From Atheist to Mystical Storyteller: A Young Editor’s Quest to Bridge Ancient Wisdom with Modern Fantasy

The Wanderer Who Found His Calling

In the bustling literary circles of Delhi, Saksham Garg stands out as one of the youngest Indian editors at Penguin Random House India, but more significantly as a storyteller whose journey from skeptic to spiritual explorer mirrors the transformative tales he now writes. His debut novel, “Samsara,” released in September 2022, weaves Hindu mythology with contemporary fiction, a reflection of his own evolution from a young atheist to a seeker of ancient wisdom.

A Cultural Awakening at Woodstock

Garg’s world expanded dramatically at age 10 when he left his village for Woodstock, an international boarding school in Mussoorie. Among the towering Himalayan peaks, as one of the few Indian students, his dreams initially centered on football rather than literature. However, fate had other plans. An unexpected encounter with the Rig Veda in ninth grade became the catalyst that altered his life’s trajectory forever.

The Spiritual Transformation

“It was magical, pure,” Garg recalls about his first exposure to the Rig Veda translations. The experience marked a profound shift in his worldview, from a steadfast atheist to someone who is deeply drawn towards the concept of spirituality. Little did he know that this transformation would later become the cornerstone of his creative work, particularly influencing his debut novel, “Samsara.” Garg was appalled that few knew about the Rig Veda and its contents and eventually decided that he would try and bring the teaching from the scripture to the masses through his first novel.

The Path to Publishing

After completing his schooling in Jaipur, Garg began writing in eleventh grade, completing the fourth draft of his manuscript in 2018. However, unlike many young authors eager to see their work in print, he chose a different path. Instead of rushing to publish, he joined Penguin as an assistant editor. His first project was, “Nehru: The Invention of India.” In the span of five years, he went on to edit, commission and publish many fiction and non-fiction titles authored by some of the biggest household names in the country, giving him invaluable experience to refine his own narrative voice.

Crafting “Samsara”

“More than aim, art needs execution,” Garg emphasizes when discussing his approach to writing “Samsara.” The novel, which follows Aman Chandra and ten others as they navigate a hidden Himalayan valley populated by Hindu gods and mythical beings, represents more than just a story; it’s a bridge between modern day India and texts from the oldest scripture on the planet, the Rig Veda.

Recalling the process, Saksham said, “The crafting of the book took immense time commitment, often at the cost of a balanced life, something I would do differently if I had to do it all over again.”

Overcoming Obstacles and Self-Doubt

The journey wasn’t without its challenges. Garg faced numerous obstacles, from ensuring historical and mythological accuracy to battling what he terms “age phobia”-“the fear of not achieving success early enough.” Yet, it was perhaps his grandfather’s piece of wisdom about “never giving up” that kept him going. He admits, “Ninety-nine percent of my life was filled with self-doubt, but that one percent kept me going all the way to the top.”

Literary Influences and Innovation

Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of authors like Patrick Rothfuss, J.R.R. Tolkien, Krishna Udayasankar, and Ruskin Bond helped Garg develop a unique approach towards making ancient wisdom accessible. “People get bored with raw information,” he notes, explaining his decision to enliven traditional teachings with contemporary storytelling elements. His fascination with Indra, who is the most important and is praised as the highest god in 250 hymns of the Rig Veda, significantly influenced the mystical elements in “Samsara.”

The Editorial Journey and Secret Success

His tenure at Penguin proved to be more than just a career milestone; it became a crucible for his creative development. Working on prestigious projects provided him with the confidence to thrive professionally while secretly nurturing his own novel. The book, which he initially kept hidden from his employers, eventually earned their unanimous backing and support, catapulting it to national bestseller status in less than six months. It has since reached the landmark of one lakh copies sold, spawned translations, and even inspired pirated editions.

The Circle of Life

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Garg’s journey is how writing “Samsara” transformed him just as much as his characters. His interactions during the research phase initially made him more practical and skeptical, yet by the time he completed the book, his spiritual beliefs had deepened considerably.

He states, “Samara has been a constant companion in my life’s journey, which is why I often mention it—not as a promotion, but because when asked about my journey, it inevitably leads back to Samara. Writing it has been a lifelong process, shaped by my encounter with the Rig Veda. I never realized when it became an inseparable part of my life. So, whenever the name Saksham Garg is mentioned, Samara is bound to follow.”

In an age where ancient wisdom often struggles to find relevance among younger generations, Saksham Garg stands as a bridge between worlds, the traditional and the modern, the spiritual and the skeptical. Through “Samsara,” he doesn’t just tell a story; he invites readers to embark on their own journey of discovery, much like the one that transformed him from a village boy to a voice for ancient wisdom in modern times.

The Genesis of “Samsara”

The decision to hold back “Samsara” from immediate publication after its completion in 2018 wasn’t an easy one. “I wanted to invest more time to bring out the truth and make it the highest read book,” Garg explains. This patience reflected not just ambition but a deep respect for the material he was working with. The novel’s premise, where eleven Souls of Samsara find themselves kidnapped and transported to a hidden Himalayan valley, emerged from his desire to create a relatable modern protagonist whose lens could guide the reader to this ancient valley. Aimed at readers between 15 and 25 years old, “Samsara” represents Garg’s attempt to make ancient wisdom relevant to a young audience. The novel’s premise, where modern technology fails and ancient magic prevails, serves as a metaphor for bridging traditional wisdom with contemporary life.

Beyond the Written Word: A Modern Bridge Builder

Behind Saksham Garg’s achievements as a bestselling author and young editor lies a deeper mission that goes beyond literary success. His journey from an atheist village boy to a spiritual storyteller is a blend of faith and passion. While Samsara marks his debut as a novelist, his ambitions extend far beyond storytelling; he envisions himself as a cultural bridge, bringing ancient Indian wisdom to a generation increasingly detached from its roots through the sequels of his novel.

Garg’s methodical approach to both writing and editing reflects a maturity beyond his years. More than just an author, he is also a publisher and a real estate investor, contributing to his father’s business while constantly seeking growth in all aspects of life. His journey is one of living, learning, and evolving, driven by an innate love for knowledge and self-improvement.

Looking ahead, Garg sees his role expanding beyond that of a writer or editor. For he believes, “Success is not defined by book sales or accolades but by the number of young readers who embark on their own spiritual journeys through his work.” As he continues to grow both professionally and personally, the same curiosity that first drew him to the Rig Veda now fuels his mission to help others find their own paths to deeper understanding.