AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Hello Dr.Jyoitka,

Warm greetings to you. Before going on to the interview I'd like to appreciate you for putting so much efforts for the Handbook of Political Sciences and International Relations and I'd like to congratulate you for successfully coming up with this book.

I'd like to put forth few questions..

1. A short introduction about you.

Dr. Jyotika Teckchandani did her B.A. (Hons.) in Political Science from Sri Venkateswara College and M.A. in Political Science from Lady Shri Ram College, both affiliated to University of Delhi. She received her M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees from the Centre of West Asian Studies, JMI, New Delhi.She is the author of the book " Islam and Gender Politics in Iran" and "State and Women in Islamic Republic of Iran: Khomeini Era(1979-89)."and recently released Handbook of Political Science and International relations. Dr. Jyotika has contributed a number of articles in academic journals of repute and newspapers including Indian Journal of Secularism, Journal of West Asian Studies, Quest International Multidisciplinary Research Journal, International Education and Research Journal , Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research, International Journal of Advanced Research, The Pioneer, The Quint, Hardnews, India Samvaad etc.

Her research interests include Gender, International Politics, Foreign Policy Analysis, Indian and West Asian Politics.

2. Few words which describe u.

Passionate, Empathetic, Persistent, Appreciative, Content, Generous, Adaptable, Strong Willed

3. When did you start writing?

I started writing in January 2014. My first article was on State and Women in Islamic Republic of Iran which was published in Indian Journal of Secularism. I was pursuing my PhD that time and it was a requirement for PhD degree.

As I am an introvert writing gave me the courage to express my self and after that there was no looking back.

4. What are your other hobbies?

I like reading, watching movies and dancing is my passion.

5. Who is your favourite author?

Simone de Beauvoir and Fatima Mernissi.

6. Which is your favorite book and genre?

Hisham Sharabi's Neopatriarchy and Shirin Ebadi's Iran Awakening: A Memoir of Revolution and Hope.

7. Who is your role model?

My mentor Dr. Daisaku Ikeda

8. What inspired you to come up with this handbook?

I undertook this work mainly with a view to provide students with a handbook which could meet all their examination requirements. I wrote this book keeping in mind the interests of the beginners from various backgrounds who want to understand the functioning of politics and polity in contemporary times. As you know Political Science and International Relations are the most popular subjects in UPSC exams so I thought this book would be basic guide for UPSC aspirants.

9. What were the hurdles you faced while writing this book?

I thought there is a gap in the textbooks available on the subject so therefore I decided to contribute a text book. And I wanted to make the book very simple and easy to understand...So, I wrote this book from the perspective of a first year college student who has just joined the domain of Political Science and International Relations....that was the biggest challenge.

10. How do you feel about this book?

I am happy as the book has come out well and is getting good response.

11. How did you develop interest in politics?

I was exposed to the idea of politics while I was pursuing my graduation As a part of my curriculum I started reading about the state and politics in general. I realized that state is assuming critical importance in the daily life of the people globally and therefore a sound understanding of the subject matter is a must.

12. What do you think about our country's political system?

Compared to many post colonial societies, India has produced one of the most stable, durable democratic system in the world. This partly explains the global attention on India.

13. What change do you wish to bring in our political system?

A corruption free polity and strong political leadership

14. Who is your favourite political leader? There are many:

Pandit Nehru as he was a visionary and Atal Behari Vajpayee as he is a pragmatic, visionary leader. Also Golda Meir and Indira Gandhi.

15. Since your previous books are on Women in Iran, I would like to know why did you choose such a unconventional topic?

For two reasons: first is that when I engaged with Iranian studies after my Post graduation I realized that there is a global modern stereotype about Iranian Islamic Political system and women living under that system. Second, an inquiry into this subject matter reveals that monolithic and stereotyping understanding of women and Islam particularly in case of Iran is problematic.

16. Since you work on women I'd like to know your views on feminism.

I don't subscribe to any school of feminism but I believe in gender equality. And GE to me, means equal rights and opportunities for both the sexes...

17. And your views on women empowerment.

I strongly believe in the empowerment of women in all fields of political, social and economic life. It is a must for the development of our country.

18. Is there any heart touching experiences in your life?

I am indebted to a lot of people who have held my hand at different points in time and inspired me to scale newer heights. It is now my endeavour to give back to society.....every time I am able to create value in someones life or instill hope/positivity, i feel worthwhile.

19. There has been many cases of sexual harassments reported in India. Your views on it?

I think most of them are not reported because of the patriarchal mindset of the society . While there is a growing awareness about this issue however, more needs to be done to prevent occurrence of such incidents. There is an urgent need for the gender sensitization of the public law enforcing agencies.

20. Your piece of advice to students:

Please remember the words by Mahatma Gandhi, "In a gentle way, you can shake the world."

21. What would you like to say for the aspiring writers out there?

Patience and Perseverance- Applying these two words will make your writing journey easy.

Thank you for your time.

Regards,

Dr.Niveditha.