Interview with Vibha batra, Author of Gobi goes Viral

We like seeing ourselves in our stories. Isn’t it easy to connect to a book that reflects our world, our experiences, our reality?

on May 12, 2023

Interview with Vibha batra, Author of Gobi goes Viral

Vibha Batra is an author, graphic novelist, advertising consultant, poet, lyricist, translator, playwright, script writer, travel writer, columnist, speaker and creative writing mentor. She has published 23 books, many of which have won prestigious awards, bestseller tags and readers' hearts.

Frontlist: What was the inspiration behind the story "Gobi Goes Viral," and how did you develop the character of Gopi?

Vibha: So, I conduct creative writing workshops for children, teens and adults. And at one of my pre-pandemic workshops at The British Council, a child said plaintively and wistfully, that ‘he only lived in a flat and not in a big house’. And this kept playing in my head. What brought that on? Had he heard/overheard his folks? Was he merely repeating what they’d said? Or was it something a friend had said? Something he’d watched? That, along with a bunch of other stuff came together and voila! Gobi Goes Viral came about.

Frontlist: The book addresses the issues of bullying and self-esteem. Why do you think including these themes in children's literature is essential?

Vibha: The only essential in children’s literature or any literature, for that matter, is a great story. Everything else is an added bonus.

Frontlist: Gopi's love for rapping plays a significant role in the story. How did you decide to incorporate this element, and what was the process of creating the rap lyrics like?

Vibha: In my day job (as an advertising writer), I write Hindi, English and Hinglish jingles, songs and anthems. And, ahem, am also known to rap out loud and talk in rhyme (occasionally, even in public). Suffice to say, too much fun was had while incorporating this element in the book. I am, in fact, rapping out the answers even as I write this!

Frontlist: The character of Gopi speaks English with an accent, which is a source of embarrassment for him. Can you discuss the importance of representation and diversity in children's literature, particularly about language and cultural differences?

Vibha: We like seeing ourselves in our stories. Isn’t it easy to connect to a book that reflects our world, our experiences, our reality? But when we read about people and perspectives and worlds that are different, we start to figure perhaps they aren’t quite so different, after all. Isn’t that a great way to usher in empathy, compassion, respect and show fear, hate, divisive beliefs the door?

Frontlist: Gopi is a bright student with a talent for rapping. Can you discuss the importance of encouraging and supporting children's interests and passions through literature and how this can help to boost their confidence and self-esteem?

Vibha: Children aren’t extensions of their parents, thank goodness. They have their own hopes, dreams, goals, aspirations. And with everything that’s going on in the world, in their lives, there are under enough pressure and stress as it is. Why would we add to it by trying to live out our dreams through them? Instead, why not act as facilitators? Why not nurture their passions and support their interests, because truly that’s when the magic starts to happen. Honestly, the children are going to be fine. It’s the grown-ups we should worry about.