‘Poetry heals me!’

Aditi Shukla, only in her early twenties has already realised a bitter truth and writes preaching the same in her poem Atmnirbhar Stree. Shukla says all women must aim first for independence in their lives, self-dependence is the way towards a gender equal world. 

Selected in this week’s Promising Poet interview, Shukla says poetry helps her give words to the strong emotions and thoughts circling her mind and heart. Read edited excerpts:

Aditi, when did poetry come into your life?

Very recently and I haven’t been the same ever since. I started writing when I was 17.

So, what inspired you to write poems?

I have a habit of jotting down my thoughts in the diary and this habit one day inspired me to express my thoughts more creatively through poetry.

We loved your poem: Atmanirbhar Stree! What’s the thought behind it?

My mother has always inspired me in life. She always tells me that it is very important for a woman to be independent in every aspect. This thought inspired this poem, you can say it’s a tribute to my mother and also to all the women working hard to secure their lives. 

 Favourite poet and poem?

Kumar Vishwas has always been and will always be my favourite poet. My favourite poem of his is ‘Koi Deewana Kehta Hai’.

Rhyme or free verse?

Both, can’t choose between two favourites. 

Writing poems in the day or night?

I don’t have any specific time, whenever I get in the mood to write, I just write.

 How does AIMC help you to write such lovely poems?

We students have the Apeejay newsroom website and also the Apeejay Scholar Journalists and Talent Treasure section within it where students can post their work. These initiatives motivate you to write more and more. 

Through these portals Apeejay Group is giving a platform to a lot of people to enhance their writings. Also our teachers help us a lot and constantly push us to do better. 

 How do you approach writing a poem? How much time does it take you to finish one? 

I don’t have any particular approach to be honest. I just write whenever I feel like it and it usually takes me around 3-4 hours to think about a topic, then I do the research and finally write the piece.

Lastly, the best thing about writing poetry for you is…

Through poetry I vent my emotions, it makes me feel happy and healed.