Ankita Singh, a senior data engineer from Dhanbad, pens soulful poetry on human emotions, social change, and nature. Her words echo with empathy, urging readers to embrace self-worth and inner strength.
The Literature Times: What inspired you to write Because You Matter?
Ankita Singh: Because You Matter is a collection of poems that are etched deep within me. Most of it can be traced to real life incidents and interactions with some beautiful souls whom I happened to cross paths with. With the advent of quick fame platforms today,a major chunk of the strata struggles for external validation at various levels. This realisation inspired me to write these verses and propagate home the message that every individual matters,every struggle matters and every journey does matter, regardless of what the society preaches or compels one to believe in.
The Literature Times: How do your personal experiences reflect in your poems?
Ankita Singh: My personal experiences have definitely shaped up the core of few of the poems in the collection. Of Pigeons for instance, comes from a personal space where I would keenly observe these birds in my surroundings. Then, there are a few satirical pieces highlighting the present day politics in the nation. This again comes from the curious lady in me who pays heed to every domestic and global affair. I have also tried to pen down some of my interactions with few marginalised segments of the society. Some verses are a blend of fiction and personal; Well, the readers will need to check out the book and figure out if everything’s fiction or catch the subtle hint of truth in these poems.
The Literature Times: Which poem is closest to your heart, and why?
Ankita Singh: The Unusual Beauty is closest to my heart,as it showcases the new age woman who challenges social norms and begins to believe in herself against all odds. The protagonist’s virtues of self worth,resilience and love for her imperfect self are qualities that every individual irrespective of age or gender should imbibe from.
The Literature Times: What message do you want every reader to take away?
Ankita Singh: A teen who doesn’t have his life figured out yet, the student who is stuck in the vicioius academic cycle, an adult struggling with a personal setback battling self-image issues, the beautiful soul diagnosed with severe illness or the senior battling solitude- To every reader the message that I want to convey is ‘ You Matter, Your Dreams Matter, Your Existence Matters’. This is easy to forget in the times where everyone seems to chase instant results. So whoever you are, in whichever walk of life, if you feel broke,unheard or unseen,just take a pause followed by a deep breath and believe in yourself. For the truth is, no one has everything figured out-so the best bet is to stop comparing and start believing in yourself. Remember that no one but only you have the power to define your worth.
The Literature Times: How do you balance your role as a data engineer and a poet?
Ankita Singh: I took to writing at a very early age. Soon, I found solace in words and poetry,so much so that I could indulge in writing for long stretches and would enjoy doing so. Writing is meditation to me, a space where I get to meet my own self,express and channel my inner being. There are days when I am caught up with the techie role and rhyming words are completely off the charts,even on those occasions I keep up with my habit of compiling my daily journal where I pen down every small interaction,every little situation in personal or professional aspect. This specifically helps when the writer in me switches roles and starts adding colours to these experiences.
The Literature Times: Many poems deal with emotions like solitude — why is that important today?
Ankita Singh: Tech and AI on the one hand have eased out the common man’s complex issues. Now,everything is available at one click, but the downside is our attention span is declining for sure. This is at the core of impatience that shapes up in kids,youth and across age groups,for we are losing the very essence of human interactions. Coming to the emotion of solitude or loneliness whatever term you coin for it, it is important to identify and tackle the vice in the bud. With the constant pressure to be the best,chase materialistic goals, excel in personal aspects it is important to not lose oneself in the journey. It is only when we all become self aware and recognize how solitude is impacting us, we can look out and help the little kids,teens,friends and family to beat the demons of overthinking,self doubt and depression which remains a challenge today.
The Literature Times: Do you think poetry is an effective tool for social awareness?
Ankita Singh: Absolutely, poetry serves as an effective remedy to propagate important messages across the society. Catchy couplets have since long been used be it the black and white television era, where ad jingles were skilfully designed to convey the importance of polio vaccines, to the times of today when we have better equipped infrastructure to cater to crores viewing a live event in a virtual space at a given time. With the rise of digital reading platforms,digitalised versions of literary journals and magazines, where the audience is unlimited,quick delivery of important social messages can definitely be achieved with poetry or any form of verse.
The Literature Times: How has your hometown Dhanbad influenced your creative journey?
Ankita Singh: Dhanbad,which is the economic capital of the state of Jharkhand,is also famously referred as the coal capital of India. I have been privileged enough to experience first hand the beautiful natural resources,the lush green forests which have been an inspiration for my initial creative journey. There are some pressing issues that exist till date- challenges,struggles and the deep wounds that the very coal industry has inflicted upon the youth and masses. These have shaped up and influenced few of the pieces in the current collection(Because You Matter) as well.
The Literature Times: Any specific reader reaction that moved you deeply?
Ankita Singh: To be honest,post the initial week of the book’s release on e-commerce platforms, I was a little skeptical if poetry coming from a fresh perspective as mine would gain so much of traction.But shortly after, the clouds of doubt subsided as one reader called to mention how she felt one of the stories close to her own life and she had received the much needed motivation to continue treading on in her professional pursuits. It defintely made my day and made me ponder how something which was just a hobby for me could inspire someone in such a special manner.It was then that my belief was finally reinforced in every value that Because You Matter was meant to stand for.
The Literature Times: What’s your message to aspiring poets who doubt their voice?
Ankita Singh: Self doubt is natural in today’s age where our mobile phones don our priority list; only second to our breaths. I believe the more one can master their ability to think clearly, the better the writing. So, to anyone aspiring to become a poet, it is okay if you cannot comprehend the meter or rhyme of a Wordworth or a Larkin piece- you need to just take the first step,believe in that faint inner voice and initiate the most important step of all- Start Writing!