Rafia Mukhtar (28), of Anantnag had a candid chat with INS correspondent Imtiyaz Pandow about her poetry collection, ‘Her Castle of Dreams’.
Rafia lives at New Qazibagh area of Anantnag, with parents and a younger brother. She has done post-graduation in economic from IGNOU and B.Ed. from Rahmat Alam college Anantnag.
She is a teacher at ‘Himalayan Bells International’ School Bradagund Qazigund.
Giver our readers a background for Rafia Mukhtar. Who is she?
I’ve been a keen observer since childhood days. I believe everyone has a special talent but needs a proper guidance at proper time.
I used to hide myself sometimes in a corner and weep because of my father’s health issues, he was not able to work due to his heart ailment.
But these things made me stronger because my upbringing was best.
When I was in 6th grade my family decided to move to Anantnag to start a business after the heart surgery of my father.
How did the idea of writing happen?
Being a silent observer I use to ponder over the happening around and I wanted to bring worth changes in the society. I believe the scribbled words can better upshot than uttered.
What inspired you to become a poetess?
I believe in the power of dreams because I understand that being sensitive is not weakness but strength. My own life and the struggles of others have been my first inspiration.
What was your aim when you were a student? Did this poetry change your aim?
Since childhood I liked to do small acts or work or help others that would bestow me some sort of self-satisfaction. I always felt better because I believe these small acts would change into great blessings one day.
I actually don’t remember what I wanted to be in my childhood as it was painful but with the every passing day, when I commenced to write it turned into my passion.
With writing I hope I may serve the people.
I write to encourage the people who are lost, especially the subdued girls belonging to the poor sections of the society and who have no support.
When did you start writing?
It was May 2018 when I was completely depressed and to fight against it I gave myself strength to write a book. Allah listened to my prayers and made it possible for me.
My first poem is:
“Her first cry”
All the birds were singing along
All the creatures were flying high
The cock crowed and the shade of Sun,
Next to her first cry at early winter’s dawn
And everyone came to know that baby girl was born.
In lieu to welcome her
In lieu to complement her mom
Everyone was surprised to see her
In a little mother’s womb
Though she was unknown of their feelings
Though their expressions discouraged her a lot
But the comfort and courage she found in the Grand maa’s lap,
And every one came to know another Mystic soul was born by the Echo of Grandpa’s great “Adhaan”.
What are the interesting areas you want to write about?
Everything beneficial for the society is what I am interesting in to write about. Themes like strength, struggles, life, children are few among them.
This book has 97 poems
The book is soulfully dedicated to the female folk of the society and most importantly to those who face obstacles in terms of poverty, educational access, discrimination and other.
In order to end this we need to empower women by educating them.
I wanted to convey a general message through this book that if you are determined and confident there’s nothing that can stop you from pursuing your dreams as obstacles are just an excuse. Be strong-minded, confident and work constantly on your dreams nothing matters neither grades nor scores.
Why you chose to write poetry rather any other genres like novels and other?
To express emotions and the pain inside oneself I think nothing other than poetry is best way to do it. When the buried pain in a person gets triggered it comes out in waves in the form of poetry as it soothes the mind and calms heart.
How much writing poems is difficult according to you as a poet? Share your pre and post experiences of writing poetry?
There’s nothing like easier or difficult. It all depends on intensity of emotions you possess. If your emotions are strong related to anything, your poetry will definitely reflect it. Writing poetry is really a soothing to soul.
What was your motive behind authoring “Her Castle of dreams”?
To share my views, knowledge, emotions and experiences.
Share your journey from student to teacher and teacher to writer and now as an author?
Being teacher teaches you patience, hard work, strength, honesty to work.
It is a great pleasure for me to be a teacher as I got the chance to serve my society by educating our future generation with utmost honesty.
Noting but teaching bestowed me with the ideas of writing.
Now as an author I feel myself more responsible towards the society.
I hope Allah will reinforce me as always, so that i could stand up not only on the people’s expectations but also my own expectations too.
Do you want to continue writing and go beyond poetry? Are you working on any other book?
I would love to continue writing and express myself in every possible way. Currently I am not working on any other publication but hopefully looking forward.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
In the list there is Paulo Coelho, Agha Shahid Ali, Arundhati Roy whom I like but the my most favorite author is Kamala Surayya Das, who converted to Islam on 11 December 1999, being a female author I like her most.
Any author or poet favorite from Kashmir, Why?
My favorite poetess from Kashmir is ‘Lal Ded’.
She faced lot of difficulties but never complained rather tolerated them silently.
How people around you look at your poetry and what you want to say them?
Many people misunderstood my poetry collection after thinking that they are all about my personal experience and some even looked at it with a feministic prisms, which is totally unfair.
Being a girl, gender bias never crossed my mind.
I would like to say that poetry is not always written to express personal experiences but each poem I penned down carries a general message.
How your family supported you throught this journey?
I wish to extend my special thanks to my parents for being my protectors and supporters always in every situation. “My parents gave my wings a flight and I always returned like a safe bird”.
What advice would you like to convey to aspiring writers especially poets?
I would like to say young writers mostly girls, have a faith in God and believe in yourself. Dream big, listen to your heart, be the real you, be fearless, be determined and be persistent towards your goal. Respect parents, elders and relationships.
Do not get disheartened what others say and don’t lose hope.
