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Spirited Survivor
Who amongst us doesn’t like ghost stories? We might cover our faces, shut our ears or close our eyes, but stories related to the world beyond don’t cease to fascinate, especially when they come from a brave cancer survivor.
Who amongst us doesn’t like ghost stories? We might cover our faces, shut our ears or close our eyes, but stories related to the world beyond don’t cease to fascinate, especially when they come from a brave cancer survivor.
Thirty-something gutsy author and former journalist from the ‘haunted’ hills of Shimla, Minakashi Chaudhary Kanwar, addressed the event, Ghost Stories and More, organised by Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi on Saturday at UT Guest House, Sector 6.
Before talking about stories from beyond, she shares with us her survivor’s tale. “Though I am dedicated to ghost stories, the biggest nightmare for me was the detection of breast cancer in 2008. But, detection of cancer is not the end of the world; it should not dampen your spirits. In my book Sunshine-My Encounter With Cancer I have penned down my personal experience of battling with the disease. The Hindi version of the book is also available. Now, through my books, I want to help out others as well,” says Minakshi, who has set up an organisation called Sewa, which conducts regular cancer screening camps in Himachal Pradesh for women.
The author of 11 books including Destination Himachal, Whispering Deodars and Love Stories of Shimla Hills, launched the sequel to her most successful book, Ghost Stories of Shimla Hills, three months ago, and named it More Ghost Stories of Shimla Hills.
“I know people must be under the impression that researching for stories from the dark side must be exciting, but, let me be honest, it’s not; it’s frustrating, embarrassing and certainly not a cakewalk,” says she.
Elaborating further on her statement, she says, “During my research, I knocked on a door at a house in some village near Shimla. A woman emerged and I asked if she could share some ghost stories with me. She uttered ‘unpleasantries’ and shut the door on my face. Not just that, I’ve also been mistaken for a Pakistani spy, chased by dogs, been nicknamed ‘Chudail’ and been run after with bamboo sticks!”
In Minakshi’s writing, readers will encounter ghosts and ‘chudails’ wandering the hills of Shimla. “My ghosts are spooky, but also compassionate and humorous. The stories also reflect the cultural and religious life of people from the hills; those who grew up listening to ghost stories in particular,” shares the author.
Her ghost stories sequel, however, was easier to research for than the first one, says she. “I came across many people who not only enjoyed the book, but also expressed disappointment on the ‘real tale’ not being included in the book. So, the work for my second book became easier,” she concludes.
