It goes back and forth in time, taking the essence of the existing world and scratching on its crust to delve in the redolence of the past. Author Sanjeev Chhiber's latest work, a novel titled “One Who Walks” (Prakash Books), explores, examines and brings together the subtleties and intensities of the miracle city of Delhi.
A doctor by profession, Chhiber dons many hats. This is the debut novel of this published poet. Asked about the reason or fascination that propelled him to pen this book, he said that all he wanted is to tell his story, his experiences and the medium of novel just worked as a platform for this. He is a quizzer and has participated in several TV quiz shows, including Mastermind, BBC. He has also played chess at the international level.
The novel chronicles many events, evoking glory of the past along with its stories of bloodshed. It includes writer's own experiences and background. It majorly comprises his experience and the world he saw as a young doctor in the Capital. The writer has employed two characters, Porus and Anando, through whose eyes the plot unfolds. These two characters appear as observers who just hang around the places or witness the incidents described in the story. Certain chapters of the novel contain poetry, composed by the author himself, exclusively for the book.
The author's research to collate material included visiting places, observing people and garnering information. Chhiber is of the opinion that a writer should write when he really wants to pen down his thoughts and to express himself. The process of writing should not be motivated by or become an outcome of anything else.
A poetry and prose writer both, the writer expresses that poetry is something which can't be learnt whereas prose writing is difficult and has to be learnt. He is a man who believes that every writer develops and uses his own ‘software' to transfer his expressions and thoughts onto paper. Unlike what we expect of a doctor-turned writer, the novel does not hover around a medical-related theme. Chhiber feels that a doctor's profession is quite similar to that of a journalist or any other public figure, where he or she has to deal with a lot of people, observe and listen to them. Chhiber is currently working on a travelogue based in India. He also has plans to work on a novel based on the theme of female foeticide.
