She is a data scientist by profession and an author by passion. She was born and raised in India but moved to the United States after marriage. She now lives in California with her husband and two young boys.
In her spare time, Meena enjoys painting and dancing. She is also an avid traveller and loves exploring new places. As a self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie, she loves anything that gets her heart racing.
Q.1 Tell us something about yourself that not many people know.
A. Believe it or not, I'm a big scaredy-cat! I’m terrified of horror movies. Like, seriously, the mere thought of them sends shivers down my spine.
Q.2 What inspired you to write Born Fearless Not Free and share the story of your grandfather, Dr. G. Rajavelu, with the world?
A. As the cherished granddaughter of Dr. G. Rajavelu, a prominent Indian freedom fighter and acclaimed Tamil author, I've always felt a deep connection to his legacy. When he passed away in 2020, the world was grappling with a global pandemic, preventing my travel from the U.S. and attending his funeral. Overwhelmed by grief and a longing to honour his memory, I found solace in writing. I wanted to share his extraordinary life story with the world.
Q.3 Could you tell us more about your research process for the book? How did you gather information about the historical events and figures depicted in the novel?
A. Researching Born Fearless, Not Free was a labour of love. My journey began with a deep dive into the era of Indian independence, focusing on credible sources to build a solid foundation.
I was incredibly fortunate to connect with Dr. Lucy Bharucha, whose work, Oral History of the Indian Freedom Movement, became an invaluable resource. She had interviewed my grandfather in the 1980s and generously shared her research with me. This unexpected connection ignited my passion for the project.
Beyond academic sources, I turned to our family. My mother, as the eldest child, was a treasure trove of firsthand accounts and memories. My uncles and aunts also contributed invaluable insights and perspectives.
Beyond academic sources, I turned to our family. My mother, as the eldest child, was a treasure trove of firsthand accounts and memories. My uncles and aunts also contributed invaluable insights and perspectives.
Additionally, I spent countless hours delving into historical archives, poring over articles from reputable sources like Britannica, and constructing a detailed timeline of events. Visual aids were essential, so I collected photographs of my grandfather interacting with prominent figures like Kamaraj, Satyamurthy, and Indira Gandhi to bring the story to life.
Q.4 What were some of the challenges you faced in fictionalizing your grandfather's story, and how did you overcome them?
A. Reconstructing my grandfather's life into a story presented unique challenges. As with any historical account, piecing together a comprehensive picture is complex. Historical narratives are often shaped by the victors, making it essential to examine multiple perspectives. Reconciling the historical record with the vibrant stories shared by my mother and relatives was a delicate balancing act.
Q.4 What were some of the challenges you faced in fictionalizing your grandfather's story, and how did you overcome them?
A. Reconstructing my grandfather's life into a story presented unique challenges. As with any historical account, piecing together a comprehensive picture is complex. Historical narratives are often shaped by the victors, making it essential to examine multiple perspectives. Reconciling the historical record with the vibrant stories shared by my mother and relatives was a delicate balancing act.
Building a detailed timeline required meticulous research and countless hours spent poring over documents, letters, and my grandfather's own writings. There were periods with limited information, necessitating further inquiries and creative problem-solving. While demanding, this process was incredibly rewarding as it allowed me to piece together an authentic portrait of my grandfather's life and share his story with both the world and my family.
Q.5 Can you share any particular moments or anecdotes from your grandfather’s life that were especially impactful for you during the writing process?
A. One particular incident from my grandfather’s life profoundly impacted me. The tragic martyrdom of Trippur Kumaran, who sacrificed his life upholding the Indian flag during a protest, ignited a flame of patriotism in the hearts of many, including my grandfather.
Q.5 Can you share any particular moments or anecdotes from your grandfather’s life that were especially impactful for you during the writing process?
A. One particular incident from my grandfather’s life profoundly impacted me. The tragic martyrdom of Trippur Kumaran, who sacrificed his life upholding the Indian flag during a protest, ignited a flame of patriotism in the hearts of many, including my grandfather.
As a mere ten-year-old student at London Mission School in Salem, he demonstrated remarkable courage by wearing the banned Gandhi cap during a visit by Lord Willington, the then Governor-General. This bold act was a silent yet powerful tribute to Trippur Kumaran and a defiance against British colonial rule.
Q.6 How did you ensure the story remained engaging and suitable for a younger audience while still resonating with adults?
A. I wanted to write a story that my ten-year-old son would love while also sharing the amazing life of his great-grandfather. Balancing the complexities of history with the needs of younger readers was a key challenge.
Q.6 How did you ensure the story remained engaging and suitable for a younger audience while still resonating with adults?
A. I wanted to write a story that my ten-year-old son would love while also sharing the amazing life of his great-grandfather. Balancing the complexities of history with the needs of younger readers was a key challenge.
To make the story accessible to a wider audience, I focused on crafting relatable characters and incorporating age-appropriate language while maintaining historical accuracy. I also used vivid imagery and storytelling techniques to bring the past to life.
Q.7 What themes do you hope readers take away from Born Fearless Not Free?
A. Resilience is the core theme that drives Born Fearless, Not Free. The ability to bounce back from challenges and persevere is at the heart of Raja's journey. From leaving the comfort of his village to enduring the harsh realities of imprisonment, his story is a testament to the human spirit's incredible capacity to endure and overcome.
Q.8 Who edited your book? How did you select them?
A. This book was a total family affair! My sister, Jayanthi, a seasoned educator, was my in-house editor-extraordinaire, tackling everything from plot twists to punctuation. My cousin, Vrindha, took care of edits to structure and pacing.
Q.7 What themes do you hope readers take away from Born Fearless Not Free?
A. Resilience is the core theme that drives Born Fearless, Not Free. The ability to bounce back from challenges and persevere is at the heart of Raja's journey. From leaving the comfort of his village to enduring the harsh realities of imprisonment, his story is a testament to the human spirit's incredible capacity to endure and overcome.
Q.8 Who edited your book? How did you select them?
A. This book was a total family affair! My sister, Jayanthi, a seasoned educator, was my in-house editor-extraordinaire, tackling everything from plot twists to punctuation. My cousin, Vrindha, took care of edits to structure and pacing.
Q.9 Did you discover any surprising or lesser-known historical facts during your research that you wish you could have included in the book?
A. Subhash Chandra Bose's pivotal role in India's freedom struggle captivated me. I was equally intrigued by the profound impact of both World Wars on India, a connection I hadn't previously considered. I would have liked to delve deeper into these two themes.
Q.10 Can you discuss how writing this novel has affected your understanding of your own family's history and heritage?
A. Writing this novel has cast a new light on my grandfather's life, unveiling the deep ties between his personal journey and India's historical narrative. This process has fostered a deep appreciation for his sacrifices and their enduring impact on my life today. I've come to realize that my current opportunities are a direct result of his resilience and the struggles of generations past. It's a humbling experience that has strengthened my sense of identity and purpose.
Q.11 Were there any books or authors that influenced your writing style or approach while working on Born Fearless Not Free?
A. While works like Midnight's Children and The Discovery of India provided invaluable historical context, my primary inspirations for Born Fearless Not Free were far more personal. My grandfather's firsthand accounts of the freedom struggle were the bedrock of this novel.
His unique perspective, coupled with the screenplay he wrote for the Tamil film Raja Bhakti, offered an intimate and authentic lens into that era. Additionally, Dr. Lucy Bharucha’s Oral History of the Indian Freedom Movement provided crucial depth and breadth to my research.
Q.12 Are there any particular scenes or chapters in the book that hold special significance for you? Could you share why they are meaningful?
A. The two chapters that were particularly impactful to me were Do or Die and The Red Fort Trails. The 'Do or Die' chapter, recounting Raja's daring protest in Thiruvaiyauru and subsequent capture, was especially thrilling as I drew heavily from my grandfather's vivid firsthand accounts.
Q.12 Are there any particular scenes or chapters in the book that hold special significance for you? Could you share why they are meaningful?
A. The two chapters that were particularly impactful to me were Do or Die and The Red Fort Trails. The 'Do or Die' chapter, recounting Raja's daring protest in Thiruvaiyauru and subsequent capture, was especially thrilling as I drew heavily from my grandfather's vivid firsthand accounts.
In fact, I transcribed many of his words verbatim to capture the authenticity of his experience. The Red Fort trials chapter was equally significant, requiring extensive research due to the limited available documentation.
Q.13 Now that you’ve shared your grandfather’s story, do you have plans to write more books that explore other aspects of history or your family’s experiences?
A. The journey of writing Born Fearless Not Free has been a transformative experience. It began as a personal quest to honour my grandfather's legacy but blossomed into a passion for exploring India's rich history. Balancing historical accuracy with creative storytelling was challenging yet deeply rewarding. Sharing my grandfather's story with the world has been both exhilarating and humbling.
Now that I've embarked on this literary path, the creative spark seems contagious! It's been incredibly inspiring to see my 15-year-old, a California State Chess Champion himself, follow in my footsteps and write his own book, Chess Tactics Adventure: Beginner's Workbook. It's amazing to see the next generation pick up the torch of storytelling.
On a personal note, writing Born Fearless Not Free also ignited a desire for self-improvement. That led me to write a non-fiction book titled 5 EASY STEPS TO WEIGHT LOSS FROM HOME: NO COST. NO GIMMICKS DIY. It's been a journey of self-discovery on multiple levels, and I'm excited to see where the path leads next!
Q.14 What advice would you give aspiring writers who wish to tackle historical fiction, particularly when drawing from personal or familial histories?
A. For aspiring historical fiction writers, especially those drawing from personal or familial histories, I recommend a dual-focused approach. Immerse yourself in the historical context through meticulous research, but never lose sight of the human element. Your personal connection can be a powerful tool for infusing authenticity and depth into your characters.
However, it's essential to balance personal memories with historical accuracy. While your family stories are invaluable, cross-reference them with broader historical narratives. Remember, you're crafting a story, not a memoir. Let your imagination shape the past while staying grounded in reality.
Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment with different narrative styles. Historical fiction offers a vast canvas to explore. Whether you choose a linear or nonlinear approach, let your story guide your writing style.
Q.15 How long does it take you to write this book?
A. It was a year-long endeavour. As a first-time novelist, I spent a significant amount of time learning the art of storytelling. However, the most significant portion of the process was devoted to in-depth historical research and meticulously compiling my grandfather's recollections and writings. This dual focus was essential in creating an authentic and compelling narrative.
Q.16 Who designed your book cover? What was the selection process?
A. The book cover was a family affair, with my cousins and I working closely with a talented book cover designer. We had a strong vision for the cover, which included a hand-drawn image of my grandfather wearing a Gandhi cap. A standout moment was commissioning an artist in Serbia to bring that vision to life. It was a heartwarming reminder of how art and creativity can transcend borders.
Q.17 Do you believe in writer’s block? If yes, how do you deal with it?
Q.13 Now that you’ve shared your grandfather’s story, do you have plans to write more books that explore other aspects of history or your family’s experiences?
A. The journey of writing Born Fearless Not Free has been a transformative experience. It began as a personal quest to honour my grandfather's legacy but blossomed into a passion for exploring India's rich history. Balancing historical accuracy with creative storytelling was challenging yet deeply rewarding. Sharing my grandfather's story with the world has been both exhilarating and humbling.
Now that I've embarked on this literary path, the creative spark seems contagious! It's been incredibly inspiring to see my 15-year-old, a California State Chess Champion himself, follow in my footsteps and write his own book, Chess Tactics Adventure: Beginner's Workbook. It's amazing to see the next generation pick up the torch of storytelling.
On a personal note, writing Born Fearless Not Free also ignited a desire for self-improvement. That led me to write a non-fiction book titled 5 EASY STEPS TO WEIGHT LOSS FROM HOME: NO COST. NO GIMMICKS DIY. It's been a journey of self-discovery on multiple levels, and I'm excited to see where the path leads next!
Q.14 What advice would you give aspiring writers who wish to tackle historical fiction, particularly when drawing from personal or familial histories?
A. For aspiring historical fiction writers, especially those drawing from personal or familial histories, I recommend a dual-focused approach. Immerse yourself in the historical context through meticulous research, but never lose sight of the human element. Your personal connection can be a powerful tool for infusing authenticity and depth into your characters.
However, it's essential to balance personal memories with historical accuracy. While your family stories are invaluable, cross-reference them with broader historical narratives. Remember, you're crafting a story, not a memoir. Let your imagination shape the past while staying grounded in reality.
Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment with different narrative styles. Historical fiction offers a vast canvas to explore. Whether you choose a linear or nonlinear approach, let your story guide your writing style.
Q.15 How long does it take you to write this book?
A. It was a year-long endeavour. As a first-time novelist, I spent a significant amount of time learning the art of storytelling. However, the most significant portion of the process was devoted to in-depth historical research and meticulously compiling my grandfather's recollections and writings. This dual focus was essential in creating an authentic and compelling narrative.
Q.16 Who designed your book cover? What was the selection process?
A. The book cover was a family affair, with my cousins and I working closely with a talented book cover designer. We had a strong vision for the cover, which included a hand-drawn image of my grandfather wearing a Gandhi cap. A standout moment was commissioning an artist in Serbia to bring that vision to life. It was a heartwarming reminder of how art and creativity can transcend borders.
Q.17 Do you believe in writer’s block? If yes, how do you deal with it?
A. I believe the term "writer's block" is often misunderstood. It's often a symptom of something else: fear, perfectionism, or simply a need for a break. When I find myself hitting a wall, I usually step away from the project, recharge, or try a different approach. Sometimes, the simplest solution is to just keep writing, even if it's terrible. It's often in those moments of “bad writing” that breakthroughs occur.
Q.18 How do your friends and family feel about your books or writing ventures in general?
A. My friends and family have been incredibly supportive of my writing journey. They've been my biggest cheerleaders, offering encouragement and constructive feedback. Sharing my grandfather's story with them has been a deeply emotional experience, and their pride in my work is truly heartwarming.
Then there was cousin Jayalakshmi, the book's biggest cheerleader, helping me navigate the world of marketing. It was a collaborative journey filled with love and support.
Q.19 What’s your writing schedule while working?
A. I'm a proud early bird(but I’m out cold by 9pm). Those quiet, predawn hours from 3 to 5 AM were my sacred writing time. It was like having a secret superpower, while the rest of the world was still dreaming.
Q.19 What’s your writing schedule while working?
A. I'm a proud early bird(but I’m out cold by 9pm). Those quiet, predawn hours from 3 to 5 AM were my sacred writing time. It was like having a secret superpower, while the rest of the world was still dreaming.
This quiet pre-dawn period allowed me to focus entirely on the book, whether it was delving into research, developing characters, or simply honing my writing craft. Once the sun rose, I juggled my role as a working mom - school runs, lunches, and the nine-to-five grind. But hey, a writer's gotta do what a writer's gotta do!
Q.20 Share the experience of your writing journey so far.
A. The journey of writing Born Fearless Not Free has been a rollercoaster of emotions. It started as a personal tribute to my grandfather, but it quickly evolved into a much larger project. Balancing historical research with the creative process was challenging yet rewarding.
A. The journey of writing Born Fearless Not Free has been a rollercoaster of emotions. It started as a personal tribute to my grandfather, but it quickly evolved into a much larger project. Balancing historical research with the creative process was challenging yet rewarding.
The solitude of writing was often punctuated by moments of exhilaration when the story flowed effortlessly. Sharing the book with the world has been both exhilarating and humbling. It's a journey I'm immensely grateful for.
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