Bengaluru youngster Srividya Prasad's innate love for poetry dates back to the age of 7, when she was introduced to the art at school. “As a wide-eyed second grader, the whole idea of scribbling down verses in a rhythmic order seemed extremely interesting. I remembering waiting for the class, and wanting to get started,” she reveals.
The student of Sri Vani Education Center, Rajaji Nagar believed in the beauty of her lofty dreams since her childhood. And here she is, happy that it transpired – Voyage Through Verses, a poetry book that comprises a special handpicked collection that Srividya has penned over the years. “It’s a very special collection that hasn't been written against a particular deadline or mood. In fact, the idea of releasing a book that comprises a collection of my poems sprouted only after my parents insisted that I share some of my personal favoruites with poetry lovers from across the world. So, I'd like to call it sheer serendipity,” shares the 10th grader.
Juggling studies with a passion didn't seem arduous as Srividya has a sound support system. “teachers and parents have been extremely supportive throughout the journey. So, a lot of people ask me if it was stressful to do both. But, I staunchly believe if you like doing something, you will find a way to pursue it without stressing out.”
Having grown up on a steady diet of Roald Dahl classics and Wordsworth, her inspirations are often derived from their reads. “I love how Roald Dahl brought life and pumped a streak of magic even in the most mundane topics. He's my inspiration,” she says. When quizzed about her favourite genres, pat comes the reply. "I really love humour and spending time in the nature. So, most of my poems are themed on that. And of course, the beauty of mundane life.”
While poetry is what tops her list of interests, Srividya is currently training in Hindustani music. “I’m also learning to play the harmonium.” She clearly has no expectations from the book, but her word of advice to those wanting to pick up a copy is simple and straight – “Despite living in a world driven by apps and gadgets, I feel the beauty of a pen and the power that comes from penning down your thoughts can't be over emphasised. There's magic in your thoughts — the everyday, fleeting ones. The book is a product of a little girl with lofty dreams and a flair to make poetry known and celebrated. So, I hope people switch off and start scribbling down everything that's running on their minds. Embrace creativity, it will take you places.”
