Today with us, we have ‘Dr. Jyotika Teckchandani’, she’s an amazing writer who has touched countless hearts.
Dr. Jyotika Teckchandani did her B.A. (Hons.) in Political Science from Sri Venkateswara College and M.A. in Political Science from Lady Shri Ram College, both affiliated to University of Delhi. She received her M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees from the Centre of West Asian Studies, JMI, New Delhi.
She is the author of the books “Islam and Gender Politics in Iran” and “State and Women in Islamic Republic of Iran: Khomeini Era (1979-89)” and recently released “Handbook of Political Science and International relations.”
Dr. Jyotika has contributed to a number of articles in academic journals of repute and newspapers including Indian Journal of Secularism, Journal of West Asian Studies, Quest International Multidisciplinary Research Journal, International Education and Research Journal , Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research, International Journal of Advanced Research, The Pioneer, The Quint, Hardnews, India Samvaad etc.
Hi Jyotika mam, how are you?
Happy & relieved. Thank you.
Let’s begin the interview session.
- A short introduction about yourself.
Ans. I’m a voracious reader, ardent writer, passionate teacher, movie buff, shopaholic, zealous dancer……. I enjoy the simple pleasures of life and my endeavor is to create value in every situation.
- Tell us something about latest book. What is it about?
Ans. It is a handbook of ‘Political Science and International Relations.’
It is written with the view to facilitate the beginners from various backgrounds who are appearing for UPSC exams. It will also be helpful for students who are pursuing their Bachelors & Masters in this field.
- How many books have you published so far?
Ans. Three– Islam and Gender Politics in Iran, State and Women in Islamic Republic of Iran.. Khomeini Era (1979-89) and Handbook of Political Science and International Relations.
- Mam, who was the publisher? How was your experience?
Ans. My first two books were with New Century Publications. Sandeep Sury, the CEO of New Century Publications is an amazing person… I learnt a lot from him.
And my latest book is published by Blue Rose publishers. I think they are a great bunch of people to work with.
- How long did it take to publish your latest book?
Ans. It took me 5 months to publish my book.
- When did you began writing?
Ans. I started writing since January, 2014. My first article was on ‘State and Women in Islamic Republic of Iran’ which was published in ‘Indian Journal of Secularism.’
- What is the easiest thing about writing?
Ans. The writing itself. I write as if I’m doing a conversation with a friend... It energizes me & help me unwind myself.
- Was it your dream to become a writer? Also, did your family support this passion of yours?
Ans. Oh never... No, I had never planned to be a writer.
Yes, my family is very supportive and they are more excited than me about my work.
- Who inspires you the most to write?
Ans. The absurdities of life.
- One book that you would read again & again?
Ans. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank.
- Which book are you reading at present?
Ans. The Coalition Years by Pranab Mukherjee.
- Your previous works & articles suggest that you have developed a keen interest in Middle East. I would like to ponder why did you choose such a different topic?
Ans. Since the development of oil and gas, Middle East has been the focus of the global politics. For the last 3-4 decades the issue of political authoritarianism, terrorism and gender justice in this part of the world has been dominating the global agenda.
Being an Indian, there is a deeper realization that stability in the Middle Eastern region is really important for India. Therefore, an engagement with a Middle East is essential to understand in what ways India can contribute to the overall stabilization of this region.
- Since you work on Middle Eastern Women, do you think there is any difference in their status as compared to Indian women?
Ans. I believe that women are subjugated and marginalized across the world including India and Middle East.
However, unlike many of the Middle Eastern countries Indian women are relatively free in terms of the fact that Indian state and Govt does not impose any compulsory dress code such as Hijab, Chador, Niqab or other forms of purdah which is a practiced in Saudi Arabia or Iran etc.
Moreover, unlike many constitutions of Middle Eastern countries Indian constitution is not gender discriminatory. Rather it is gender friendly and aims to empower women in various fields of life.
- There are lots of atrocities faced & obscurities subjected by women in India. What are your view on this matter?
Ans. Yes, I agree with the statement but at the same time civil society and Indian state are constantly working to remove these kinds of obstacles.
- How can Indian women improve their situation?
Ans. Through education and participation in society.
- As a writer you must feel, the world is full of lies, deceit, pain & suffering. These are all inevitably connected with politics. What are your thoughts on this matter?
Ans. Yes, I agree that the world is Machiavellian and therefore it urgently needs the centering of moral and ethical principles in public as well as in private life.
- What are your views on feminism.
Ans. I don’t subscribe to any school of feminist thought but I believe in gender equality. And GE means equal rights and opportunities for both the sexes…
- Coming to the end of discussions, “What message would you like to give to the Indian publishers & aspiring writers?”
Ans. Indian publishers should be more experimental & give chance to new authors.
As for aspiring writers; I would suggest patience & perseverance – applying these two words will make you writing journey easy & worthwhile… And please get a new chair as you will be spending most of your time there.
It’s been a great discussion with you Jyotika mam, thank you for spending your valuable time with us.
Thanks, Sumith.
‘Political Science and International Relations’ is available at all around the globe and most of the online shopping portals like Amazon.
Her previous books are also available for purchase on amazon.
