It is with immense joy and admiration that I extend my warmest congratulations to Mukhpreet Singh Khurana for winning the TRI Literary Awards 2025 Season 03 for his soul-stirring poetry collection, RUBARU. This honor not only reflects the artistic excellence of the book but also speaks to its profound emotional and spiritual impact on readers across the globe. In an age of chaos, noise, and external validation, Rubaru comes as a quiet, deeply personal, and luminous companion—a gentle voice that invites you to sit still, breathe, and look within.
Reading Rubaru is not just an act of literary engagement—it is a healing journey.
An Intimate Encounter with the Self
From the very first page, Rubaru sets the tone for what it intends to do: not to dazzle with ornate language or abstract metaphors, but to create an intimate, safe space where the reader can meet themselves. The word Rubaru, meaning “face-to-face,” perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this collection. This is not a book that screams for attention; it whispers gently, urging you to listen—really listen—to your own thoughts, your pain, your silence, your joy.
Mukhpreet Singh Khurana’s voice as a poet is incredibly authentic. There is no pretense, no theatrical embellishment. Instead, what shines through is raw honesty and compassion—something increasingly rare in the literary world today. His verses feel like late-night conversations with an old friend, or perhaps like pages of a journal you’ve always wanted to write but never had the courage to.
Themes That Matter: Mental Health, Mindfulness, and Healing
The heart of Rubaru lies in its courageous and compassionate exploration of mental health. At a time when mental well-being is still clouded by stigma and silence, Khurana’s poetry walks right into the storm, gently placing a comforting hand on the reader’s shoulder. He doesn’t offer exaggerated solutions or poetic escapism; instead, he offers truth. A truth that acknowledges our anxiety, our self-doubt, and our wounds—not as weaknesses, but as stepping stones to resilience.
The book seamlessly weaves themes of mindfulness, gratitude, and personal growth into its fabric. Each poem feels like a meditative pause—an invitation to reflect, to observe, and to reconnect. Whether he is writing about the feeling of numbness or the hope of healing, the poet remains firmly rooted in emotional honesty. His words hold the reader in a quiet embrace and remind them that even the smallest act of self-care is a form of strength.
Language that Comforts, Not Complicates
One of the most admirable aspects of Rubaru is its accessibility. Khurana’s language is not flowery or deliberately complex—it is evocative in its simplicity. His writing doesn’t seek to alienate with intellectualism; it seeks to include, to comfort, to reflect. This choice makes the book relatable to readers from all walks of life. Whether you’re a seasoned poetry lover or someone new to the genre, Rubaru feels like home.
The poet’s voice is warm, grounded, and wise. His old-school sensibility—his appreciation for handwritten letters, honest connections, and moments of stillness—translates beautifully into his poetry. You’ll find no rush here, no urgency to impress. Instead, what you’ll discover is a voice that tells you it’s okay to slow down, to feel deeply, and to simply be.
Poems as Anchors: Standout Verses
While the book is cohesive as a whole, several pieces stand out for their emotional clarity and poetic brilliance. In one poem, Khurana writes about the quiet ache of loneliness, framing it not as a void but as a space waiting to be filled with love and self-awareness. In another, he celebrates small joys—a cup of chai, a silent morning, the comfort of knowing you made it through another hard day.
What elevates the experience further is how seamlessly the poet transitions between light and darkness. He acknowledges the weight of anxiety and sorrow but doesn’t let them define the narrative. Instead, each poem feels like a tiny act of rebellion—a refusal to let despair win. The closing lines of several poems echo like gentle mantras, urging the reader to keep going, to keep believing.
A Poet Rooted in Humanity
Reading about Mukhpreet Singh Khurana’s life and values provides essential context to Rubaru. He is not merely a poet; he is a humanist. Someone who views poetry not as a platform for performance but as a medium for connection. His down-to-earth nature, love for handwritten letters, and deep sense of gratitude and spirituality shine through in every line. There is a lived experience behind these poems—one that is observant, compassionate, and deeply aware of the human condition.
His understanding of emotional complexity is not theoretical—it feels earned, lived, and learned. This authenticity is what transforms Rubaru from a poetry collection into a literary companion, one you’ll want to return to on rainy days and sleepless nights.
A Must-Read for the Soul-Weary and the Hopeful
If I had to describe Rubaru in one sentence, I would say: It is a collection of poems that doesn’t just speak to the mind—it speaks to the soul. For anyone dealing with burnout, loneliness, self-doubt, or the quiet need for affirmation, this book offers more than solace—it offers direction. Not in a preachy way, but in a way that says: You are not alone. You are healing, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
Every poem in Rubaru is a stepping stone toward self-discovery, and every page is a mirror reflecting not just what we are, but what we can become.
Here’s indicidual feedback from each of the nine reviewers after reading Rubaru by Mukhpreet Singh Khurana:
Prashant Sahu:
“Rubaru is like a quiet morning that gently nudges you to sit with your thoughts. Every poem resonated with me deeply—it felt like the poet had reached into the depths of human emotion and translated silence into words. Mukhpreet’s understanding of vulnerability is poetic, profound, and healing.”
Sameer Gudhate:
“What struck me most in Rubaru was its emotional honesty. It doesn’t try to fix you, it simply reflects you. The poems are comforting and thought-provoking, especially in how they deal with anxiety and inner battles without glorifying pain. It’s a book that stays with you long after you close it.”
Apeksha Gupta:
“This book is an ode to introspection. I found solace in Mukhpreet’s words, which often felt like affirmations wrapped in verse. The simplicity of the language and depth of meaning are beautifully balanced, making Rubaru a perfect companion for anyone on a journey of self-love and growth.”
Akansha Sinha:
“As someone who deeply values mental well-being, Rubaru felt like a journal I didn’t know I needed. Each poem guided me through different layers of my own emotions. It’s rare to find poetry that is this accessible, yet so moving and real. A truly empowering and reflective read.”
Glenville Asbhy:
“There is a calm philosophical wisdom in Rubaru that reminded me of Eastern contemplative traditions. The poet doesn’t impose; he gently guides. This book is not just literary work—it’s spiritual nourishment for the emotionally fatigued. A beautifully written exploration of inner resilience.”
Pooja Sahu:
“Reading Rubaru felt like therapy through poetry. Mukhpreet’s verses reminded me to appreciate life’s simplest moments and acknowledge even the quietest victories. The themes of self-compassion and emotional strength were portrayed with such grace that I found myself returning to several lines over and over again.”
Versha Singh:
“What I loved about Rubaru is its incredible ability to be both personal and universal. Mukhpreet’s poetry speaks directly to the reader while allowing space for one’s own interpretation. The verses on self-reflection and healing felt deeply authentic and gently empowering.”
Shivangi Yadav:
“There is something timeless about Rubaru. The poet speaks to our modern emotional struggles but does so in a way that feels rooted in wisdom and kindness. It’s a rare book that gives you perspective, peace, and poetry—all in one. Every page invites you to breathe and reflect.”
Kavita Kaushik:
“Rubaru is not just poetry—it’s a mirror. Mukhpreet’s sensitivity as a writer shines through, especially in how he addresses mental health without stigma or melodrama. It’s an empathetic, eloquent, and inspiring collection that everyone should read, especially in today’s fast-paced, disconnected world.”
Final Thoughts: A Well-Deserved Recognition
Mukhpreet Singh Khurana’s Rubaru winning the TRI Literary Awards 2025 is a victory not just for him, but for every reader who has ever needed a moment of stillness and a voice that understands. It is a recognition of the importance of writing that heals, that nurtures, and that believes in the good that still exists within us.
In a world filled with noise, Rubaru is a rare, essential silence.
In a world rushing toward perfection, Rubaru is a celebration of progress.
And in a world often marked by isolation, Rubaru is a bridge—leading us back to ourselves.
Congratulations once again to Mukhpreet Singh Khurana.
Your words matter. Your voice matters.
And Rubaru will continue to resonate—page after page, heart after heart.
