Write to heal

Taking up engineering may be a conventional choice, but Nikhil Chandwani’s life and work is far from it. The Hyderabad-based author and entrepreneur is hand-holding and changing the lives of other budding authors through his unique foundation, Writers’ Rescue Centre (WRC). Opened a few months back, the foundation has effectively helped storytellers to not only tell their stories, but also take them out from depression.

Elaborating on what made him open this platform, the young PhD holder says, “I have authored 10 books and thanks to my social circle, I often come across a lot of storytellers who want to narrate their stories but are unsuccessful due to a variety of reasons.” He adds, “My platform is solely for those who can’t cope up with the pressures of life and are suicidal or dealing with depression. If my small gesture can help them to come out of depression, then why not?”

Nikhil and his team of four started with one story at a time. Apart from publishing their books, their main idea is to guide aspiring writers. “If anyone has suicidal tendencies, it is always better to channelise it through writing. We provide book writing mentorships and a book publishing package which have rescued a lot of writers who have been depressed in different parts of the world,” he says.  

Nikhil believes that there is no proper job profile available for writers, and they often end up switching professions —leading to more frustration and depression. “We teach them the art of storytelling. People often want to narrate their life’s story but lack in the art. That’s where we pitch in to help them to shape their ideas, publish their books and also promote it through media. Packaging, editing and engaging the readers is as important as penning down the stories,” shares Nikhil.

Interestingly, it’s not just youngsters who come in contact with WRC. “We get requests from 16-72 year olds to get their stories published and that too from various backgrounds — from acid attack victims to the disabled. Any person with an interesting story to tell is welcome at WRC,” says Nikhil.

At present, the foundation has successfully helped and published more than 70 people. “As of now, more than 450 people have approached us from Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam and we are working out our best possible means to help them get their stories published,” concludes the one-time professor and passionate writer.

HT02