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.
Book Review: Whispers of a Snowfall by Rashika Ranjini
Winter is often portrayed as a cold, harsh season, but in Rashika Ranjini’s latest poetry collection, “Whispers of a Snowfall: Celebrating the Pensive Beauty of Winters,” she offers a unique perspective on this often-neglected season. Through her delicate and lyrical writing style, Ranjini captures the melancholic beauty of winter and explores the complex emotions that the season can evoke. The result is a powerful and thought-provoking collection of poetry that will leave a lasting impression on the reader. Through her collection, the author not only spell bounds the readers but uses her world to convey a depth of thought that comes through the minimal words that she uses. One of the standout features of this book is the author’s use of vivid imagery and sensory details. In each poem, Ranjini transports the reader to the world of winter, where the snow whispers secrets and the cold wind stirs the soul. Her descriptions of the winter landscape are both beautiful and haunting, painting vivid and memorable images in the reader’s mind. For example, in the poem “The stranger seller at Snowslope,” she writes: “We’ve got some lovely joy capsules/ He offered, “I’ll give you a fine price.”/ “I’d rather have some lunacy pills,” I replied..” The use of imagery and sensory details in this poem and others like it sets the tone for the rest of the collection and provides the reader with a glimpse into the pensive beauty of winter while keeping the readers fixed on the happenings of the life of an ordinary human. “Whispers of a Snowfall” has such poems that take them to the lands of wonder. Even though the world she depicts is inspired by reality, yet it seems to be set in a different world altogether. But poems like “The stranger seller at Snowslope” keep the readers fixed on the present world. Another strength of this book is the author’s ability to explore complex emotions through her writing. Whether exploring themes of solitude, loss, or renewal, Ranjini’s poems are infused with a sense of introspection and contemplation. Her words flow seamlessly, painting vivid and memorable images in the reader’s mind, and her delicate and understated use of language is truly a joy to behold. Every poem captures the sadness and finality that can accompany the winter season but also hints at the promise of renewal and a fresh start. Moreover, through her words, the author paints a landscape that is run by the merriment of winters and transports the readers to the snow-filled landscapes that send cool breezes through the text. Ranjini’s writing style is both lyrical and poignant, and her verse has a musical quality that is both calming and haunting. The poems in this collection are often short and to the point, but they pack a powerful punch, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. The author’s delicate use of language, combined with her insightful observations, make this book a must-read for fans of poetry and introspection. “Whispers of a Snowfall” is one of the few poetry collections in its league that reaches the readers through its simplistic style that is accompanied by grandeur, grace, and a different perspective on winters and their meaning for the author. This meaning eventually becomes the same for the readers too, as they connect with the author’s words and begin to see the winter full world through her eyes. In conclusion, “Whispers of a Snowfall” is a beautifully written and thought-provoking collection of poetry that offers a fresh perspective on the winter season. Rashika Ranjini’s lyrical writing style and insightful observations make this book a must-read for fans of poetry, winter, and introspection. Whether you are a fan of winter or simply looking for a thought-provoking read, “Whispers of a Snowfall” is the book for you. The poems in this collection will take you on a journey through the quiet, contemplative world of winter, where the snow whispers secrets and the cold wind stirs the soul. The poetry collection is highly recommended for all those readers who look forward to reading a collection that comes as a breath of freshness, unique perspectives, and subjects that are interesting, entertaining, and seem equally dreamy. While the book is likely to introduce the readers to a whole new perspective that comes through the words of the poet, it will also enthrall them with her uniqueness and the concise manner in which she uses her words to convey deeper thoughts.