Atsugi Naval Air Facility Library Director Dr. George Marangoly displays the books he has written in his native Indian language. (Jim Schulz / S&S)
ATSUGI NAVAL AIR FACILITY, Japan — Dr. George Marangoly loves books as much as he loves literature.
For eight years, Marangoly has served as Atsugi’s library director. This month, the native of India will publish his eighth book in his native Malayalam language. Malayalam is the language of the Southern Indian state of Kerala, according to an Indian government Web site.
Marangoly’s stories explore contemporary issues such as the culture gaps between foreign-born parents and their American-born offspring, and issues including trust and relationships.
“Some are moral lessons,” he said. “It’s all in there.”
He offers readers a unique perspective — an Indian-born man living in Japan who has worked for the U.S. government for 17 years.
Marangoly, 57, began writing while studying political science in Kerala, India. He began graduate studies in English literature but moved to the United States before completing his degree. He later earned his doctorate in library science.
And he continued writing.
His first piece was a humorous short story. Much of his work uses humor, with hopes of making readers happier and therefore healthier.
“I like humor. You can make people laugh and that’s a good thing,” he said.
He began writing as an outlet and now uses it to educate, entertain and explore social issues.
His anthology includes two novels and six books of short stories, and last month he earned an award from the Federation of Kerala Associations of North America.
His readers span the globe, even if his books generally are published in India.
“Writing stories is not always for fame,” he said. “You feel better when you write a story. You get involved so much, maybe you transform into the character in the story.”
He derives ideas from anyone he encounters.
“I get inspiration from everyone,” he said. Even things that “may not seem like a story at first. I had a small story written about a dog one time.”
Non-Malayalam speakers will have to wait a few years to experience Marangoly’s work. He doesn’t believe translation can convey meaning as well so he plans to begin writing in English, but not until he retires in a few years.
For now, he writes as a hobby, bouncing ideas off his wife. If she approves, the stories might be included in the next published edition, he said.
“She’s my encouragement in all respects.”
