Astitva Prakashan proudly presents Ek Mutthi Pani: Kavita Sangrah, a deeply moving poetry collection by Kamini Kumari. More than just a compilation of poems, this book is an emotional journey that explores life’s fleeting moments, the search for belonging, and the quiet resilience that defines the human spirit. Through heartfelt verses, Kamini invites readers to pause, reflect, and discover the emotions that often remain hidden beneath everyday life.
The title, Ek Mutthi Pani (A Handful of Water), beautifully symbolizes the fragile nature of life and dreams. Just as water slips through tightly closed fingers, many moments of happiness, hopes, and relationships often pass before we truly realize their value. The poems in this collection revolve around the universal longing to find a place where one can finally rest, belong, and experience lasting peace. Yet life continues to move forward, carrying people through changing circumstances, memories, and emotions that shape who they become.
At the heart of Ek Mutthi Pani lies the voice of women. These poems emerge from lived experiences, everyday struggles, and silent battles that often remain unnoticed. Kamini describes her poetry as being written from the “kitchen’s pen” and shaped by the “smoke of resistance,” transforming ordinary spaces into powerful symbols of courage, endurance, and identity. Every verse reflects emotions that many women experience but rarely express openly, making the collection deeply relatable and profoundly touching.
The book explores themes of self-discovery, loneliness, hope, resilience, love, sacrifice, and personal growth. It reminds readers that while circumstances may sometimes break us, there are also moments when we unknowingly lose ourselves within our own fears and silence. Yet even in those difficult moments, hope continues to exist. Through simple yet evocative language, Kamini encourages readers to reconnect with themselves and embrace the strength hidden within vulnerability.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this collection is its authenticity. The poems are inspired by real-life experiences rather than imagination alone, giving them an emotional honesty that resonates deeply. They speak not only to women but to anyone who has searched for meaning, carried invisible burdens, or longed for emotional healing. Each poem invites readers to slow down, reflect, and absorb its message rather than simply turning the page.
Ek Mutthi Pani is also a heartfelt tribute to the women of Mithila, the sacred land associated with Goddess Sita, whose life symbolizes strength, sacrifice, patience, and dignity. Through this dedication, Kamini celebrates generations of women whose untold stories continue to inspire courage despite countless challenges. The collection serves as both a literary offering and a tribute to their unwavering spirit.
Behind this thoughtful work is Kamini Kumari, a poet whose life reflects a unique blend of technical excellence and artistic sensitivity. Originally from Darbhanga district in Bihar, she earned her B.Tech degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and worked with a multinational company in Bhubaneswar. Today, while living in Raipur with her husband and child, she continues to nurture her passion for literature, transforming personal experiences and observations into meaningful poetry.
Kamini’s writing reflects her deep understanding of human emotions and her commitment to giving voice to stories that often remain unheard. Her poems capture the delicate balance between pain and hope, silence and expression, loss and renewal. Through her words, readers find not only empathy but also encouragement to embrace their own emotional journeys.
With Ek Mutthi Pani, Kamini Kumari makes a memorable literary debut that celebrates courage, identity, and the beauty of honest expression. This collection is not merely meant to be read—it is meant to be experienced, contemplated, and carried within the heart. Readers who appreciate meaningful poetry rooted in real emotions and timeless truths will find this book to be an inspiring companion that lingers long after the final page.