A young author's call to embrace India's legacy: Shubhanshi Chakraborty's 'Past is Forward'

At a time when teenagers and young adults have been illusioned in the ways of the West, and when copying foreigners is all people wish to do for quick fame, likes, reposts, and more, a young voice has come forward to remind Indians of their cultural legacy. A young girl who grew uncomfortable with the idea of letting India's culture, traditions, and viewpoints fade, Shubhanshi has authored ' Past is Forward ', an attempt to make people remember and realise the treasure India holds in many different aspects.

The book is a thought-provoking exploration through the eyes of the younger generation, and asks readers to engage and forward India's traditions. And this exploration is not driven by blind reverence, but rather with curiosity, critical thinking, and a desire to shape a better future.

The thought for 'Past is Forward' first came to Shubhanshi's mind in a classroom when one of her professor dismissed the relevance of Indian traditions , even suggesting that students consider leaving the country for a more modernised future. The professor’s words—“I don’t believe in the concept of Swadesh… Just enjoy your lives”—struck a personal chord with the author, who was left grappling with the emotional weight of what felt like a rejection of her homeland.
In the book Shubhanshi mentions that "You don’t leave your mother when she is sick," and 'Past is Forward' emerged as a passionate response to what she perceives as a growing cultural disconnection that risks eroding India’s essence.

The book, as evident in its reviews, is a balanced invitation for her generation to explore the past, not just for nostalgia's sake, but also as a form of motivation and inspiration, because these traditions can also help guide the present and future.
As she asserts in the book, “India is not just history—it is a living force… a guide for the future.” This isn’t about clinging to the past in an unthinking way, but about engaging with it critically and meaningfully. She argues that, in this age of rapid change and materialism, reconnecting with India's cultural foundations can provide the direction needed to address challenges.
And for young people seeking a deeper sense of identity and purpose, 'Past is Forward' offers a roadmap to rediscover India’s cultural wealth, not as something to be preserved in the past, but as a resource to shape a conscious, inclusive future.
And rather than asking for rejection of all 'Western' practices or blind conformity, Chakraborty asks people to choose a path of engagement.

In a world where cultural traditions are questioned, 'Past is Forward' is like a reminder that even the past can become a current, living force, encouraging people and helping them excel in ways.