From Mansfield to India: Reflections on philosophy, culture, and interconnectivity

Maintaining strong relationships is something that the School of Humanities and Social Sciences strives to cultivate and nurture. This work is supported not only through the active outreach done by the school itself, but also through the committed work of the Leeds Beckett Alumni team. The team are frequently approached by alumni giving welcome updates on their career paths and life experiences, and Richard C. Bower is no exception to this.

Graduating from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences in 2002, Richard has worked as a freelance writer for the BBC, OCD UK, and Gitanjali and Beyond. His most recent publication, ‘An Expedition Around My Garden,’ gained particular traction in India and he was subsequently invited to Visva-Bharati University to give talks on his work and creative processes, after comparisons were made between his writing philosophy and that of Nobel Prize winning polymath Rabindranath Tagore.

“Tagore spoke of a universal philosophy embracing goodness which herein lies the similarities to An Expedition Around My Garden. Described as a novel, an epic poem, and a mindful guide to well-being, the book is about the experience and expression of positive energy. An Expedition Around My Garden is a book that gives (and receives) testament to Tagore's philosophy and vision and was suitably hosted in the very accommodating garden - and by the people - of Birutjatio, a literary group based in the heart of Santiniketan.

“The book has become quite a phenomenon and its particular impact and appeal in India, I feel, is conducive to the country's spiritual influence and miraculous power of prescience. This is a great testament as at the nation's heart - which is where one truly speaks - is perpetuated a vision of essential wholeness, that manifests a presence both within and without.

“I weave this method through a vibrant and infectious technique of daily documentation. Here in lies the marriage of both subject's I studied at Leeds Beckett - a BSc in Social Sciences & Philosophy then, a few years later, an MSc in Journalism. It is fair to say that the university thus runs through my veins and greatly influences my work.

“My time in India proved to be a very humbling, memorable, and life-defining experience. To be celebrated alongside Tagore is something incredibly special and something that I will treasure forever. For me, personally, I will cherish the love and brotherhood I received for the rest of my time.”

As part of his willingness to give back and share his experiences, advice, and creative processes, Richard will be hosting a Q&A session for current students and alumni of English and Creative Writing courses on Beckett Connect on Wednesday 9th August at 6pm. Please log onto Beckett Connect to access the event link.

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