Ashis Ghatak: Photographer, travel blogger, and writer. With an insatiable wanderlust, he’s explored the globe, capturing its beauty through his lens and vivid narratives. A film and music enthusiast, he’s also penned the best-selling biography “Louiz Banks: A Symphony of Love,” honoring the Jazz legend. Ashis is a passionate globetrotter, an embodiment of creativity and exploration.

1 – Welcome to GradesUp – tell us something about yourself

I am a teacher by profession and writer by passion. I love to travel the world, meet new people, learn new things every day and explore the beauty of life. I like to pen down stories about my experiences.

2 – Teaching or writing – What is your preference?

As a teacher, I am thankful to students for constantly inspiring me.  And I enjoy writing because that is how I talk to myself. However, being a teacher is what comes to me naturally, and that is what I love more because my students have made me what I am.

3 – What kind of books do you like?

I love to read travel stories and non-fiction stuff. But I grew up on thrillers, which are my favorite!

4 – Do you prefer old school book reading or the new age Kindle?

Despite the obvious advantages of reading Kindle versions, I belong well and truly to the old school of readers for whom the distinct aroma of pages, cover design & graphics, allure of words, thrill of turning the page to move on to the next and old bookmarks, are infinitely more charming, than their electronic counterparts.

5 – What is your message to aspiring authors?

I always advise them to be voracious readers, and dabble in all genres of writing. Nothing can be a better support system than a good book!

6 – What can we expect in the coming few weeks in your column?

I want to share the experiences that I have gathered from the different places I traveled to. They are not just my travel diaries but the stories of wonderful people whom I met through different sojourns.

7 – Any final words?

I look forward to meeting my readers virtually through Grades Up. Kudos to them for the amazing effort! I am excited to be part of the project.