Author Interview: Lalitha Balasubramanian

 

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I had an interview with the Author Lalitha Balasubramanian who has written the book On The Krishna Trial. Our conversation has been summarized below :

Q1. Can you briefly introduce yourself?

 

💫 I am Lalitha Balasubramanian, a Mumbai based author and freelance Journalist. My articles related to health, education and travel have been published in various newspapers and magazines of repute. I have been writing books since the past few years and have been published in two genres, religious and mythological travelogues and children’s fiction. ‘On The Krishna Trail’ is my fourth book in this genre. When I am not writing, I am generally reading, listening to music, or having joyful trysts with nature. 

 

 

Q2. As a child, what was your aim?

 

💫 My aim as a child was to just have fun and enjoy every moment. I never actually thought about the selection of a career. But I have always been a voracious reader and a self professed dreamer.

 

 

Q3. Did your parents support your career in writing?

 

💫 Oh Yes, they did! In fact my parents were far ahead of their times and encouraged me and my sisters to choose our own educational field and careers.  

 

Q4. Which is your favourite genre and why?

 

💫 I read a lot and don’t like to restrict my reading to any one genre. I love humour, mystery & adventure, romance, thrillers, historical and mythological fiction etc.  

 

Q5. What made you to write this book?

 

💫 I have been fed on stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata in my childhood by my grandmother. The charming mystique of Sri Krishna draws me like a magnet. So when I actually set out on a journey encompassing the sacred trail of Sri Krishna, I wanted to compile and share it with all the millions of devotees everywhere in the world.  

 

Q6. How would you like to explain shortly about your book?

 

💫 This book, ‘On the Krishna Trail’ presents my mystical journey through the various spots which had the privilege of being witness to Shri Krishna’s life on earth. The trail begins with a visit to Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi at Mathura.  Braj bhumi comprising of Gokul, Nandgaon, Barsana and Vrindavan, where Sri Krishna spent his amazing childhood is followed by a visit to Maharshi Sandipani Ashram in Ujjain where he had his education. Dwarka is the place where he reigned and spent most of his adult years. Kurukshetra, the site of the epic battle for justice, the Mahabharat, and the sacred sermon of Bhagwat Gita come next, while his final exit from his earthly body at Bhalka Thirth completes the trail. The journey spans five States with diverse cultures and traditions. Each of the 85 or more temples described in the book has an interesting story or legend attached to it. So along with important travel information such as timings, location, architecture, history and festivals, the book has legends and exclusive photographs. I am extremely grateful to Suhail Mathur of The Book Bakers, for his invaluable inputs while representing this book. The beautiful cover is the work of the talented design team at the Book Bakers and it has been published by Locksley Hall Publishing. 

 

 

Q7.  What are you planning to write next?

 

💫 I have already started to write a book for children. At the same time I am researching for my next book in the religious and mythological travelogue genre.

 

Q8. What do you like to do in your leisure time?

 

💫 If I am at home I laze around with a book in my hands. Travelling to new destinations lure me with their promise of adventure and discovery. I love and enjoy relaxing with music. And most of all I enjoy spending quality time with my family.

 

Q9. Does writing energizes or exhaust you?

 

💫 Writing is a passion for me. So it definitely works as an energizer.

 

Q10. What advice do you have for budding writers?

 

💫 Budding writers should read more and research well. Reading enhances your vocabulary and improves your writing style whereas research is essential whether you are writing fiction or non-fiction. Self belief and a never give up attitude will take you places.

 

Q11. What message do you intend to send out to your readers through this book?

💫 ‘On the Krishna Trail’ is intended to serve as a useful travel guide for pilgrims who wish to embark on this journey in part or in entirety. Being information driven supported by interesting legends and photographs, this book is a veritable treasure to read and preserve.

LALITHA BALASUBRAMANIAN

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