‘Using less words to express more: That is poetry!’

Charlie Chaplin had once said, “A day without laughter is a day wasted.” He rightfully understood the importance of happiness which is fast dwindling in the modern world. But Raghav Gupta, a class 11 student at Apeejay School, Rama Mandi, Jalandhar, is an exception in this case. At such a young age, the budding poet has not only understood the importance of happiness, but is also writing poems to spread the light to others. His poems speak about the magic of self love and leading a happy life: the primary criterion for a successful life. 

In the Apeejay Promising Poet interview series, Raghav highlights the value of the happiness quotient in human life and also gives all a peek into his literary horizon. Edited excerpts: 

At what age did you start writing poems?

I started writing poems when I was 15-year-old. It was around the beginning of class 10 when I wrote my first poem. It felt great!

So, what inspired you to write poems? Tell us the story

I was very inspired by the various books of literature I read. Whenever I read poems, I felt that in fewer words we can express so many feelings and that is the magic of poetry. I wanted to do the same. 

I read a lot of books and that inspired me a lot. I am currently reading Wings of Fire by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. Also, the book Ikigai gave me wonderful ideas on which I will write so many poems. The book is all about finding purpose in life and happiness along with it and it did do the same for me. 

Who is your favorite poet and what is your favourite poem?

The celebrated Hindi poet, Harivansh Rai Bachhan is my favorite. I adore all his poems.  

Give us a peek into your thought process behind writing a poem?

There is no particular process. I write whatever comes to my mind. I just pen down the thought whenever it strikes me. Every night I make sure that I write something good and all that I am grateful for in life. I maintain a separate dairy for this. I choose my poetry topics from there. I am writing on the topic of cybercrime currently. 

Your poems ‘Happiness’ and ‘A happy life’ spoke about something very crucial in life- the importance of self love and happiness in the heart. Tell us the thought process behind them?

I like to write on people’s situations in life. The poems were based on the realisation that people today lead extremely stressful lives. So, I thought that I should write something that motivates them to do something better in their life. Stress is natural, but we can overcome it and do everything with a lot of positivity. Recently, I met one of my friends who was preparing for the NEET exam and he was facing a lot of stress. That further inspired me to write this poem. 

These poems give me a positive approach in life and help me perform better academically as well. I hope the poems inspire everyone to invest time on themselves in order to stay happy even in such a competitive and stressful environment.

Do you prefer free verse or rhyme?

I like both free verse and rhyme and can write comfortably in both.

How does your school Apeejay School, Rama Mandi help you to write such beautiful poems?

My English teachers Aarti ma’m and Anand ma’am share such valuable lessons in the class. They inspire us to engage in creative writing. Whenever I feel that I need help or that I am not getting a particular word, they give me so many ideas on how to go about it.  

What are the next poems you are working on?

I am writing about nature next. I know people are destroying nature by cutting down the trees. May my poem stop or atleast awaken them. Afforestation is the need of the hour, I will write about that. I am also writing another poem on reducing pollution. 

What advice would you give to the budding poets?

Never google anything. Just write whatever comes to your heart. When you are writing a poem, your heart should speak, the mind shouldn’t take the lead. Express what is in your heart. Write that!