mypajama.com is all about storytelling. Stories and essays are published at an alarmingly infrequent rate. Subscribe with RSS or via email.

The story of mankind is in you, the vast experience, the deep rooted fears, anxiety, sorrow, pleasure, and all the beliefs that man has accumulated throughout the millennia. You are that book. — J Krishnamurti

Who am I?

Hmmm…

My name is Vijayendra Mohanty. But I like to think I am more than just a name. I have been a copywriter and a journalist and I know I am none of those things either.

I was born and brought up in a town called Cuttack in Orissa and have walked this Earth for 25 years. I have lived in Assam, Chennai, Mumbai and Delhi. How does all this matter?

I have studied in schools and under teachers well qualified subjects such as literature, history, political science, logics, and economics. But there were others who did the same.

I am a Hindu and an agnostic (yes it is possible to be both at the same time) but those labels don’t help much. I like to mull matters related to faith, inspiration, and God. I write stories sometimes. But I am sure there are many people who must do that too, so there goes that angle.

I have, in my time, been angry, sad, poisonous and vengeful. I have wallowed in self-pity and I have judged. I have also loved and tried to be kind. I have learnt to forgive and I have learnt to say ‘thank you’. But I just might as well be describing you with all this.

I am the thinker of thoughts that choose me. I am the teller of stories that choose me to be their teller. I am, otherwise, just a name, just a body, and a lot of labels.

The book that I am, is this. And this is for you. I knew you would find your way here. Welcome!