Sherry: Vandana, we last spoke with you way back in 2014. We
must catch up! Your daughter was then three and a
half. Are you still a medical researcher? How is your extended family doing?
Vandana: Thank you so much for the “Blog of the week”
feature. Yes, my daughter is now seven years old and has started making up
rhyming poems, only a few though and a bit kiddish too, which is obvious.
I am
still in the same hospital and also pursuing my PhD. My husband has shifted to
New York, USA for a short term project because of his professional commitments. I
could not go, as I have to complete my PhD.
Sherry: You must miss each other. I am glad it is a short-term situation.
My mother-in-law and daughter
Vandana: A tragedy has struck our family. Last year my
mother-in-law was diagnosed with cancer. We got her treated for it; unfortunately it has relapsed and has spread to other body parts, we are
getting her treated for it. But life is not the same, and all of us are very
sad.
Sherry: Oh, Vandana, I am so sorry to hear this. How very hard for everyone. We send all of you our very best wishes as you move through this difficult time. Your mother-in-law looks very brave.
AIIMS Institute day celebration
I know you love your busy city life in New Delhi. And that you also make visits to rural areas for family visits. Would you like to tell us what you love about each of the contrasting locations?
Vandana: Both lives have their pros and cons. In the city one will never find peace, while in the rural area there is peace in
abundance. In the city one has all sorts of facilities, especially super speciality
medical facilities, which are not available in the rural area.
Indian grey hornbill
at the Delhi Zoo
Sherry: It is nice that you can experience both. You have been writing since you were fourteen and
have been published in magazines and anthologies in India. (This is a feather
in your cap, as the competition must be fierce!) And you attempt all manner of
forms; you are fearless!
What do you love about poetry? What do you strive for
in your work? Are you happy with how your writing has been developing through
the years?
Vandana: Thank you for your appreciation. I started
writing poetry to be free of stress and it is still the same reason. But, over
the years I have tried to refine my poetry and not let it merely be a cauldron
of emotions or words. I think I am happy the way it is turning out.
National bird of India
at the Delhi Zoo
Sherry: Do you still also write prose and short stories?
Which is your first love, poetry or prose?
Vandana: Poetry is my first love and at times I do
write short stories and prose.
Sherry: Would you like to choose three of your poems, and
tell us a little about each one?
Vandana: The poems that I am choosing are very
simple. The first poem I would like to share is the one I wrote for my
mother-in-law. She has always supported and encouraged me, she loves me like
her own daughter .
For My Mother – In – Law
Your heart, pure gold,
an ocean of love it holds.
Your eyes brightly aglow
with compassion they flow.
Your motherly care,
a soft warm air.
Your affectionate embrace,
wipes out my painful trace.
Your heartfelt blessings,
envelope me in protective wings.
Your soul pious of all,
quenching my thirst like waterfall.
Sherry: Vanada, that is so beautiful. What a sweet relationship you have with your mother-in-law. This poem touches my heart.
Vandana: The second
poem would be “The old man and the sea”. We should always respect and take care
of our elders. Although in our culture we are told to do so, but now-a-days
youngsters do not care much. These youngsters should remember that one day they
too will be old.
The Old Man and the Sea
The old man and
the sea,
gaze at each
other deeply.
His wrinkles,
his waves,
hide stories of
pain,
of laughter lost
or gained.
His withered
ears,
his freely flowing winds,
want something
to hear,
may be a song,
that can mingle
with winds along.
His weary eyes,
his shiny gems,
search for
someone,
to treasure
them.
The old man and
the sea,
ponder what’s
gone.
But with each
other,
they are no
longer alone.
Sherry: I really resonate with this poem. We oldsters each have a story that involves much pain. I share his sustaining relationship with the sea.
Vandana: The third
poem I would like to share is “Om Namah Shivaye”. “Om Namah Shivaye” is a
mantra, which we chant for lord Shiva. God is always there with us and we need
to feel his presence in everything we do.
Om Namah Shivaye
Mighty mystic
Himalayas,
a great revered
Shivalaya.
Lord Shiva’s
holy grace,
flows as rivers
all over the space.
Rhythm of Lord
Shiva’s drum,
every valley
sweetly hums.
Lord’s name
engraved as “OM”,
sanctifies agni,
jal, vayu and vyom.
Tandav ,when
Nataraj performs,
whole universe
reforms.
You control the
tides - high or low,
Oh! Lord Shiva
to thee I bow.
"Om Namah
Shivayae" – The holy mantra of Lord Shiva.
“Shivalaya”–
Temple of Lord Shiva .
“Agni” – Fire,
“Jal” – Water, “Vayu” – Air, “Vyom” – Space/ Sky.
“Tandav”-
Mythical dance performed by Lord Shiva that can destroy the universe.
“Nataraj” –
Another name of Lord Shiva, when he performs Tandav.
Sherry: So beautiful , Vandana, and full of reverence. The mystique of the Himalayas has always called to me.
Tell us, if you will, how do you think blogging has impacted your writing?
Vandana: Greatly! I admire and love the poems of many
fellow blogger poets. There is always something to learn from everyone.
Sherry: Yes, there is, isn't there? When you are not working, or writing, what favourite
activities might we find you enjoying?
White tiger at the Delhi Zoo
Vandana: These day all I am doing is writing
(thesis), apart from being with my mother –in-law. I have to submit my thesis
in January.
Sherry: We wish you great success with it, Vandana. I am certain you will do well. How I love that beautiful white tiger!
Is there anything you would like to say to Poets
United?
Vandana: The Poets United community is one big family. We
may never be able to see each other face to face, but we touch each other
through our poems, and I am so happy to be a part of it.
Sherry: And we are happy you are here! Thank you so much, Vandana – especially for your
loyalty to Poets United. We appreciate you very much.
A lovely and bittersweet visit to our young poet friend, whose family is going through sad times. We wish them well. Do come back and see who we talk to next. Who knows? It might be you! (Hint: it is a very popular and talented poet. This month we will also feature interviews with two of our newer men poets. Don't miss them!
What an interesting and encouraging interview! I have read your poetry on various websites, Vandana, and have enjoyed learning about the woman behind the words. What a lovely daughter you have! Good luck with your thesis and best wishes to your mother-in-law.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words and heartfelt wishes
DeleteSo nice to see Vandana here. Nice to know about her family, though sad times exist. But, clearly the love has been and will continue to be there. I so much enjoyed this interview. Thank you Sherry and good luck to Vandana with her Phd.
ReplyDelete:) Thank you so much for your warm words.
DeleteWow! You did an interview in the last month of prepping your dissertation? And with a sick mother-in-law and travelling husband? You are a Superwoman! I hope you found it refreshing! The three poems you chose refreshed me. The praise of elderly people--your in-law and the old man--and of natural things--the sea, mountain, and gods--helped me feel the unity we are part of. I wish you smooth sailing through the details of earning the PhD. I wish you the blessings tat come with accompanying the people you love through the stages of their lives. Lots of LOVE.
ReplyDelete:)So kind of you to shower such accolades upon me, thank you so much.
DeleteVandana, you are a shining example of just how much women can handle - family care and support, the working world, striving towards goals - somehow you keep all the plates spinning overhead. I applaud you. Warmest wishes to your mother-in-law. What a beautiful soul. Your daughter has grown since we last visited. Smiles. Thank you for sticking with us, Vandana. All the very best.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your support and beautiful words.
DeleteI wish you all the best with you thesis... I know how it is and hope you will feel great relief and pride once it's over.
ReplyDeleteYes, want to get over with thesis asap. Thank you:)
DeleteAnother lovely interview, Sherry. Vandana, nice to catch up with you here in this way. So sorry you are going through trying times; may your poetry continue to sustain you! Of those shared here, I was particularly touched by the one about the old man and the sea.
ReplyDelete:)Gracias!
DeleteA wonderful interview - and a lovely share. Clearly, you are moving though a time of sadness and, I'm sure, considerable stress, Vandana, and I admire your fortitude and dedication. I think that each of the poems selected is beautiful - and reverent - in its own unique way,
ReplyDeleteGreat job on this, Poets!
Another great feature! You have so much going on in your life, yet you still find time to write beautiful poetry. May you find strength in each new day!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for the appreciation.
DeleteDear Vandana love the poems shared here specially on the praise of Shiva. The poem in an instant took me there. I also have a desire to see the OM Parvat one day. May everyone in your family stay well. Such a lovely interview Sherry & Vandana.
ReplyDelete:) I too wish to one day see OM pPrvati...Thank you.
DeleteYou have written a beautiful poem for you mother in law. A great tribute. I hope her health improves and I am sure she will be moved by your heartfelt words.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for your prayers:)
DeleteWhat a wonderful catch-up with Vandana, Sherry. Vandana, you certainly have been one busy woman. Good luck with your dissertation. You are amazing - writing poetry at this same time. I really liked the poem you wrote about your mother-in-law. And I wish her well on her healing journey. Continue writing and sharing your wonderful poetry here with us!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your wishes.
DeleteThank you, my friends, for the kind words shared here. Blessings to you and your family, Vandana. Thank you for allowing us this wonderful visit.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sherry for taking us on this journey with Vandana. What a beautiful story.....your poems Vandana touched me deeply especially the poem about your mother-in-law. Good luck with your thesis and I am sending many good thoughts for your journey!
ReplyDelete:)Thank you !
Delete