Sathya Saran was, till recently, the creator and editor of ME, a monthly magazine from DNA. Earlier, Sathya was the editor of the popular women’s magazine, Femina, and was also on the Board of governors of the NIFT. She is currently Adjutant Professor at NIFT, Mumbai, where she teaches Fashion Journalism. She has authored a book of short stories, ‘Night Train and other Stories’ as well as a biography, ’10 years with Guru Dutt: Abrar Alvi’s Journey’. Her latest book, ‘From Me to You’, which is a selection of her writings over the years, has been published by Westland. Sathya Saran talks about the people she has met and the lessons that she has learnt from life over the years.
Some of your columns center around the common man/woman on the street. What is it about them and their lives that has fascinated you?
Sometimes looking at someone walking past, like an old woman walking by herself at night, or a couple standing by the road side, I start wondering about them. So much of their lives is evident in their stance, in the way they are dressed, but so much more is hidden. That fascinates me, each of us is a universe in ourselves!
When you look back now, how have people and the events happening around you shaped you over the years?
I have learnt to remain compassionate, and show empathy, because that is rare and valued. Everything else passes; power, position, wealth are transitory, easily forgotten by others. But a helping hand and a kind word is always remembered. And, maybe treasured. I have learnt that true friends do not care what you do in life; they are friends because they reach out to the inner you. I try to reach out to the inner you in those I interact with, not always successfully though.
Can you share one or two instances that taught you an important lesson(s) in life – something that sort of transformed you?
I think I learnt that one does not own what one creates. Be it a magazine, a job, a child. Some of it belongs to others and is given to you to shape; others are yours to create and then need to find their own paths. But being able to create is valuable, I treasure the opportunities. And reaching out with what one creates: that is a gift from God!
The lives we lead today have turned out to be so fast-paced and stressful. Is there something you would like to tell our readers?
Stop, stand still, take a look around you at life’s wonders. Don’t let it all go waste. Sing as you walk, dream as you work, and do one job at a time. The stress will slink away. Depend on love to soothe away angst.
Finally, in all your experience working with and being involved in women’s issues, what is your key take-away about women in India? How have we progressed in the last few years, and how are we moving forward?
I’m not sure. A certain independence has come in, and clearer thinking. But that is a small fraction, though it is growing very fast, even in the rural areas. But superstition and ignorance still hold us in thrall. And there is confusion, which seems to denude values. That is a dangerous place to venture into in one’s search for self!