Singapore’s Hindi literary community gathered for an intimate evening celebrating the launch of Dear X, the latest book by author Vinod Kumar Dubey, on July 11.
The exclusive event brought together writers, readers and members of the Indian community to mark the release of a work that blends stories, memories and poetry into a deeply personal exploration of life, relationships and self-discovery.
Mr Vinod’s latest work reflects on the emotional journeys that shape human lives. One of its most memorable lines reads: “Sometimes it feels as if we are selling the coins of our age to purchase experience”, capturing the book’s reflective and philosophical tone.
Born in a small village in Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, Mr Vinod studied in a Hindi-medium school before embarking on a career in the merchant navy. After serving as a ship captain, he settled in Singapore as a manager with a shipping company, where his experiences at sea and life as part of the Indian diaspora significantly enriched his literary voice.
Over the years, he has published five Hindi poetry collections and two novels, earning recognition for weaving together rural memories, maritime life and contemporary social themes.
Explaining the title of his latest book, Mr Vinod said the “X” deliberately remains undefined so readers can give it their own meaning.
“In algebra, X is the unknown variable you solve for; in life, it represents whoever or whatever you need it to be,” he said. “It could be a long-lost friend, an old love, your younger self or even the vast ocean. By leaving it anonymous, the book becomes the reader’s own letter to their past.”
Unlike conventional memoirs, Dear X combines prose, poetry and personal recollections. Mr Vinod believes life itself cannot be confined to a single literary form.
“We live our lives in prose but remember them in poetry,” he said. “Moving from a quiet Indian village to cosmopolitan Singapore meant that no single genre could fully express both the facts and emotions of my journey.”
The author revealed that one of the book’s central ideas emerged from his years at sea.
“When you spend months on the ocean, you trade something invaluable – time,” he said. “You exchange youth, family moments and everyday life for experience and professional growth. It is a trade-off many people make while chasing careers and dreams.”
Despite the dominance of short-form digital content, Mr Vinod believes books remain essential because they encourage reflection rather than instant consumption.
“Poetry cannot be rushed,” he said. “Dear X invites readers to disconnect from digital noise and reconnect with their emotional landscape.”
Launching the book in Singapore carried particular significance for the author.
“Singapore is a multicultural city that values languages and literature,” he said. “The launch demonstrates that Hindi literature is not confined by geography. Our roots travel with us, and the Hindi literary community here is thriving, bringing together Indian traditions with global experiences.”
Mr Vinod also praised organisations such as Sangam Singapore, local Hindi societies and educational institutions including DAV schools for nurturing Hindi language and literature among younger generations. He expressed confidence that community initiatives and digital platforms would continue to strengthen Hindi literary culture in Singapore.
Reflecting on his writing journey, Mr Vinod said his style has evolved from emotionally driven expression to a more minimalist approach that seeks “maximum meaning in the fewest possible words”. To aspiring writers, he advised cultivating observational patience, emotional honesty and disciplined writing habits.
Congratulating the author, Dr Sandhya Singh, Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Language Studies, National University of Singapore, described Dear X as “a work that resonates across generations and communities”.
She said the collection of weekly letters explores relationships, aspirations and human emotions through thoughtful reflections. Dr Sandhya added that Dubey’s writing has inspired not only members of the Indian diaspora but also many of her students, including Chinese students at NUS, demonstrating the universal appeal of his poetry and his ability to connect with younger readers.
Merchant Navy captain Arun Kumar Sundaram said: “I have known Vinod for many years and have admired his discipline, dedication and hard work. While his novels have earned widespread acclaim, it is his heartfelt poetry, capturing the emotions and struggles of everyday life, that has truly resonated with readers. Dear X continues his exploration of love and life, but with a deeper focus on self-discovery and inner healing, offering a meaningful and spiritual journey.”
