“Writing in ornamental English is a lost art”, says The King of Puns, Dr Ravi Prakash Tiwari.

By Prof Dr Shiv Sethi

Dr. Ravi Prakash Tiwari recognised as a king of puns, newspaper columnist, and Global Human Rights Trust member has written 7 highly acclaimed books. He has enshrined his name in the India book of records, Asia book of records, and the Harvard book of world records for having composed 2100 puns compiled in a book, Pun Is Fun. He has 3 world records to his credit. The Guinness world records mailed to him, regretting that it did not have the category to recognise his enigmatic talent. Prof Dr. Shiv Sethi had an opportunity to interview him.
Write to quench the thirst for creativity: Dr. RAVI PRAKASH TIWARI

1)Out of your 7 books which book of yours satisfied you most?
Ans. The book, Pun is Fun, gratified me most as it is the only book in the world with 2100 puns. This book sets me apart from other authors as it penetrated several record books. It has made me conspicuous for being the trailblazer in composing a book on puns.
2)What encouraged you to become an author?
Ans. An author is a highly revered figure. I would like to spread the knowledge accrued by me to readers.
3)Tell us about your literary career.
Ans. I commenced the profound study of Grammar and vocabulary in 2017. I got engrossed in a plethora of books. I studied a lot for a few years. I got 7 books published. Pun is Fun was showcased at three international book fairs. Renowned professors appreciated this book. Some schools have recommended my grammar books. Pun is Fun has been nominated for an award in the category of the best book of the year. This book won the Mighty Pen Award in the category of Innovation in Literature. This book is featured in many newspapers.
4) Tell us about your current projects and future ones.
Ans. I am writing a book on biographies. The fourth edition of PUN IS FUN is almost completed. Shortly, I will pen 500 more puns for my already-published book on puns.
5)What are your views on the current scenario in the Indian writing arena?
Ans. Writing in ornamental English is a lost art. Students have poor writing skills. Journalists write in simple English. The current syllabus of English at the school level, irrespective of all boards, is inadequate. English Grammar and vocabulary are so inadequately taught that the majority of master’s degree holders in English are weak at them. Most newspapers and magazines couch in simple English. One has to depend on self-study to acquire flawless writing skills.
6)What is your message to budding authors?
Ans. Don’t plagiarise other authors’ content. Submerge yourselves in the vast ocean of knowledge. The beauty lies in conceiving new ideas and shaping them into words.
7)Which authors inspired you?
Ans. Truly speaking, none inspired me.
8)What are the flaws of yours?
Ans. I have to contemplate a lot to verbalize my thoughts. I am not an author with spontaneity.

9. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
   Ans. It made me more meticulous about editing a book. I realised that a book needs to be edited many times to make it error-free.
10. What does literary success look like to you?
    Ans– The entire world values education. Literary success means bringing a great transformation in the academic lives of students. It brings fame and money. A famous writer becomes a celebrity.
    11)What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
    Ans– I would like to relinquish social media.
11. When did you first conceive to be a writer?
    ANS. After three years of profound study, I concluded that my comprehensive study would bear fruit, only when I spread my acquired knowledge to the readers. But metamorphosing my thoughts into words required leisure hours. The lockdown proved to be a blessing in disguise, forcing me to confinement. I began penning my ideas. This activity imbued me with immense satisfaction. Only then I realized that I wanted to become an author.
12. Did your family play any role in your becoming a writer?
    Ans. I inherited writing skills from my father, a doctorate in History and retired headmaster. He always stimulates me to become a best-selling author. My brother, a data scientist and co-founder of a company, lends me moral support.