Ruchin Singh is an educator for the ‘new-age’ and a co-founder of Edushala, the innovate learning place that provides students with skills that are useful, fun, and transferable in the real world. Edushala's classes range from crash-courses on a wide variety of real-world topics—from public speaking classes and fashion photography—to personality development and filmmaking. Singh’s dream of bringing fun and practical courses to Nepali students took birth from his own thirst for knowledge that couldn’t be quenched vis-a-vis the traditional classroom. In this interview with the Post, Singh talks about his reading habits and his passion for books, that ultimately pushes him and his organisation towards transmitting a similar drive in students. Excerpts:

What are you presently reading? What is it about? 

Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose by Tony Hsieh. The book is a candid account of Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos, on lessons he has learned in business and life and ultimately finding happiness.  

How did you first come to love books? 

As for reading, I was a late bloomer. I never liked reading books. It was only when I was about to start my MBA, I remember my friend’s dad giving me a book to read—Rich Dad, Poor Dad. I loved the book. That started my journey into reading books.   

What was the last book you read and how did you like it? 

I am a zombie fan and I have been trying to read zombie books. The last book I read was a zom-com titled – Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion. It had a quirky post apocalyptic storyline but I won’t be reading the sequels. It wasn’t what I had expected after reading Word War Z by Max Brooks. I try to finish the book that I have read even if it has been resting on my bedside for weeks.     

Who are your favourite writers, and why?

Particularly, I am into business non-fiction and I think Malcolm Gladwell is the best business storyteller. I love how he challenges assumptions. I feel his books can be a conversation starter. He can seamlessly blends stories and facts. He creates stories in the social experiments and gives the character life. I loved all his five books. 

What is your favourite genre and why? 

I was more into non-fiction business books and biographies because I had just started a business and I felt I could learn a lot from these books. Indeed, the books have helped me along the way on shaping my business as well. Recently, I have been into post apocalyptic zombie fiction. I loved the works of Max Brooks and how uniquely each work has been written and presented – “Zombie Survival Guide” and “Word War Z” and “Recorded Attacks” a graphic novel. 

How do you select books to read? 

I see booklists of my friends and related books from Good Reads. I usually stroll around book shops and select books randomly. 

What is good writing for you? What would you say makes a good writer? 

I love when writing is candid. It makes it easier for me to read. 

How have books affected your life? 

I believe, when I read, it is that moment I learn the most.