In an exclusive interview, we sit down with Rakhya Ranjan Sahoo, the visionary author behind The Heartbeat of Bharat: Unveiling Hidden Cultural Gems. With an unparalleled passion for India’s cultural heritage, he delves into the significance of preserving traditions while embracing modernity. Through this thought-provoking discussion, he sheds light on his inspirations, challenges, and vision for a cultural awakening.
Q. Interviewer: Rakhya, congratulations on your book, The Heartbeat of Bharat! What inspired you to write about India’s hidden cultural treasures?
Rakhya Ranjan Sahoo:
Thank you! The inspiration for The Heartbeat of Bharat came from my deep admiration for India’s diverse cultural landscape. Over the years, I noticed that while we celebrate mainstream traditions, many lesser-known art forms, customs, and historical narratives are fading into obscurity. Our younger generation is losing touch with their roots due to rapid globalization and technological advancements.
I wanted to create a book that not only educates but also instills pride in our heritage. The Heartbeat of Bharat is my effort to document these treasures and present them in an engaging way so that young Indians reconnect with their cultural identity.
Interviewer: Your book sets itself apart by focusing on these overlooked aspects of Indian heritage.
How did you go about your research?
Rakhya Ranjan Sahoo:
The research process was extensive and deeply immersive. I traveled to remote villages, spoke with historians, artisans, and cultural practitioners, and explored archives and manuscripts that hold forgotten stories. Many of these cultural elements have been passed down orally, so I spent a great deal of time listening to local legends and community elders.
I also incorporated perspectives from contemporary scholars to bridge the past with the present. My aim was to ensure authenticity while making the narratives engaging and accessible to all readers—whether they are students, scholars, or cultural enthusiasts.
Interviewer: What message do you hope to convey through The Heartbeat of Bharat?
Rakhya Ranjan Sahoo:
The book is more than just a collection of cultural facts; it’s a call to action. I want readers to understand that our traditions are not relics of the past—they are living, breathing entities that continue to shape our society.
Three key messages I want to emphasize are:
- India’s Hidden Cultural Treasures Need Recognition – We have a vast heritage beyond what’s commonly known, and these lesser-explored gems deserve our attention.
- Cultural Revival is Essential for Identity and Progress – Preserving our traditions doesn’t mean rejecting modernity. Instead, it’s about finding a balance between the past and present.
- Every Indian Can Be an Ambassador of Culture – Whether through language, festivals, or daily rituals, we all have a role to play in keeping our heritage alive.
Interviewer: Many people see tradition and modernity as opposing forces. How does your book bridge the gap between the two?
Rakhya Ranjan Sahoo:
That’s a great question! I strongly believe that tradition and modernity can coexist harmoniously. The book illustrates how our ancient wisdom can be adapted to contemporary life. For example, traditional crafts like Khadi have been reimagined in modern fashion, and classical music continues to evolve through fusion with global influences.
Rather than viewing heritage as something outdated, I encourage readers to integrate cultural elements into their daily lives in meaningful ways—whether it’s by learning a folk dance, incorporating traditional wellness practices, or celebrating festivals with renewed understanding.
Interviewer: Your book has been described as a movement rather than just a literary work. How do you see it influencing the cultural landscape of India?
Rakhya Ranjan Sahoo:
I truly hope it sparks a movement! Culture is the soul of a nation, and if we don’t actively engage with it, we risk losing something invaluable. Through this book, I aim to ignite a sense of cultural pride among young Indians and encourage them to take ownership of their heritage.
Moreover, I envision collaborations with educational institutions, cultural organizations, and even policymakers to incorporate these narratives into mainstream discourse. If this book inspires discussions, workshops, or initiatives that contribute to cultural revival, I will consider it a success.
Interviewer: Speaking of success, are there any real-world examples that influenced the book’s themes?
Rakhya Ranjan Sahoo:
Absolutely! Throughout history and even today, we’ve seen incredible examples of cultural revival. Some of my biggest inspirations include:
- Ravi Shankar and Anoushka Shankar’s work in classical music – They brought Indian music to a global stage while keeping it deeply rooted in tradition.
- The resurgence of Khadi in modern fashion – What was once seen as outdated is now a symbol of sustainable, handcrafted excellence.
3. The restoration of Hampi as a cultural tourism hub – It proves that heritage preservation can go hand in hand with progress.
Youth-led initiatives reviving festivals – Many young people are actively preserving and reinterpreting traditional celebrations to keep them relevant today. These examples show that culture is not static; it evolves, and we all have a role in shaping its future.
Interviewer: What challenges did you face while writing The Heartbeat of Bharat?
Rakhya Ranjan Sahoo:
One of the biggest challenges was uncovering information that hasn’t been extensively documented. Many of the traditions I wrote about exist in oral histories, so verifying facts and ensuring accuracy required extensive cross-referencing.
Another challenge was presenting historical and cultural knowledge in an engaging way. I didn’t want this book to feel like a textbook—I wanted it to be a journey. Balancing authenticity with accessibility was key.
Finally, with such a vast cultural heritage, choosing what to include and what to leave out was difficult. India’s richness is boundless, and this book is just the beginning of a larger conversation.
Interviewer: With the book launching soon, what can readers expect in the coming months?
Rakhya Ranjan Sahoo:
I’m thrilled about the book’s upcoming release! The Heartbeat of Bharat will be available on major platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, and Kindle. Pre-orders will open soon, and we’re planning virtual launch events, cultural discussions, and interactive reader sessions to engage with our audience.
Additionally, I’m working on collaborations with educational institutions and cultural organizations to integrate the book’s themes into broader discussions on heritage and identity.
I encourage readers to join the movement—start conversations, share their own cultural experiences, and take pride in their roots.
Interviewer: Finally, what’s your message to readers who are eager to reconnect with their heritage?
Rakhya Ranjan Sahoo:
My message is simple: Start where you are.
Learn about your regional history, traditions.
Celebrate your festivals with deeper understanding.
Support artisans and traditional crafts.
Pass on cultural knowledge to the next generation.
Cultural preservation isn’t just the responsibility of historians or scholars—it’s for everyone. Each small effort contributes to the larger movement of keeping Bharat’s soul alive.
Interviewer: Thank you, Rakhya, for this enlightening conversation. We can’t wait for The Heartbeat of Bharat to inspire readers across the globe!
Rakhya Ranjan Sahoo:
Thank you! I hope this book sparks curiosity, pride, and action in every reader. Let’s celebrate our heritage together!
Join the Movement!
Be a part of the cultural revival—pre-order The Heartbeat of Bharat soon and explore India’s hidden cultural gems like never before. Stay updated on launch events and discussions by following Rakhya Ranjan Sahoo on social media. The book is now available on Amazon, Flipkart, Kindle, Instamojo, and Evincepub online store—get your copy today and join the movement!
