Ankita Singh’s Because You Matter is more than just a collection of poems; it is a heartfelt journey through the complex landscape of human emotions, personal growth, and societal realities. With a deeply empathetic voice and a profound understanding of the human psyche, Ankita has crafted a powerful anthology that inspires, uplifts, and gently nudges the reader to confront their own reflections. Rooted in real-world interactions and relatable experiences, the book speaks to anyone who has ever felt unsure, broken, overwhelmed, or simply lost in the noise of the world.
The very essence of the book lies in its title—Because You Matter—a reminder that often gets buried under the weight of responsibilities, expectations, and emotional setbacks. Ankita’s words are a soothing balm for the wounded soul, especially for today’s youth who are constantly grappling with overthinking, self-doubt, burnout, and the pressure to meet unrealistic standards of perfection. Her poems don’t preach; they gently persuade readers to take a moment, breathe, and acknowledge their intrinsic worth.
The poetic narrative captures the lives of individuals from all walks of life—be it the overburdened teenager juggling academic deadlines, the young adult caught in a rat race, or the lonely retired person seeking companionship and purpose. This universality is what makes the book so compelling. Readers may find themselves in these verses—sometimes tearfully, sometimes with a smile of recognition—as the poet invites them into a space of shared humanity.
What sets Because You Matter apart is its beautiful interplay of themes that range from personal to societal, micro to macro. The poems are not confined to the abstract world of emotions alone. Ankita skillfully brings in pressing societal concerns like child labour, gender inequality, loneliness, and mental health, juxtaposing them with tender topics like love, nature, sacred festivals, and even something as unexpected as pigeons. Each subject is approached with sensitivity, layered understanding, and a quiet but firm call for compassion.
Ankita’s writing is fluid and expressive. Her style is simple yet poetic, raw yet refined. It’s evident that the words come from a place of lived experience and deep observation. She doesn’t shy away from highlighting harsh truths—inequality, privilege gaps, and emotional suppression—but she does so with a hopeful lens. She believes in the possibility of a better world and in the power of small, conscious actions to bring about change. Her faith in human connection and kindness shines through every poem.
A central theme throughout the collection is the importance of self-love—not in the superficial, often commercialized way it is sold, but in the real, grounding sense of accepting one’s flaws, nurturing one’s growth, and creating a safe inner space for healing. This message is timely, especially in a world where constant comparison and external validation have become the norm. Ankita reclaims the narrative, urging readers to prioritize their mental and emotional well-being, reminding them that they matter just as they are.
The poems also celebrate the everyday heroes—the unnoticed, the underrepresented, and the unheard. Through poetic storytelling, Ankita becomes a voice for the voiceless, capturing the quiet struggles and unsung victories of those in the shadows. Her background as a data engineer and her upbringing in Dhanbad, the coal capital of India, bring a unique perspective to her writing. Drawing inspiration from natural resources and her interactions with marginalized communities, she blends the analytical with the emotional, the personal with the political.
While the book’s tone is largely optimistic, it does not offer easy solutions or sugarcoat realities. Instead, it asks important questions, provokes thought, and encourages readers to introspect. There’s a quiet urgency in the way Ankita writes—a call to action, not necessarily in a grand way, but in everyday moments: being kinder, listening more, judging less, and believing in one’s self-worth.
Ultimately, Because You Matter is a book that resonates on multiple levels. It is a companion for those going through tough times, a mirror for those seeking clarity, and a guide for those on the journey of self-discovery. It reminds readers that their stories, voices, and emotions are valid and that they do not need to fit into society’s pre-made molds to be worthy of love and respect.
Ankita Singh has successfully created a literary space where empathy meets empowerment. Her poems are more than just verses—they are affirmations, confessions, and sometimes even revolutions in themselves. For anyone who’s ever felt unseen, unheard, or unloved, this book comes as a gentle whisper: You matter, and your story does too.
