Scientist, poet, and sportswriter, Ravi Mandapaka, shares his thoughts about writing and living.
I sat down recently with Indian writer and fellow TSC columnist, Ravi Mandapaka. Here’s what I learned.
Kadin: What’s your advice to aspiring writers?
Courtesy: YouTube
Ravi: Don’t fear being criticized. Just write. Focus on developing your thoughts and ideas. We don’t need anyone’s authorization to write, do we? Genuine talent will shine.
Kadin: What are your goals for your writing career?
Ravi: My father’s literary influence on me was enormous. Thoughts of authoring a book on literature and poetry run through my mind all the time, but I smile the longest when it comes to sports writing and scaling-up the ladder as an editor.
Kadin: What was it like to interview Brett Dickinson?
Ravi: Any conversation with Brett turns emotional. I’m in eternal awe, and I have gratitude for him showing us the way so that we can live our dreams. I also want to thank Dr. Frank Fear. In him, I’ve found a human being with empathy. He’s also a communicator with grace and composure. Long may their traits last!
Kadin: Who was your favorite person to interview?
Anand Datla (photo, Facebook)
Ravi: Anand Datla, no doubt. Datla shares sand and gravel that’s close to home. A phenomenal talent, he plies his trade in sports writing, and he also leads a life with a deep sense of virtue and camaraderie. I’ve found that he adds value to everything he does.
Kadin: Where do you see yourself in 40 years?
Ravi: I suppose no one will ever be able to answer that question, even hypothetically. But one day before I perish to my permanent home beneath the soil, I’d love to stand on the eminently-equipped rostrum of sports writing.
Kadin: I understand you really like Manchester United.
Ravi: I’ve never visited Old Trafford, but my favorite moment watching Manchester United came when I saw Paul Scholes and David Beckham kick footballs on that sacred pitch.
Kadin: Lastly, define journalism in one word.
Ravi: I’ll give you four: ‘voice of the unheralded.’
Kadin: It was an honor, Ravi. Thank you.
