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What Young India wants
The book goes beyond the "I-want-a-job-and-companion" analysis of the young mind. It touches on economy, politics, corruption, and even gives motivational advice. Bhagat tells his story well, and even in his columns he has the knack of putting things in a way that sets him apart. Bhagat has proved wrong those who said the youth in India does not read. He knows how to tackle decreasing attention spans by both, the way he writes, and by writing short pieces. While the length, or the lack of it, of the chapters/columns will be attractive for most readers, it will leave many wanting for more. Now we let the author speak for himself: Why did Chetan Bhagat, the best-selling novelist turn to non-fiction writing? I wanted to expand my range. Five bestselling fiction novels was wonderful, but I wanted to see what else I could do with my writing. I felt strongly about issues facing my country, hence the foray into non-fiction. Did you find it difficult to make the transition between the two genres? In some ways, yes. I am used to doing long prose — 300 pages of one story, tied together with characters and plot. Non-fiction doesn’t follow that and it was challenging for me. Of course, there was a risk of publishing non-fiction after an established image as a fiction writer. Where do you stand in the Indian values vs Western values debate?
How do we get rid of corruption? By working at it over a period of time at several levels. One, always lobbying for better laws and independent agencies that can tackle corruption at the top, as the leaders are the role models for society. Two, working on individuals and making sure that people realise that corruption is harmful for society and their own future. Three, ensuring we have enough resources so our people make a decent living without being dishonest and our government officials can offer good services to all without a bribe. Do you feel that you have been able to pay enough attention to the issues you have raised, or would you consider a longer book on some of these issues, like corruption, in future? I have not gone in depth, as I did not want to compromise the readability and the accessibility of the book. Many of my readers are not voracious readers and they anyway avoid topics such as national issues when it comes to reading. Hence, I wanted to keep things simple. As long as it starts a thought process in the reader, the job is done. A longer book may not be the solution. How does Chetan Bhagat know what young India wants? I cannot claim that I know it all about the youth. However, I have been serving them for the last nine years and they have remained with me and so I think I have some sense on how they think. How should youth power be channelled? By connecting the various youth organisations and creating a common youth agenda. Essentially, the youth has to become an identity-free, issue-based vote bank. Only then our politicians will listen. How do you think you can make a difference, given the vast readership that you enjoy? By reaching to as many Indians as possible, entertaining them first and then gently guiding them towards good values and a better society. Let us see if it makes any difference. At least I want to tell myself that I tried.
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He
sells millions of novels, dominates the best-seller charts in fiction,
but now with What Young India Wants, largely a compilation of
his columns and speeches, Chetan Bhagat has again stormed the best
seller list, for the first time in the non-fiction category.
I feel there are good
values and bad values. Good values are defined as values that are good
for the individual as well as society. In that sense, some of the
western values are good — like ethics, honesty, justice and equality
and I want to bring them to India. Some Indian values are good too,
such as family values. Those we should keep. But others like power
abuse, connections and corruption is something we should throw out.