Persistent Whisper Called Me to the World of Words
Dr. Ujjwala Kakarla, Writer and Educator
From the stillness of childhood, a faint yet persistent whisper called me to the world of words. The early exposure to reading shaped me into a writer, not by ambition, but by necessity. Writing was my refuge, my safe space—a way to understand the world and my place in it. It felt as natural as breathing, a second nature that I was born into. But it wasn’t until the cusp of adulthood that I encountered an unexpected twist in my journey—an opportunity that would leave an indelible mark on my life.
During the days of my graduation, a government organization in New Delhi launched an essay competition on the theme “Learn from the World.” Intrigued by the challenge, I decided to participate, albeit anonymously. There was something electrifying about writing without the burden of identity. It was as though I could speak freely from the depths of my soul. My heart raced as I crafted my essay, weaving my thoughts into a tapestry of ideas. To my astonishment, my submission claimed the top prize. The recognition came with an invitation to share my details for a sponsored trip abroad, a dream in itself. Yet, as I read the letter, a bittersweet realization dawned on me. The competition was for school-going students, and with that letter, I was officially crossing the threshold into adulthood. The prize was a symbol of something deeper—the affirmation that my voice had found resonance.
From that moment on, writing became more than just a hobby—it was a purpose. As I moved on to my post-graduation, my emotions—once fleeting and forgotten—found permanence in poetry. Whenever the weight of sorrow or tension pressed upon me, I poured my heart into verses, scribbling the pages of my rough notebooks. As a student of literature, it was during this period of self-exploration that I discovered poets from both Western and Indian traditions. Their words became my guide, illuminating my path and deepening my understanding of language and emotion. I naturally developed a love for poetry.
During my research, a pivotal moment came when I delved into Sri Aurobindo’s masterpiece, the epic poem Savitri. In the process of studying Aurobindo’s work, I began to see my writing as an extension of my thoughts— a philosophical reflection captured in verse.
The turning point in my writing journey came when I became inspired by Megha Bajaj, a writer whose passion ignited my own and my writing journey with her made it possible to publish my first poetry collection. The exhilaration of seeing my poems come to life in print was unparalleled. I realized that my struggles and triumphs had culminated in a tangible piece of literature—a testament to my evolution as a writer. Following this achievement, I compiled and published my research on aesthetics titled, Indian and Western Aesthetics in Sri Aurobindo’s Criticism through Zorba Books, an endeavour that enriched my understanding of literature even further.
Collaboration soon beckoned, leading to the publication of my second poetry book, Musical Marvels of Self, co-authored with Rumpa Ray Ghosh in 2017. Once again, the feeling of joy swept over me as I held our collective work—in it, I could see reflections of both our souls. As I tread this literary path, my writing journey hasn’t merely been about accolades or recognition; it has been about connection—connecting with emotions, with readers, and with like-minded souls. It has become a self-therapy of fostering my physical and mental well-being.
As I reflect on my journey now, standing at the peak of having published six poetry books and a collection of short stories, I feel a deep sense of humility. Each word I’ve written has become a part of me, each poem a fragment of my soul. The accolades and recognition that have come my way are humbling, but it is the impact my words have had on others that fills me with gratitude. Poetry, once a refuge, has transformed into a calling—a mirror to my identity, a way to connect with the world on a deeper level.
Looking back, I realize that every step—each moment of joy, every struggle, and every serendipitous encounter—has been integral to my growth as a writer. The road has never been straight, nor has it been easy, but it has been worth every turn. Writing, for me, is an endless voyage—a never-ceasing exploration of the mind and the heart. And with every new word, I continue to uncover the infinite possibilities that lie in the shared experience of writing, the joy of creation, and the wonder of human connection.