This time we interviewed Harshit Jain, a writing sensation amongst the youth. His work has shook every artist present on social media and is a muse for many others.
Q1. Harshit, tell us something about yourself in a 6 liner poem.
I read a quote from Charles Bukowski which I think describes me best.
"I have been alone but seldom lonely.
I have satisfied my thirst at the well of my self,
and that wine was good, the best I ever had,
and tonight sitting, staring into the dark
I finally understand the dark and the light and everything in between."
Q2. Tell us about your inclination towards poetry. Medicine and Poetry are quite hard to be found together.
Well, I've always had a fascination towards poetry, long before I ever thought of pursuing medicine as a career. Just like before, poetry continually serves as a much needed respite to me from the burden of studies and other work.
Q3. Your poetry carries a hint of two extreme emotions, ‘heartbreak’ and ‘deeply in love’. Why so? Generally, poets write on either of one from their personal experience.
Love and heartbreak are some of the most strongest emotions a human can go through in their entire lifetime and for many, these experiences serve to be a changing point of their lives. While these two experiences may be completely different from one another, I think it is important to realize that each one of them is equally beautiful. Both of them teach us a lot of new things about ourselves, shows us a side we never thought we had, and I've been very inspired by this fact. Hence, my works are heavily influenced by both love and heartbreak.
Q4. ‘ I don’t believe in miracles’, is one of your most amazing write-ups written. Tell us the story and imagination behind it.
I think everyone of us has this romantic side to us that we don't really express so much, and we all have these surreal dreams about how we'd live a life with someone we love.
'I don't believe in miracles' was the result of one such dream I had when I found myself thinking about the beauty of a person which we don't normally notice.
Q5. We have read in your poems how beautifully you describe every nuance of a woman. What is your muse for those pieces?
I had the privilege to read Khaled Hosseini's 'A thousand splendid suns' and since then I've been fascinated by the character of 'Mariam' in it. Most of my works on women are inspired from her, while the rest are derived from all the women I've had the pleasure of knowing in my life. There is immense beauty and strength in each and everyone of them.
Q6. How has been your journey as a writer till now? How does it feel to be such liked and appreciated poets in the crowd of thousands?
I started off writing simple poetry and didn't think I could do anything else. With time, I've surprised even myself with the number of different styles I've tried like couplets, prose, ballads and short stories. However, I still have a lot to learn and still feel the need to improve a lot. The people I've known have been very generous and kind, and their appreciation is a great source of encouragement.
Q7. How did the thought of starting a writer’s community, Word pleasure, came into the picture?
When I started writing, I met and talked with a lot of people who did the same but didn't quite have confidence in their own works. I started Word Pleasure first as an online platform and then its poetry sessions with the same thought in mind, to instill a sense of confidence in writers and poets in regard to their own work. People should realise that they are creating art and beauty in its purest form and this needs to be appreciated.
Q8. How difficult yet exciting it has been to run one?
At first when Word Pleasure was limited to being an online platform on Instagram, I had the help of my brother to curate and post the best content available. Later in February, me and one of my friends, Priyanka Sahoo thought of holding poetry sessions in Mumbai under Word Pleasure. I've had her immense and consistent support in running this community since then. It can be tiring at times, but it gives us happiness to do something for art. I've been privileged enough to know so many brilliant artists through this venture.
Q9. We would love if you could create something out of these: stubble, smoke, her quivering lips, road and moonlight.
Her lips quiver at the mere thought of his presence, personified by his stubble and the smoke that managed to fill even silence between their existence. Immersing into those memories and the longing, it was never-ending, like driving on an endless road towards the moonlight.
She knew she couldn't get where she needed to be, but at least she was present where she wanted to be.
Q10. Have you ever thought of publishing your own book?
I still have a lot to learn and I still have a lot to write before I ever think about writing a book. I think I can do a lot better than what I'm doing right now and I'll publish my works only when I'm able to compile a worthy collection which is still incomplete at the present. Most of us get only one shot at this and I have to make sure that I give it my best.
Q11. Or maybe writing a blog?
I did start writing a blog a few months ago, but I stopped it after a while. I feel the need to read a lot more, and only then shall I be able to write more.
Q12. What are your thoughts on #metoo?
I'm so very glad to come across this movement. A few years ago, no one would have even dared to speak up against such social inequality and wrongdoing, but it is a beautiful sight to see women being so courageous and dedicated towards an important cause, which is so rightfully needed these days.
Q13. Tell us about your 3 favourite pieces and tell us why they are on the top of your list.
I'll go for the pieces I've written titled 'Mariam'. They have all been inspired by real women that I know in my life and who have always been a huge source of inspiration and encouragement to me. It was a privilege to write these pieces which also commends the might of women these days.
Q14. Who are your inspirations when it comes to poetry. Tell us something about them.
I've read a lot of books and I do find myself in awe of those brilliant writers, but to be honest, I've always been inspired by the many underrated and infamous writers of this generation, some of whom happen to be my friends. I've been very lucky to be able to witness the whole process of writing a prose or poetry right from the start, which isn't possible with books. The process of observing and dreaming about something, then framing sentences able to move worlds, essentially creating magic is truly an unforgettable and inspiring experience which I've had the pleasure of noticing.
Q15. Spoken poetry. What are your thoughts on this?
Spoken word poetry has been a revolution for the writing world. Many people finally got to know about the otherwise hidden poetry circles that exist in many cities of India. Through spoken word, many people have also been able to gain confidence in what they write, and this is much needed.
Q16. What will your autobiography say?
I guess, I want my autobiography to encompass the fact that one doesn't necessarily have to be extraordinary to be beautiful, even the ordinary can be beautiful. I'd also like to tell people have no qualms in accepting the fact that this is the memoir of a simple man who failed in many aspects of life and still managed to get love and affection from others.