Ajay K Pandey, currently working with Cognizant in Pune, has an interesting journey that led him to the IT field despite his childhood dream of becoming a teacher. However, his passion for teaching and learning hasn't waned, as evidenced by his hobbies and aspirations.
His love for traveling, trekking, and reading novels reflects his curiosity about the world and his desire to understand different cultures and people. Through his travels, he has gained insights into the human experience and realized the common threads that unite us all, despite our differences. Trekking, with its challenges and rewards, serves as a metaphor for his approach to life – facing obstacles head-on and finding joy in overcoming them.
Reading novels is more than just a pastime for Pandey; it's a source of inspiration and vitality. It fuels his creativity and serves as a platform for him to explore his ideas and emotions. Beyond writing, he aspires to follow in the footsteps of his role model, Mother Teresa, by making a positive impact on society and contributing to the welfare of others.
Pandey's debut novel, "You Are The Best Wife," drew from his own life experiences and resonated deeply with readers, quickly becoming a bestseller. Its heartfelt portrayal of love, peace, and happiness struck a chord with many, inspiring them to cherish each moment and embrace life fully.
Now, with his new book, "An Unexpected Gift: A true story of finding love," Pandey continues to captivate audiences with his authentic storytelling. Building on the success of his first book, he sets a new standard with a trendsetting narrative that explores the complexities of love and the serendipitous moments that shape our lives. As he shares his own journey of love and discovery, Pandey invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and find hope in the unexpected gifts life has to offer.
1. Can you tell us about your journey as a writer? How did you start your career in writing?
>My journey as a writer began with my debut book titled “You Are the Best Wife,” a deeply personal and heartfelt story based on my own life experiences with my beloved wife. The book serves as a tribute to her and the beautiful bond we shared, even amidst the challenges and heartaches that life presented.
Initially, I wrote “You Are the Best Wife” as a way to cherish and preserve the cherished memories of our time together, paying homage to the love and companionship that defined our relationship. Little did I anticipate the profound impact it would have on readers once it was published.
As the book reached the hands of readers, the outpouring of appreciation and heartfelt messages I received was overwhelming. The resonance of our story touched the hearts of many, and it was at that moment that I realized the power of writing to connect with people on a deep emotional level.
This remarkable response from readers inspired me to continue my writing journey, exploring diverse themes and stories that could resonate with a wider audience. I discovered a passion for crafting narratives that not only entertain but also carry powerful messages of love, hope, and resilience.
2. Apart from writing, what other thing do you like to do and what are your Hobbies?
>Aside from my writing endeavours, I am also professionally engaged as a Relationship Counsellor, providing guidance and support to individuals seeking assistance in navigating their relationships. This role allows me to connect with people on a deeper level, helping them overcome challenges and foster healthier connections with their loved ones.
In addition to my professional pursuits, I am deeply passionate about nature and the great outdoors. As a nature lover, I find solace and inspiration in the beauty of the natural world. Travelling and trekking are some of my favourite pastimes, as it offers me the opportunity to explore new places, immerse myself in diverse cultures, and gain fresh perspectives that often influence my writing.
However, amidst all these exhilarating pursuits, there’s nothing quite as tranquil as indulging in a peaceful moment with a cup of tea and savouring “Pakoras” while gazing upon the serene beauty of rivers and mountains. These moments of quietude and reflection grant me the chance to recharge, introspect, and find inspiration within the harmonious embrace of nature.
3. As someone who finds inspiration in travelling, trekking, and reading novels, how have these hobbies influenced your perspective on life and work?
>We’re all guilty of routine. It’s a natural part of life. But with routine comes complacency and a tad bit of laziness. That’s not necessarily bad, but you’re often unmotivated to break free when you become stuck in a routine. Traveling allows you to meet people of different cultures, with diverse traditions and distinctive lifestyles. As we travel and discover these newly found worlds, take a moment to reflect not only on the differences that you observe in their lifestyle and behaviour but on the things that unite us. This practice will not only broaden your mind but will allow your authentic self to surface. Do you know that Traveling can be one of the greatest Stress Busters! Yes!
Anytime you feel like stress is raking your nerves, grab your travel bag and soar or sail away to a more sedate environment where you can recharge those batteries! I promise you…it works!
4. Your debut novel, "You Are The Best Wife," was deeply personal and resonated with many readers. What motivated you to share your life events through this book, and how did its success impact you as a writer?
>Honestly, I never thought of writing, a novel was never my cup of tea. After my dear wife Bhavna left me, I was in deep pain. I hardly went to work. Neither do I choose to be part of any family or social gatherings. The pain was so much that I had to expel it somewhere. I kept on writing my feelings on paper. Never realized when it turned into a book. The memory of Bhavna has always inspired me. I am sure, her journey can inspire others too. She is the only inspiration behind this writing. The book is a small effort to make her memories everlasting.
Now I am often termed as a bestselling author. It’s an amazing feeling. I started writing for my wife and whenever I get appreciated, it feels like I have done something good for her. It gives me a new direction in life which I had never explored. I would say I am enjoying every bit of it.
5. We understand that reading is a significant part of your life. Could you tell us about a few books that have had a profound impact on you and your writing?
> The company of women and the kite runner.
6. Did you read a lot as a child? How much research have you done before penning down your novels?
>I was never a good reader. I love to read the stories written by Premchand and Sart Chandra Upadhyay. Before writing my first book, I researched a lot to find out the best way to write a novel. After reading dozens of blogs and spending weeks on them, I realized that the best way to write a book is to read more books and understand the way of unfolding the events.
I read 100 plus popular books within a year just to learn the art of expressing a story in a well-crafted novel.
7. What is your perception of relationships today? Can love last a lifetime?
>Relationships are all about emotions. The biggest aspect of a relationship is how intensely a person cares for you: like a mother who cares for her child to the maximum, and we all know it’s an unadulterated love. For me, caring is equal to loving someone. Time is the litmus test for love. Initially, in any relationship, attraction, curiosity and other factors could work, but with time we get to know the person closely. The attraction and curiosity level goes down and that is the point when we could say the real love begins. When love increases with time, it’s real love.
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