The omnipresent and ubiquitous government surveillance as portrayed by author George Orwell in his novel 1984 seems to have become a reality today, observed Sethu, noted writer.
Participating in a discussion held at Krithi book fest at Marine Drive here on Tuesday, Mr. Sethu said that such novels having the power to predict the future elevated the power of writing. George Orwell wrote 1984 during the time after the second world war in 1949. Today, the happenings in India and the U.S. remind us of the government portrayed in the novel, he said according to a release issued by the organisers.
Mr. Sethu pointed out that there remains a situation where the governments monitor you through technology and camera surveillance.
Referring to new age writing in Malayalam, Mr. Sethu said that the writings of Basheer and Ponkunnam Varkey were also considered new in their times. The biggest challenge an author faces is to keep oneself ahead of the times, he said.
Speaking on writer S. Hareesh’s novel Meesha , Mr. Sethu said that it had narrated not only Kuttanad but also the life of the Dalits in the region aptly. Its an outstanding work. However, the novel was misinterpreted owing to several other reasons, he said.
Writer C. Radhakrishnan said that writers need to develop a world view to aid their creative process. Recognitions will encourage writers, he said.
