Poetry is one of the most poignant forms of expression—it’s a way to make sense of the world and share that understanding with others.

Meet Shruti Mahajan – Christchurch-based female poet who gets her inspiration from human emotions and daily life. According to her, writing poems helps her process what she’s feeling, can also help others understand their own feelings.

Originally from Jammu, India, Mahajan moved to New Zealand four years ago. Mahajan has done her Bachelor’s in Education, Masters in English and Postgraduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education. By profession, she is an Early Childhood Registered Teacher.

Mahajan gives the credit for her poetry to her parents. “Parents are a great gift in everyone’s life. My parents gave me unconditional love, good values and always encouraged me to follow my passion.

“I have been interested in reading and writing since I was very young. But the first poem that I wrote was an ode to my parents. It was titled ‘Mata pita ke charno mein swarga hai’ (Heaven is at parents' feet). My mother has played an important role in my life. I love her from the core of my heart. She is like the backbone of our family. She is no longer with us today, but she will always be in my heart. I later dedicated a poem to her- ‘Maa, mujhe teri yaad aaye’ (Mom, i miss you).”

For Mahajan, writing poetry is like expressing her feelings and emotions to a dear friend. “I can be myself and pour my heart out. When I was 13 years old, I saw horrific news about a rape case in India that deeply affected me. I decided to write a few lines on it. I titled it ‘Insaaf ki pukar’ (Call of Justice) and consider it one of my best poems. It was about a woman and her journey after being abused. For this poem, I got appreciation from All India Radio and Jalsa Fiji Radio, plains FM 96.9.”

Mahajan also considers Sant Kabir Das as one of her biggest influences. Das was known for poetry that came from daily life. Mahajan also is inspired by what transpires in our everyday life. She has written about a variety of topics, including global warming and deforestation. Mahajan also considers Rabindra Nath Tagore and Harivansh Rai Bachchan as her favourite poets.

“My husband is also a great inspiration who encourages me to fulfil my dreams and when he says you deserve this, it makes my day. My 2-year-old daughter completes our small family and gives me a reason to live. I wrote a short poem, ‘Meri destiny, meri Aayat’ when she was born.”

Here is a poem she wrote on the pros and cons of TV:

Manoranjan ka saadhan hai TV

Kabhi hansata, toh kabhi rulata hai

Har kupratha ko darshata hai

Yun kehne ko hai vardan

Par parivar ko baanta hai TV

Khel kood sab chhod diya

TV se naata jod liya

Subha se shaam dekha TV

Aur sehat ko kharab kiya

Yun kehne ko hain azad hum

Par sabko gulaam banata hai TV

Mahajan shares her plan, “I have plans to write more and publish my collection of poems.”