Dr. Palto Datta is a distinguished academic author, and advocate for neurodiversity. With a background in plasma physics, marketing, and higher education, he currently serves as a Senior Lecturer and Scholarship Lead at Regent College London. Over his 27-year career, Dr. Datta has made significant contributions to academia and business, and he has authored several books, including works on entrepreneurship, marketing, and novels in Bengali. His latest novel, Sayoni’s Dream, explores the life of a young girl with autism, advocating for greater empathy and inclusion in society. Through his work, Dr. Datta continues to inspire change and promote a more compassionate world.
EliteOne Stories: What inspired you to write Sayoni’s Dream?
Dr. Palto Datta: I was motivated by a young child who shared a brief anecdote about his school life, during which he was subjected to bullying by others. I engaged in a lengthy conversation with him. The inspiration for Sayoni’s Dream was my grandson, a 12-year-old schoolboy. He was perusing my writing with great interest, and one day, I asked him about the type of story he believed children would find enjoyable. His response was straightforward yet profound: he recommended that I compose a motivational narrative about a young individual with a disability. This concept remained with me, and I began to contemplate the obstacles encountered by autistic children, particularly in Bangladesh, where autism is frequently stigmatised and misunderstood. I have friends whose children are autistic, and they have shared heartbreaking experiences with me. I have since developed a special interest in the subject of autistic children and have aspired to write about them.
I aspired to develop a narrative that would not only raise awareness of autism but also honour the resilience, beauty, and distinctiveness of neurodiverse individuals. Sayoni’s journey is a testament to the resilience of individuals who confront societal indifference and yet discover their own radiance. It is my sincere desire that her narrative encourages readers to adopt empathy, inclusivity, and understanding.
EliteOne Stories: How did you approach the challenge of representing the internal world of a young girl with autism?
Dr. Palto Datta: Initially, it was exceedingly challenging for me due to my lack of understanding regarding autism. I have initiated the reading of numerous books and articles regarding autism. In order to gain a better understanding of this matter and the appropriate course of action for children of this nature, I have initiated conversations with healthcare professionals. I conversed with numerous individuals who have autistic children and discussed the nature of their behaviour. I dedicated six months to the study of autism and began the process of creating a character with an autistic disorder. The character is situated in Bangladesh, a country where autism is not widely recognised. People within the society do not comprehend them, and as a result, they conduct in a manner that suggests they are not a part of the society, as if they are not a typical child. A delicate and profoundly introspective procedure was required to represent Sayoni’s internal world. I endeavoured to accurately represent her distinctive viewpoint while maintaining a sensitivity to the challenges encountered by autistic individuals. I derived inspiration from real-life stories, research on autism, and conversations with carers and families of autistic children. The crucial aspect was to emphasise Sayoni’s emotions and experiences, demonstrating her internal life, struggles, and strengths that frequently go unnoticed. I endeavoured to establish a connection between the reader and her world by ensuring that her voice was both inspiring and relatable.
EliteOne Stories: Sayoni finds solace in nature and insects. What do these natural elements symbolize in her journey?
Dr. Palto Datta: Sayoni’s life encounters the depiction of antipathy and helplessness as a result of nature, insects and other elements she crosses paths with. Fireflies light up her dark moments, showing her the meaning of lizards and ants. They teach her lessons of endurance, being able to change and adapt to different situations. Sayoni uses these things as motivation and lessons in order to push herself and overcome her battles. The interplay between Sayoni and nature has always been synergistic as it has wielded the role of a friend and a life savior in times where humanity annoyed her.
EliteOne Stories: The novel explores the theme of societal ignorance towards autism. What do you hope readers will take away from this aspect of the story?
Dr. Palto Datta: It is my earnest wish that the audience garners compassion for autistic individuals and their families who grapple with social stigma, ignorance and a much-needed sense of understanding. There are several moral concepts which run across the tale, the most profound being compassion and the power to include. Readers are able to witness Sayoni’s life in detail so they are able to interrogate their own beliefs and consider how they can contribute toward improving the conditions for the neuro diverse. In essence, the aim is to cultivate a global mindset and encourage others to do so too.
EliteOne Stories: How does Sayoni’s Dream reflect the current state of autism awareness in Bangladesh?
Dr. Palto Datta: Sayoni’s Dream exemplifies the lack of awareness and understanding of autism spectrum disorder in Bangladesh. Most families endure stigma, lack resources, or are neglected, making their journey vile. With Sayoni’s story, I wanted to address the concerns and them over so as to instigate conversations about autism. True, there has been progress in some areas, but there is so much more to be done in terms of education, assistance, and acceptance. The book aspires to be a first step in the direction of better understanding and awareness of neurodiverse members of our society.
EliteOne Stories: The relationship between Sayoni and her grandmother is central to the story. Can you tell us more about how you developed their bond in the narrative?
Dr. Palto Datta: Pratiksha (expectation) and Obaachan (warmth and wisdom) share a very special relationship which is most important aspect of this story. It embodies love and warmth without conditions. When the entire world is isolating Sayoni, she finds a home in her grandmother who makes her feel important and safe. This bond is created by the strength of communication from one generation to another where love and wisdom are unbound by societal barriers. I wished to portray a child’s life in which a single warm personality can remarkably change the child’s life single handedly and push her to be strong enough to deal with this cruel world.
EliteOne Stories: As an academic with a background in marketing, how did you transition into writing fiction, especially a story with such deep emotional themes?
Dr. Palto Datta: Although my academic expertise is in marketing and strategy with special focus on research and scholarship, I have always been passionate about storytelling. Marketing is similar to the discipline of writing in that it involves comprehending human behaviour and establishing connections with individuals. When I recognised the potential of narratives to effect social change, the transition to fiction was effortless. The concept for this book was sparked by a conversation with my grandson, who motivated me to compose a motivational narrative featuring a young person with a disability. Sayoni’s Dream, a profoundly emotional journey that combines my passion for storytelling with my desire to raise awareness about autism, was born from that seed of an idea.
EliteOne Stories: The portrayal of neurodiversity is an essential aspect of your book. Why do you think it’s important to challenge misconceptions about autism through literature?
Dr. Palto Datta: Literature has the power to broaden our views and challenge stereotypes. Many misconceptions about autism stem from a lack of understanding; however, stories like Sayoni’s Dream can help bridge this gap by offering a personal glimpse into the lives of neurodiverse individuals. My goal is to humanize autism and show readers that it is not a deficiency, but rather a distinct way of experiencing the world through Sayoni’s journey. It is essential to tackle these misconceptions through literature to foster a more compassionate and inclusive society.
EliteOne Stories: What research or personal experiences helped shape the character of Sayoni?
Dr. Palto Datta: As previously mentioned, I was unaware of the autism issue and was required to conduct a comprehensive investigation. The Character of “Sayoni” was shaped by a combination of personal inspiration, observation, and research. I employed academic literature on autism, as well as real-life anecdotes from autistic individuals and their families. A pivotal moment was a conversation with my grandson, who motivated me to compose a motivational narrative about a young person with a disability. This concept resonated with me, prompting me to concentrate on autism, a subject that is frequently overlooked in Bangladesh. Sayoni’s character is a representation of these influences, as it is designed with empathy and consideration.
EliteOne Stories: What do you hope Sayoni’s Dream will achieve in terms of creating a more inclusive society for children with autism?
Dr. Palto Datta: I hope Sayoni’s Dream sparks meaningful conversations about autism and inclusivity. By sharing Sayoni’s story, I aim to inspire readers to look beyond stereotypes and embrace the uniqueness of every individual. The book is called to action for schools, families, and communities to create environments where children with autism can thrive. If this story helps even one child feel more understood or inspires someone to advocate for neurodiversity, it will have achieved its purpose.
Buy Book: https://www.amazon.in/Sayonis-Dream-Dr-Palto-Datta/dp/9358381388
