Featured Interview With Tanuj Samaddar
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am Tanuj Samaddar. I am an artist, author and a youth activist. I am a Pradhan Mantri Bal Puraskar Award recipient from the President of India, I have also been awarded the Karmaveer Chakra Award by the UNDP. I’m an also a public policy enthusiast currently associated with IIT Guwahati and Indian National Science Academy (INSA)-Govt. of India. In the past I have served as a Global Youth Advisor in the Global Youth Advisory Council, Zimbabwe in collaboration with the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. I am also a member of the Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) Working Group of YOUNGO-UNFCCC & UNESCO’s Inclusive Policy Lab. Additionally, I was nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize and also a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. I was appointed a Kentucky Colonel by the Governor of Kentucky in 2023 in recognition of my exceptional achievements. On top of that I am a UN Millennium Fellow and a Billion Acts Peace Fellow.
I was born and brought up in Rangia which is a quaint town nestled in the district of Kamrup in Assam. I currently reside in Delhi.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
While my penchant for reading and writing developed when I was in my primary school. At that time, I was fascinated with encyclopaedias and books on science and innovation. I vividly remember being smitten with Manorama’s monthly digest for children called “Tell Me Why”. The interest which had developed in at that age culminated into numerous academic and non-academic pieces of work including but not limited to numerous book chapters , research articles and a book.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
The name of Sebastian Junger stands out to me in this context. I particularly liked his book titled ‘War’ which is about the 18 month placement he got with Battle Company in the Korengal Valley in Afghanistan. I draw inspiration from a wide range of thinkers, writers, and activists, but contemporary war literature is something that I am drawn to. What specifically speaks to me is its attempt to explore the human experience of conflict with perspectives from both soldiers and civilians.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
I have co-authored the book ‘Young Changemakers : Make Your Mark Vol 3’ with Kristie Maggio who is a well known author from the United States. This book is a powerful collection of stories from youth around the world who are using their voices, creativity, and determination to create positive change. These young leaders are proving that age is no barrier to making an impact. From advocating for mental health, entrepreneurship, and social justice to developing innovative tech solutions, they are paving the way for the next generation and showing us that success is about action, passion, and resilience. This book also features the wisdom of adults who share the lessons they wish they had learned sooner in life, reminding readers that while we should learn from the past, it is equally important to forge our own path. With contributions from Emmy award winning actor and producer Sean Kanan, as well as Lauren LaPointe, Queenie Donaldson, and Jona Lemmonds. Young Changemakers Volume 2 encourages readers to listen, learn, and take bold steps toward their dreams.
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