Interview with Soumyadeep Koley- By Nainika Gautam

Soumyadeep Koley is a writer, poet, women’s rights activist and photographer. After graduating with Honours degree in Chemistry from Scottish Church College, Kolkata, he joined the global fight against violence on women. He has worked with Jason Jayology Jeremias, the Founder and Artistic Director of Price of Silence, New York, which employs performing arts to bring the global struggle for women's rights to life. Soumyadeep has three years of experience in psychological counselling of domestic violence and rape survivors from India and abroad, through unique mystical and metaphysical techniques.

Buy his book here: Amazon (and don't forget to drop your reviews)

Here we get to know him a little more closely:

Nainika: Hello Soumyadeep, so how would you like to define yourself?

Soumyadeep: Someone who is crazy enough to believe that a one man’s dream can change the world.

Nainika: Tell us something about your journey as an author so far.

Soumyadeep: I put the first footstep of being an author back in early 2012. Since then, the tumultuous journey has seen a plethora of twists and turns, making me none the wiser along the way.

Nainika: How does it feel to have your book released, and getting such good reviews

Soumyadeep: It's like a dream come true. An author can expect for nothing more, seeing his/her readers being able to live the book.

Nainika: Define your book in a single line.

Soumyadeep: Her Resurrection’ is a moving eulogy to one and every woman’s life.

Nainika: What is “Her Resurrection” about?

Soumyadeep: It’s a lone woman’s struggle through the one of the darkest subcultures of the society, and ultimately her journey into the light of salvation and acceptance.

Nainika: Please throw some light on the lead characters of your book.

Soumyadeep: There is only one character in the leading role--Maya--the woman with a backbone of steel and a heart of gold, forged from the flames of hell.

Nainika: Are your characters inspired from the real life people you come across?

Soumyadeep: Every character (and most incidents) in the book are inspired by people (and events) I've encountered in real life. 


Nainika: Is there any character that resembles you somewhere?

Soumyadeep: Many traits of Damien and Maya resemble me. Also Dr. Ramasubban's character closely resembles me when I counsel people. 

Nainika: Why do you think should readers choose your book?

Soumyadeep: The book is written in accordance with the current social picture of India after an extensive research of the Indian society, and fusing together the experiences of rape, domestic violence and sex-trafficking survivors. The story inimitably portrays violence on women, the life of prostitutes in India, social apathy, and celebrates women’s strength, all with an exceptional profundity. In my opinion, this is the strongest positive point for the market of this novel that’s in a perfect harmony with the current picture of the appalling status of women in India. I think, this book has a strong potential to stand out of the crowd because, at present, there are very few other books available, which commingle the life of an Indian prostitute, violence against women, as well as contemporary romance, all within a single package that would appeal to every reader. Being an unconventional, but fresh topic, the book would also allure readers who are looking for something new, something well-researched, which would enlighten them about the societal scenario.


Nainika: What changes is your book capable of bringing to the reader’s life?

Soumyadeep: I hope ‘Her Resurrection’ serves as an unfaltering support and motivation to the survivors of rape, domestic violence and prostitution.

I have tried to be extremely practical while writing the story, so that the book serves as a ray of hope for everyone whoever might be going through dark phases of their lives, and feel there’s no way out. This book, I sincerely hope, would show them the light to respite from their grinding burdens.


Nainika: How was experience with Gargi Publishers?

Soumyadeep: It is well beyond description. Mr. Pulkit Gupta is an awesome person to say the least. Also Mr. Ammol Karambe's creativity is commendable. Mr. Ajay Verma has done a praiseworthy job in the typesetting of the book.

Nainika: Would you like to give any message to the readers?

Soumyadeep: Whatever storm life brings you, wade through it with fortitude. Life's storms are well worth the ushering rainbow, and finding the pot of gold at its end. And, yes, never stop believing in miracles and magic. They happen only when you believe in them so much that they can’t help, but just...happen. 

Thank you for stopping by. Love you all.

(This interview was taken by Nainika Gautam under the internship program by Gargi Publishers)