Wiz@words: ‘I love to write about men’s mental health’

Writing to her came as a chance in college when she decided to pursue a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA) in Jalandhar. Since she had to choose an additional subject, English Elective became her go-to. That is when she started writing more seriously. Meet Nandini Chopra.

“After taking up English Elective, my teacher guided me on how to proceed with improving my writing. While the initiative was there, I didn’t know how to go about it. The faculty provided me with the platform. There were a couple of people who were my inspiration to write. First, my guruji (Dr Sufi Raj Jain) and second, my Guru Maa (Divya),” Nandini said.

In an impromptu conversation, she talked about what she loves to write about.

Can you tell us more about yourself and your education?

I am pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (H) from ACFA. I’m also actively involved in social work, having worked with two NGOs for over three years in Jalandhar.

What are your roles within the NGOs you are involved with?

I serve as the General Secretary at SFC Foundations and as the Team Leader of the Jalandhar unit at Asha Foundation. I handle various responsibilities and oversee the operations of the Jalandhar unit at the Asha Foundation. My journey started with a virtual internship during the COVID-19 period when I had some free time. A friend who was working with SFC Foundation introduced me to this opportunity. Although I was just in class X with no prior experience with NGOs, this experience piqued my interest and led to deeper involvement.

What specific activities are you involved in?

The NGOs focus on educating underprivileged students, but I’ve also engaged in other activities. For example, during the last six months, I participated in another internship that focused specifically on education initiatives.

How do you balance your commitments to your studies, NGO work, and writing?

Despite a full schedule, I manage to write and engage in my studies and NGO work because of my strong interest in Psychology and societal issues. I approach writing methodically, starting with thorough research before drafting my pieces.

What societal issues are you particularly focused on in your writing?

I am deeply interested in men’s mental health issues, a topic I think is particularly pressing and overlooked in society. My aunt (mami), a professor and an accomplished writer, inspires me significantly. My academic background in Psychology and my active involvement in social work also fuel my writing topics.

How do your educational and personal readings influence your writing?

I mostly read non-fiction, particularly in Psychology, to align with my academic and personal interests. Recently, my aunt suggested a book about entrepreneurship, which I found very interesting and aligns well with my reading preference for that particular time.

What is the frequency of your writing and the reaction of your parents to it?

I write as inspiration strikes, which can vary in frequency. If inspiration strikes I may end up writing even two articles a week, other times, I may not write for a few weeks. It all depends on my mood. Meanwhile, my parents have been very supportive, particularly appreciating my writings on mental health, which aligns with my educational focus and their interests in my pursuits. They are proud of my commitment to serving society and my proactive approach to addressing societal issues through my writings and NGO involvement.

What next?

I plan to pursue a Master’s; it goes without saying that I will continue to write as well.