An engaging evening of honesty, humour, and hard-earned wisdom unfolded at The Write Circle in Jaipur, hosted by the Prabha Khaitan Foundation, where acclaimed author Arti Dwarkadas was in conversation with Jatan Shekhawat. The session opened with a warm welcome by Mita Kapur of Siyahi.
Dwarkadas, who spent decades in Mumbai’s advertising world, recounted the life-changing decision that took her from urban boardrooms to a remote patch of barren land in rural Maharashtra. “We decided we are starting an organic farm. We know nothing about farming,” she admitted with characteristic candour. What began as an ambitious experiment soon became a lesson in humility. “We went in with urban confidence. Rural reality hit us in the face at every turn.”
Reflecting on her years on the farm, she observed that agriculture has a unique way of challenging human assumptions. “Effort and outcome on the farm are distant cousins,” she remarked, describing how nature constantly reminds one of the limits of control.
A particularly memorable part of the discussion centred on the farm’s early interactions with the neighbouring Adivasi community. Suspicious of the newcomers’ intentions, villagers initially believed they were building luxury farmhouses. Recalling a tense confrontation, Dwarkadas laughed, “We’re not here to farmhouse. We’re here to farm.” Over time, persistence and genuine commitment earned the trust of the community.
The conversation also highlighted the invaluable role of Maruti, the farm’s first employee and trusted companion. “He adopted us,” she said affectionately, crediting him with guiding them through countless challenges and helping bridge the gap between urban aspirations and rural realities.
Beyond farming, the discussion became a reflection on privilege, sustainability, and personal transformation. Dwarkadas acknowledged that unlike many farmers, she could absorb financial losses. “A small farmer can’t,” she noted, drawing attention to the uncertainties faced by those who depend on agriculture for survival.
Perhaps the most profound insight of the evening came when she reflected on how farming changed her. “I used to be a control freak,” she confessed. “Farming has taught me to listen—to the land, to local wisdom, and to nature’s rhythms.” Summing up her journey with humility, she told the audience, “I’m not a farmer. I’m a learner.”
The session concluded with an engaging audience interaction, followed by the felicitation of the author and conversationalist by Aakriti Periwal, Ehsaas Woman of Jaipur, with exquisite Dhokra artefacts. Mita Kapur delivered the vote of thanks, bringing the enriching evening to a close.
This session of The Write Circle was organized in association with Siyahi; Hospitality Partner, ITC Rajputana
