In today’s fast paced world, not everyone develops an appreciation of the finer things in life. Yet some aesthetes thrive on making time for objects of wonder, beauty and knowledge. As a celebrated collector of rare books and art, distinguished Senior Advocate and former Additional Solicitor General of India, Sanjay Jain, certainly falls in this category.
He joins Sunday Guardian for an exclusive chat, sharing snippets about his collection of books and his insights on the role they play in his life. Excerpts from an edited interview:
Q. When did you discover your passion for collecting books?
A: My passion for books began in my university days when I would visit various libraries to prepare for my debates. Over time, I developed a passion for reading different subjects. ‘The Fountainhead’ by Ayn Rand and George Orwell’s ‘1984’ had a profound effect on me in my younger days. I constantly read three-four books in rotation, trying to balance heavier tomes with lighter reads. My collection of books began when I started winning the debating competitions and would receive books as prizes. And it grew during my initial years of struggle as a lawyer. The primary focus while building my personal library was on law books but I have always believed that to be a good lawyer one should read books in other subjects too. I felt if I wouldn’t read, my growth as a lawyer would be very stunted. Books gave me the power to present myself as a multidimensional lawyer.
Q: What skillsets can non-legal books teach lawyers?
A: I believe that a lawyer who doesn’t read subjects other than law will not have the knowledge base to instil confidence in his clients. Books help you to understand the psychology of a judge as well as the psychology of a client. They give you insight into the pain and pathos of the client in a variety of situations, like in matrimonial matters which require a lot of patience. These skillsets are inculcated by reading different genres of books. For example, books on psychology help us to understand how the human mind behaves, and how different human beings react differently to the same situation.
Reading books has also taught me that all the conflict in this world is between ‘right and right’, because both sides believe themselves to be right! Books have given me opportunities to introspect. Take the example of ‘The Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho. It taught me about sending messages to the universe, which I have since experimented with in my personal life. It’s such a simple and profound thought – don’t think negatively, send positive signals to the universe and you will reap the rewards.
I believe my advocacy has become much more polished, sophisticated and vibrant because of reading. Books enable me to quote from master writers and add nuances to my presentation in court, and I can also generate humour in the course of my arguments based on things I have read in books. Some members of the judiciary, especially in the constitutional courts, are very well read and they appreciate these references. My knowledge of literature, political science, history, and poetry have been greatly enhanced through books. Further, I often write speeches in my line of work, and I rely on literature to enhance what I write.
Q: Where did you buy your books initially? Have your sources for books changed in recent years?
A: Initially, I bought them at places like Connaught Place where I would also go to buy music, or South Extension which was known for its many bookshops. Buying books was an exciting exercise for which I would plan well in advance. Soon, people in my friend’s circle, my relatives and colleagues started gifting me books because they knew of my interest, and I built an impressive personal library.
I seek out first copies and first edition copies of books because they are so rare – both in India and when travelling abroad. I visit local bookstores in London known for their collection of ancient books. It’s a completely enthralling experience to browse through these bookshops. Their owners are very knowledgeable, and they guide you in what to look for. You can chance upon amazing gems in places like these.
Q: What kinds of books are you most drawn to?
A: Sometimes, I’m very drawn to a particular theme and begin collecting all the literature around that theme. Hence, I have a large repository of books on Delhi dating back to the pre-independence era. I also have a great interest in mythology. I’m fond of Ashok Banker and Amish Tripathi, who paved the way for this genre to become very popular in the Indian market.
I am also very fond of books on Indian cinema – I have about five or six coffee table books on Amitabh Bachchan alone! Obscure subjects like the Knights Templar also interest me greatly, and I really appreciate English classics like Thomas Hardy and Shakespeare.
Q: Which are your most prized books and how did you acquire them?
A: There are many books that have had a profound effect on me in my growing years, and I consider these my most prized possessions. Additionally, I’m very fond of ‘The Flashman Papers’ series by George MacDonald Fraser, which showcase the exploits of their fictional protagonist Harry Flashman, who lived in the late 1800s. He had this ability to be present at the right place at the right time and have interesting brushes with significant historical events. These books are very difficult to source in India, and I don’t yet have the full set. So, I’m always on the lookout for them.
I am equally fond of Hindi books. In my opinion, one of the finest stories ever written is ‘Usne Kaha Tha’ by Chandradhar Sharma Guleri. I find they teach us about ourselves and our culture. I sourced these books from the Hindi Book Centre on Asaf Ali Road, and sometimes I would buy them at local book fairs from different parts of India.
Q: How do you find the time to read in your busy schedule?
A: My reading has been substantially compromised in the last few years due to my professional commitments, so I have reverted to my system of rotating five books of different genres at a time. People must make time to read books. One can pick up any page of any book – the idea is to keep reading.
Noor Anand Chawla pens lifestyle articles for various publications and her blog www.nooranandchawla.com