Writers chasing trends are selling their souls, Jharkhand’s renowned Hindi author Ansuman Bhagat responds sharply

Jeewan Rai

Jharkhand: In the digital age of the 21st century, where almost everything is driven by market forces and trends, literature has not remained untouched. Renowned Hindi writer from Jharkhand and a well-known literary figure of Jamshedpur, Ansuman Bhagat has expressed strong concern over this changing literary landscape. He stated clearly that in the race to follow trends, writers have started selling themselves, and although books are reaching the market, their identity is now shaped more by marketing and advertising than by the quality of writing itself.

He further added that in today’s time, a writer is not only expected to write but also to promote themselves, something that was traditionally the responsibility of publishers and publishing houses. According to Bhagat, when a writer is forced to sell not just their book but themselves as well, it becomes a matter of concern for literature. He believes that in this race, the core purpose of writing, ideas, sensitivity, and truth, is gradually being lost, and writing is turning merely into a tool for selling, while its role in informing and guiding society is fading away.

In a sharp remark, he said that if a writer has to sell themselves, then they should consider giving up writing altogether. The statement of this prominent Hindi writer from Jamshedpur has sparked discussions in literary circles, with many calling it a reflection of today’s reality. Some believe that in the 21st century, this debate in Hindi literature will deepen further, whether writers should write according to market demands or remain honest to their thoughts. His statement raises a serious question about today’s literary world: are we truly writing, or simply selling ourselves?