In a parallel universe, Rashika is sure to be a professional juggler, because in this universe, she certainly aspires to be one. Her mind-bogglingly diverse interests range from wildlife conservation to human rights advocacy, from mental health awareness to physical fortitude building, and from reading voraciously to scribbling incessantly. She dabbles in art, writing, and music when life permits and firmly believes in tenacity and perseverance.
Giving and sharing are very close to Rashika’s heart. She has founded Pari, a handmade decor, crafts, and jewellery brand, that focuses on selling art for charity. Pari has had a successful run thus far, with their creations getting all sold out during recent exhibitions and sale fests. Pari is planned for further expansion as a provider of digital accessible career-focused education and training to under-privileged women who wish to equip themselves with skills for sustainable careers.
The Rise Insight: We would like to begin by congratulating you on the publication of “Whispers of a Snowfall.” How has the response to the book been so far?
Rashika Ranjini: Thank you so much. The responses have been very motivating. I was quite jittery about getting this book out there, but it’s heartening to see the praise and comments via email and DM, and I am so glad I did not chicken out of getting this book published.
The Rise Insight: What led to the idea of writing “Whispers of a Snowfall”? Were there any events that inspired the work?
Rashika Ranjini: I wouldn’t want to claim that this has been dwelling on my mind for months and years and decades. The idea of writing this collection up started from just one poem – and the credit for inspiring that goes to Signorina Winter of course. One poem grew into a collection, and I am so thrilled that I am able to share my words with the world today.
The Rise Insight: How easy or difficult was it for you to decide the placement of poetry in “Whispers of a Snowfall” and keep it simple to understand for the readers?
Rashika Ranjini: I started scribbling one poem, and I felt I couldn’t contain all my thoughts into just one. At the same time, I did not want to combine and club all the different enthralling factors of Winter into just one poem. So I started thinking of each segment of Winter that has played a strong part of my childhood, and my memories, and thus was born this collection. I strongly believe that writing that comes from the heart would definitely resonate with the readers. Hence I just tried my best to articulate my thoughts as best as I could.
The Rise Insight: “Whispers of a Snowfall” shows the uniqueness of your style of writing. Are there any poets that you enjoy reading or any books which are your favorites?
Rashika Ranjini: Maya Angelou and Margaret Atwood have been two of my greatest inspirations. I grew up plastering posters of their words on my walls. Emily Dickinson’s poems have figured in my favourites list, as have as have Edgar Allan Poe’s and ST Coleridge’s.
The Rise Insight: How would you categorize “Whispers of a Snowfall” as its appeal seems to be to a broad audience?
Rashika Ranjini: This book does not really have a single rivet point. It’s an effort resulting from a moment of inspiration, that gave rise to several moments. I honestly believe that the more spontaneous and prompt poetry is, the more endearing it becomes. From that perspective, I can say that “being spontaneously thought provoking, porting the reader into a world of reflective meditation”, is what this book is all about!
The Rise Insight: “Whispers of a Snowfall” has given a powerful introduction to your potential as a writer. Can the readers expect more from you in the future? Please share about your future projects.
Rashika Ranjini: I am working on two projects at the moment – a fantasy series, from which I am currently writing Book One – The Hymns of Angamoria. I am also working on a non-fiction project, which I am hoping to release later this year – Chartered for Magnificence.
The Rise Insight: What is the story behind the title of your work, “Whispers of a Snowfall”?
Rashika Ranjini: As evident from my ranting, Winters have been very special to me right from a very young age. The spirit of giving, the cheer in the air, the echoes of the year that’s ending, the eager and almost impatient anticipation of the new year, and at the same time, the yearning of wanting to hold on to the end of the year a wee bit longer, and the resolutions being made once we step into the new year, and the glee with which we look forward to the first flowers of Spring, all make Winters a glorious time. I started thinking of each segment of Winter that has played a strong part of my childhood, and my memories, and thus was born this collection.
The Rise Insight: Thank you very much for sparing your time. I look forward to
reading more books from you in the future. All the best.
Rashika Ranjini: Thanks lots for the thought-provoking questions. This was a fun interview session.
