A famous Hindi saying speaks of the power of the poet: “Jahaan Na Pohoche Ravi, Wahaan Pohoche Kavi” (Even where light cannot reach, a poet can discover art). Anushka from Apeejay School, Nerul exemplifies this beautifully. While most devotional poems focus on the devotee’s feelings, Anushka, during Ganesh Chaturthi, realised Lord Ganpati Ji must also feel sadness as he returns to his heavenly abode. Her poem, Ganpati ki Bhavnaye, magnificently captures this emotion, earning her the title of Apeejay’s Promising Poet of the Week. Let’s dive into Anushka’s poetic philosophy and learn about her creative process.
At what age did you start writing poetry?
I wrote my first poem when I was 13. It was titled Papa, and I submitted it to my school magazine. That moment made me realise my love for poetry, and since then, I’ve been exploring and honing this talent.
Did the school magazine give you the push toward your talent?
Yes, submitting my poem to the school magazine was a turning point. It introduced me to the joy of writing and encouraged me to continue. To stay connected to this craft, I chose to write on topics close to my heart, mainly spirituality and devotion.
Your poem Ganpati ki Bhavnaye was beautiful. Did the Ganesh Chaturthi period inspire it?
Actually, yes! The inspiration came from a sad thought—the upcoming Ganpati Visarjan. It struck me that just as we feel joy at His arrival and sadness at His departure, Lord Ganpati Ji might feel the same way about leaving His devotees. This thought inspired me to pour my emotions into the poem.
Your poem had a stamp of excellence. Are there poets who influence you?
I’ve always been deeply inspired by Mirabai’s poetry. Her devotion to Lord Krishna and the way she expresses her emotions so purely is something I admire.
Do you prefer writing poems in rhyme?
Yes, I usually write in rhyme. I feel it creates a beautiful echo effect, leaving a lasting and rhythmic impact on the reader.
Do you write poetry during the day or at night?
It all depends on my mood. Poetry is born from thought, not time. Day or night doesn’t matter to me as long as the idea is clear in my mind.
How does your school support your poetic journey?
Apeejay School, Nerul, provides a wonderful platform for us students. The teachers constantly encourage us to participate in various activities, helping us to think more creatively and refine our talents.
What’s your process for writing a poem?
I start by recalling everything I know about the topic, then find a quiet place where I can focus without disturbance. Once the idea takes shape, it usually takes me about 15-20 minutes to write a poem, though it can vary depending on the subject.
And lastly, what’s the best thing about writing poetry for you?
Poetry refreshes me. It fills me with energy and enthusiasm, calms my mind, and allows my thoughts to flow at a pace that helps me better understand them.