Plants, their survival, and climate change have always fascinated me, so I’m looking forward to reading The Life of Plants in a Changing Environment by Rishikesh Upadhyay. The book released in July 2022, and though it is Rishikesh’s fourth book, he says he’s been writing and preparing for years and loves “sharing his stories with the people he loves the most.” One reader wrote of the book, “Informative and insightful,” while another said, “Much needed manual for current environment.” Those who are into gardening and love to gather knowledge about plants and climate change should take a look at the book, which features how plants are affected by human activity and the subsequent changes in the environment.

Welcome, Rishikesh!

Christina: Congrats on the publication of The Life of Plants. Where did the idea for the book come from?

Rishikesh: Writing, doing research in the laboratory, and teaching makes me feel more alive and allows me to deeply experience things and tell my thoughts/research/stories to the world. And, genuine writing is so powerful. It can change someone’s life. I’ve always been fascinated with writing articles and book chapters but also poems and children’s stories. It’s not possible to say where the inspiration for this book comes from—that is largely a mystery. Simply, I love to learn, write, and teach. From there, the book took shape.

Christina: As you said, you sometimes write poetry and children’s stories, among other genres. Why those genres in particular?

Rishikesh: I love all genres. I think poems allow for a bit more storytelling, expressing toward the readers. It is important that the language has a certain musicality to it. I see it as a flow, a cascade of words, which might leave the reader with a final thoughtful observation. Since I’m primarily a nonfiction or academic writer, I wrote poetry during my school days though none were published at that time. I  came back to it recently. I don’t think of myself as a poet at all, though I have been writing it and enjoy it.

As for the stories for kids . . . I spending time with all seven kids at home. I love young children and want to offer stories that speak to their emotional lives. This life experience has showed me that kids are wonderful and people in their own right who deserve their own stories. I want to make books available that speak to them and showcase their viewpoints.

Christina: You ocmpleted your research career at Assam University, in India, and you presently teach at Haflong Government College, Assam. What do you like best about teaching? And why did you choose to teach at the government college level instead of at a private college/university?

Rishikesh: As I said, I love writing and love helping people as well, so teaching students and writing combines my two primary loves. I especially enjoy helping students who believe they are bad writers—I help them understand that they’re better than they thought. I enjoy helping them find confidence in their writing assignments, projects, etc. I think I’m a much better writer and teacher (i.e., assistant professor) now than I ever could’ve been if I’d never taught students.

I find teaching at a government college satisfying and sufficient because the focus is on classroom teaching—on helping people—instead of on producing research. Also, in our college, there’s a lot of diversity, students from different communities, and I enjoy that as well.

I’ve met so many different pupils from so many different places, communities and backgrounds. That’s helped me greatly as a writer and professor.

Christina: According to Google Scholar, you’ve been writing since 2002. That’s a long time! If you could tell your younger writer self anything, what would it be?

Rishikesh: Yes, that’s right! I published my first written article in a journal in 2002. My answers to my younger self may vary. Would you please spend some time thinking about your reason for writing a book? Be prepared to invest a thousand hours, energy, and perhaps many more, to finish writing a book you are proud to share with your friends and family. Make writing a hobby or passion, not for earning money. Revising and polishing your work before submitting it is also essential. Being a good writer is not a gift. It’s a skill. This took me a long time to understand. And a skill is something that needs to be improved.

Christina: You graduated from Haflong Government College with a BSc degree, MPhil, and a PhD from Assam University in Science literature. Does your background inform your writing? Does teaching inform what you write?

Rishikesh: I like to keep my education career separate from my writing career. From my Post MSc onward I was keen to write other things besides my research works. As you know it’s very hard to get yourself back in that zone of thinking about the imaginative world or an idea that’s in your mind. During the day, I go to a teaching job that I love, and by night I pour my imagination and ideas out onto a page.

Christina: Do you prefer a particular genre over any others? Any specific book preference to read when not writing or teaching?

Rishikesh: Well, I want something that educates me, and better yet, teaches me something good. I pick those books by the author rather than the content sometimes. And the best stories have something to say. That’s important to me. There’s nothing better than the feel of a real book in your hands!

Christina: Ok above all, what does literary success mean to you?

Rishikesh: That’s a good question! When I came to know or hear from someone that they appreciated and connected with something I wrote or published, that it enriched their lives or minds, even if just for a few seconds, I know I have been successful as a writer or author. Money and fame would be great, don’t get me wrong, but those are different types of success. But, for something I wrote to make an impact, create a connection with someone or readers. That’s truly priceless. Success is when I hear that peoples/readers/students enjoyed one of my writings, creations, and teachings or identified with it somehow.

I think a writer or author is to communicate with readers. I feel successful whenever someone talks to me about my books/writings/teachings, and it’s clear that they got what I was trying to communicate. It makes me feel so happy and excited.

Christina: Are you willing to share a little bit about what you’re working on now?

Rishikesh: Sure! I’ve decided I am going to write on poetry and for children’s. I’m working on a couple of projects right now related to poetry and children’s, but it’s tough to disclose anything right now.

Rishikesh can be found in multiple places!

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=h232zIsAAAAJ
Goodreads: @Rishikesh_Upadhyay
Librarything: @upadhyayrishikesh
X: @RKUpadhy
LinkedIn: @rishikesh-upadhyay-814a8a1a