For this poet, the poetic ‘feel’ comes only in Hindi

Kajal Shukla is a class 12 student at Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park. Currently, an exam warrior, Kajal has good command over Hindi poetry, having read celebrated poets such as Ramdhari Singh Dinkar very deeply. Her poetic diction, vision and understanding of the world displays her maturity, sensitivity and toil for profound knowledge. 

In this week’s Promising Poet interview, the ‘Kavyitri‘ speaks about how writing a poem for an online assembly helped her find the poet within. Edited excerpts:

Do you write only in Hindi?

Yes! Hindi is the language that everyone in our country understands so it has the maximum reach and relatability. Plus for me, the poetic ‘feel’ comes only in Hindi.

So since when have you been writing?

I started during the lockdown period. I was in class 10 then and my father (Mr Radhe Shyam Shukla) encouraged me to write poems during those days. So it all began from an incident. During the online classes back then, we used to have virtual assembly. I was told to write an emotional poem for the same. The only emotional theme that came to mind was the damage done by Covid-19 virus. So, I wrote about that and got a tremendous response from everyone. That was my first poem and I have come a long way now. 

What do you like the most about writing poetry?

I like to write on social causes. I feel people should not go for westernisation at the cost of not being aware of our culture’s roots and values. I love writing on such issues and also on patriotic themes.

What is poetry for you?

Whenever I am very depressed, poetry or writing helps me overcome that feeling. 

Favourite poet and poem ?

Ram Dhari Singh Dinkar and his famous work Rashmirathi’s third chapter Krishna ki Chetavani. I also love reading Harivansh Rai Bacchan and  D Satyendra Satyarthi’s poems. 

How does your school support you?

I started writing during the lockdown. So many of my teachers were initially not aware of this. They got to know about my poetic talent last year in August. Since then they have been encouraging me so much.

Rhyme or free verse?

Free verse! I feel more aligned to this.

Hobbies apart from poetry?

Singing. I like music a lot.

When do you find the time to write?

I write in the evening as I sit with my family members. They all give me some suggestions. Help me write better.

One advice to a budding poet?

Don’t feel so pressurised. Just quieten your mind and write from your heart. 

Upcoming poems?

I will be writing a poem on Swami Vivekananda after my board exams.

Your future ambitions?

I want to join the Mass Communication industry and grow as a poet side by side.