Sundays are meant for watching movies, going for shopping, eating out and so on. But this was different. On Sunday, 31st August, young, energetic and curious learners of Delhi Technological University decided to show up for a digital session to discuss Literature and beyond. Sonal Agrawal, an educator and an author, conducted an inspiring session for the Sahitya Orientation. Born and raised in the City of Joy, Kolkata, Sonal called herself an accidental educator, as this was not a part of her plan! But as they say, “Agar apni marzi ka ho toh acha. Agar apni marzi ka naa ho, toh aur bhi acha, kyuki who bhagwan ki marzi hoti hai.” So, she called herself an educator with purpose and an author by passion. She discovered my passion for writing when she was given a chance to write articles for Times NIE (Newspaper in Education). From writing articles to writing blogs, she got addicted to writing because it gave her a whole new canvas, where she was the Picasso! What started as a faint idea turned into a 180-page book.
Sonal also spoke about her book, The Grass Is Greener on My Side-A Classic Tale Of A Modern Girl, which follows Parineeti Banerjee, a spirited young woman from Kolkata who dreams of becoming a writer despite her father’s doubts. Supported by her mother and driven by determination, she moves to Mumbai to study and chase her ambitions. As she navigates college life, friendships, and the vibrant city, Parineeti meets new people—like her free-spirited roommate Anjali and charming classmate Kunal—who shape her journey of self-discovery. The novel beautifully captures her emotional transition from a protected daughter to an independent woman learning life’s realities. Through joy, struggle, and love, Parineeti learns that true fulfilment lies in following one’s passion, not in comparing lives across sides. Blending family warmth, youthful dreams, and urban challenges, the story celebrates courage, individuality, and the belief that the grass can indeed be greener when you nurture your own side.
The session became highly interactive as Sonal engaged with a flurry of thought-provoking and entertaining questions from the DTU students. One student asked, “How does one master the ending of a story?” Sonal replied, “If you believe in your craft, you have already mastered it.” Her answer resonated with aspiring writers, emphasising that conviction in one’s storytelling is the true foundation of a memorable ending. Another engaging question was, “If your book were adapted into a movie, who would you want to play the protagonist?” Smiling, Sonal shared that every writer dreams of seeing their story come alive on the big screen. She added that she could vividly imagine Alia Bhatt portraying Parineeti, the spirited protagonist of her novel.
Sonal concluded the session by debunking some of the biggest myths about becoming a writer. She emphasised that becoming a writer does not require perfect English or endless hours of free time—it requires the discipline to write consistently. Her advice was simple yet powerful: write every day—even 100 words count. Start with a personal journal, then gradually share your thoughts through LinkedIn or other social media platforms. Over time, this daily practice evolves into a habit, and before you realise it, you’ve become a writer.
