Caught on paper, during one of his tea breaks, Saurabh Chanda.

"Aiming to leave a legacy behind" - Saurabh Chanda

Q. How did the idea of a literary festival dawn?

A. It is the brainchild of the Head of the English Department, Mr Asaduddin. He went for a meeting to Bangalore regarding a book release, celebrating the bi-centenary of Dickens.This is how The Pickwick Fest originated.

Q. The PickWick Fest, as it is called, is approaching near, how do you feel now?

A. It is less than a week and I am really excited. I can see the hectic routine of all the people associated with the event. We are trying to establish the tradition of a literary festival. We are actually looking to establish a brand name. We are aiming to leave a legacy behind.

Q. So, how were the early responses to the idea and towards organizing it?

A. You see, an old machine is dust-cleansed and oiled before put to work. It does take time to begin something, small or big. Earlier, though people were a bit laid-off, I now see the same people gleaming with enthusiasm.

Q. Since you are one person looking after the majority of work related to sponsorship, how challenging was the work?

A. It is a newer idea, everyone had their own apprehensions. We went to around sixty companies and ten private organisations. At first, our proposal were rejected by ninety percent of them. But if you have willed to handle sponsorship, you have to be patient and keep calm. Many-a-times, the meetings never happened, some prospective sponsors did not show up. Negotiations went on for 2-3 weeks and then rejected.

Q. On what grounds did they reject the proposal?

A. For many of them it was not as big an event. Although we are giving them ad space on banners, flyers, our Facebook page, stalls etc., owing to our budgetary restrictions, we could not promise more. There were demands like a website for promotion. Some said that had if we approached them earlier, they would have supported the event. Some have promised to sponsor such festivals in future, if it is successful this time.

Q. Did the rejections affect the pace of the event?

A. Not really. Our concern is primarily the audience. We are looking forward to students' participation, along with authors, journalists and academia  We did not want to commercialize it so that the literary perspective is not distorted. We are promoting a literary culture.

Q. At the end, who are the ones supporting The Pickwick Fest?

A. Yes! Our event is being sponsored by Rupa Publications, Aleph Book Company,Roli Press, Hasty Tasty Chinese Corner and Chowringhee Rolls as of yet.

-Shabeeh Rahat
BA (Hons) Eng III

Saurabh Chanda, Shabeeh Rahat(R-L)