Reading changes life; sadly teachers don't lay stress on it

A full time author now, A Delhi- based Kulpreet Yadav has worked in Indian Coast Guard for 20 years. Going back to his school days, he collects how wading books changed his life: “We always been a reader. When I was 15. my father introduced me to books. I started with comics and then moved to crime series. My world, suddenly, became more colourful and enjoyable.” His introduction to thrillers made him take up the genre in all seriousness, once he quit his job. “After graduating from the Naval Officer’s Academy, I wasn’t reading much. But, long sailing made me resume the old habit. Once, I was stuck at Howrah railway station for hours and that’s when my first story happened,” says Yadav. Yadav, who mentors young writers on creative writing now says: “Indian reading culture is on a decline. Teachers don’t lay enough stress on it.” His latest work – Murder In Paharganj – is an engaging crime thriller where Yadav reveals the Who dunnit much early, and with use of simple yet confident language. “I chose Paharganj because a lot of tourists stay there, and it was relatable. I chose thriller-crime as a genre because it’s the only place where bad people end up in a bad way. It’s such a great freedom for a writer to create an antagonist and kill him whichever way you want!”

People think reading will improve their English. Reading introduces you to characters you’re unlikely to meet and transportes you to places you are unlikely to go KULPREET YADAV AUTHOR

Author Kulpreet Yadav