‘I never realised when that one story slowly turned into an entire book’

Alumnus Sukhman Singh is carving a distinctive creative path by bringing together podcasting, writing, designing and video editing. He hosts Talent Saanjh, a Punjabi podcast that provides emerging artists and young talent a platform to share their journeys, struggles and work. Alongside podcasting, he works as a Graphic Designer and Video Editor with a social media marketing company, designs for the 31-year-old children’s magazine Nikkian Karumblan, and undertakes book-designing projects. He also participates as Chief Guest at open-mic events, encouraging new talent. His upcoming Punjabi poetry and shayari collection, Samajh Lai Mainu, further reflects his passion for creativity, literature and meaningful expression. 

How has been your journey as a writer publishing 4 books? 

My journey as a writer has actually been quite surprising, even for me, because I was once a person who used to run away from writing. I never really enjoyed writing. I was always more connected with colours, painting, sketching and artwork.

My journey with books actually started as an artist. When I was around 17, my first book was published as an artist. It was a poetry book written by another writer, and I created sketches and artwork for the poems. So, before becoming a writer, my connection with books was through art and creativity.

The turning point came because of my teacher, who one day asked me a very simple question: “Sukhman, you read books and create artwork based on them, but have you ever tried writing something yourself?”

That question stayed in my mind. I had never thought of myself as a writer, but it made me wonder whether I could actually write something of my own.

When I went home and tried to write for the first time, I sat down with a pen and notebook, but honestly, I had no idea what to write. Then suddenly, I thought of my mother. I went to her and asked her to tell me about her life—her marriage, her experiences and the journey she had gone through.

As she spoke, I started writing down her story. I also added the experiences and memories I had collected from all the years I had spent with her. That became the first story I ever wrote, and I named it *“Safar Zindagi Da.”*

I never realised when that one story slowly turned into an entire book.

At the age of 18, my first book as a writer, Safar Zindagi Da, was published. The book was not limited to just one story; it included poetry, stories and a play, with each piece presenting a different side of life. But the title story, Safar Zindagi Da, was particularly special to me because it was inspired by my mother’s life and my experiences with her.

The response to the book gave me a lot of confidence. It received appreciation from readers, was covered by different newspapers, and in 2019 it was honoured with a *Best Book Award*. That appreciation played a very important role in my journey because it encouraged someone who once avoided writing to continue writing.

After that, I wrote my second book, *“Duniya De Rang,”* which is a children’s book. It was later selected and approved by the *Punjab School Education Board for primary libraries*. Seeing my book reach young readers through school libraries was another very special moment for me.

Then came my poetry book, *“Rumaal De Dhage.”* This book is mainly written for young readers and talks about love, relationships, romance, happiness, pain and different emotions of life. I see the book as a rumal, or handkerchief, made up of different poetic threads, with every thread connected to a different aspect of life.

My journey also took me from being a writer to becoming an editor. I edited the book *“Uchiyan Manzilan De Raah,”* through which I provided a platform to around 15 young writers from Punjab and helped bring their writing into publication.

So, when I look back, my journey feels very unexpected but beautiful. I started as someone who expressed himself through colours and sketches, then entered the world of books as an artist, and eventually discovered that I could express myself through words as well.

For me, writing was never something I had planned. It began with one question from my teacher, one conversation with my mother, and one attempt to write something for the first time. That one attempt eventually became a journey of books, poetry, editing and helping other young writers find a platform for their voices.

You also have a podcast channel, what was your inspiration? 

Yes, I run my own podcast channel, Talent Saanjh, which was born from my desire to provide a platform to young and emerging talent often overlooked because they lack followers or media connections. I understand this personally, as teachers like Dr Balvir Kaur Rehal, Baljinder Mann Ji of Nikkian Karumblan, and opportunities on Doordarshan supported my journey. Through Talent Saanjh, I showcase untold stories, artists and their work through podcasts and social media, honouring them with appreciation certificates. The platform is completely free, and my aim is to create opportunities, recognition and connections for talented individuals. 

How do you balance design, writing and your channel? What is the key ? 

I balance designing, writing and podcasting by following a routine. Designing is my profession, and I work as a Graphic Designer and Video Editor from 9 AM to 6 PM. I usually record Talent Saanjh podcasts on Sundays at my home studio and use evenings for editing, sometimes working until 2 AM. Writing is spontaneous; I capture ideas as voice notes, sometimes sending them to my mother on WhatsApp, and later develop them into poems or stories. I believe in managing time and taking action. Talent Saanjh began with just two people on sofas, and I gradually built my setup. Start with what you have and improve along the way. 

How are your learnings from Apeejay integrated in your career?

Apeejay transformed my creativity into my career. After +2, I was an artist and writer planning to study Fine Arts and become a drawing teacher. At admission, teachers saw my work and suggested Multimedia, explaining how it could take my art, literature and publishing interests into the digital world. I entered my first class knowing nothing about pixels, bits or colours and honestly asked them to teach me “A for Apple and B for Ball.” They did, teaching me designing, graphics, video editing, cameras and lighting. I completed Bachelor’s and Master’s in Multimedia with top university positions. Today, as a Graphic Designer, Video Editor, book designer and podcaster, having designed 50+ book covers, I use those skills every day.