The Rise Insight is delighted to extend heartfelt congratulations to Vandana Rao, the gifted poet and storyteller, for the nomination of her debut collection “Whispers & Wonders” for the TRI Literary Awards 2026 (Season 04) in the Poetry category.
This recognition celebrates not only a remarkable literary work but also the resilience, truth, and courage embedded within every line of this extraordinary book.
Why TRI Chose This Book for the Award
“Whispers & Wonders” is more than a collection of poems—it is an emotional journey, a testament to survival, and a voice for those who have ever felt unseen. With over 50+ poems, the book beautifully navigates the emotional landscape of a woman who has lived, broken, risen, and begun again. It does not adhere to perfection; rather, it embraces the raw, tender, and fierce truths of life.
The poems traverse themes of longing, betrayal, sensuality, motherhood, silence, and survival. Some flow with lyrical rhythm, while others stand still in the stark honesty of free verse. This duality reflects life itself—sometimes musical, sometimes raw. This collection does not seek to impress; it seeks to connect. It speaks to every heart that has endured pain, rediscovered hope, and learned to start again.
What makes this work truly exceptional—and why TRI has recognized it—is its authenticity and emotional depth. Vandana Rao’s poetry is not born in polished workshops but in midnight conversations with grief, written on the dining table after long days of living and surviving. Every verse carries her lived experience as a single mother and a survivor, making it deeply personal yet universally relatable.
Her words offer solace in the heaviest hours, reminding readers that they are not alone. The book is not just poetry; it is a companion for the tender, the tired, and the ones still standing in the storm. It resonates across borders and cultures, carrying the universal pulse of love, heartbreak, resilience, and quiet rebellion.
By nominating this book, TRI Literary Awards honors a voice that is honest, unpretentious, and powerful—a voice that dares to whisper truths and roar resilience.
A Celebration of Courage and Creativity
With “Whispers & Wonders,” Vandana Rao redefines what it means to write poetry that matters. Her work stands as an emblem of strength, authenticity, and the human spirit’s ability to rise above silence and rediscover its voice.
Once again, congratulations to Vandana Rao on this well-deserved nomination. Your words have touched hearts, inspired resilience, and created a space where poetry meets truth and hope.
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