“‘Low Hanging Fruit’ awakens readers to the world within and around them.” Lady Kishwar Desai
‘Low Hanging Fruits’ Collection of Short stories by Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi Launched at India International Centre
New Delhi: The true essence of life lies in the small, everyday moments. Often, in our quest for bigger things, we overlook the simple joys that actually make life meaningful. But it is a poet’s heart and a writer’s soul that can truly grasp the significance of these little moments. On this note, the much-anticipated short story collection ‘Low Hanging Fruits’ by renowned author, poet, and Member Secretary of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, was launched at an event held at India International Centre, New Delhi.
‘Low Hanging Fruit’, a captivating collection of short stories, launch witnessed an enthusiastic gathering of luminaries from the fields of art and literature. Former Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Najeeb Jung, acclaimed author and social activist, Lady Kishwar Desai, along with Madan Mohan Chaturvedi graced the occasion, The book, edited by Rumi Malik and published by SGT University, delves into the nuances of everyday life with a blend of humour and reflection.
Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, coming from a lineage of writers, shared that storytelling was a natural part of his upbringing. His latest collection, ‘Low Hanging Fruit’ emerges from a lifetime of observing life’s simple pleasures and meaningful encounters, often overlooked in the hustle and bustle of daily routine. The book, which took considerable time and perseverance to complete, was a heartfelt project, dedicated to his English teacher, Kamaluddin Nizami, who had a lasting impact on his command over the language. Dr. Joshi reflected on the emotional journey of bringing ‘Low Hanging Fruit’ to fruition. He shared when the book , was presented first to his mother, she encouraged him to launch it with due recognition.
Commenting on the writing style of the book Dr. Joshi emphasised that ‘Low Hanging Fruit’ transcends conventional genres, weaving together travelogues, memoirs, and fiction into a hybrid style of storytelling. His narratives are based on real-life observations, turning seemingly insignificant moments into thought-provoking stories. Each piece, such as ‘Sizzling Samosas’, brings a slice of life to the reader, peppered with his distinctive humour and depth.
Dr. Joshi’s ability to capture the beauty in the mundane—despite his demanding responsibilities with the Ministry of Culture—makes ‘Low Hanging Fruit’ an evocative collection that speaks to the soul of the everyday reader, while offering profound insights into the human experience.
Lady Kishwar Desai lauded the book as a meticulous representation of life’s many nuances. She emphasised that Dr. Joshi is a born storyteller, whose sharp memory enables him to recollect and recreate minute details that others might overlook. She likened his short stories to a “complete world in three pages”. Lady Desai suggested that these stories, when narrated with Dr. Joshi’s own understanding of drama and acting, would make for engaging podcasts. According to her, ‘Low Hanging Fruit’ awakens readers to the world within and around them, a quality that distinguishes truly impactful storytelling.
Shri Najeeb Jung, while reflecting on the book, appreciated how it combined strength of character and keen observation. He noted that bilingualism is a rare skill, and Dr. Joshi’s proficiency in writing seamlessly in both English and Hindi is a singular achievement. He urged Dr. Joshi considered writing longer stories, as his admirers would appreciate the expanded narratives.
In her vote of thanks, Smt. Malvika Joshi extended gratitude to the publisher and esteemed guests for making this event memorable. She acknowledged the support of the IGNCA family and conveyed her hopes for ‘Low Hanging Fruit’ to be received warmly by readers.