Sonal Bhatia:- There is nobody who is inferior or superior. Every person is special and every person has a special someone waiting out there. So while choosing an eligible bachelor, keep cool, consider the partner’s nature rather than looks, be confident and be yourself.
Queens are the women who wear a silent uniform. They are the ones who are the real queens and not the fairy tale ones who have unconditional love for the sailor king who fulfills all her and her sailors duties while he is far away sailing. Queens are loving, committed, strong and adaptive. Adapting the life of loneliness and filling his vacuum in his absence. A big salute to all the Queens out there.
Soudia Parveen:- What kind of strategy do you personally suggest to the beings from your autobiography, especially for those who casually look onto the merchant navy?
Sonal Bhatia:- Merchant Navy life is a very respectful profession. Every person in Navy are well qualified and trained in their field. With a tremendous knowledge of Science, technology and Geography, they stand apart. They are not only physically but emotionally strong with a different attitude as they travel the world. So, I would suggest people to meet and understand these people working in the Merchant Navy and know their intellect and know their courteous nature.
Soudia Parveen:- In conclusion to the book, what message do you want to leave for the reader and the budding writers? In the future, will you come up with more such books containing relevant knowledge?
Sonal Bhatia:- Merchant Navy isnt a common or popular profession. People around the world who either are not aware of have many disbeliefs about this unique industry. Inspite of depicting larger than life nature of seafarers, it intrigues a vast variety of people who would never work as a seafarer or would opt for this profession. This book has unfolded myths and facts about them and I would continue writing and educating people about the untold saga of seafarer and their lives.
Soudia Parveen:- I value and respect your opinion so far, and I appreciate your words and am very thankful to you for sparing your precious time in sharing your humble words.
More power to your pen. All the best.
Sonal Bhatia:- Thank you Soudia Parveen for taking the time, I really appreciate. Looking forward to more conversations about my next book.
