Kasturi Sinha: A Literary Visionary Awarded the National Author’s Award 2025

Kasturi Sinha’s journey through the world of poetry and prose has been nothing short of extraordinary, and her recent recognition with the prestigious National Author’s Award only solidifies her standing as one of India’s most prominent contemporary writers. Hailing from Bhubaneswar, a city known for its cultural richness, Kasturi has carved out a place for herself in the literary world with her deep, evocative writing and unwavering commitment to storytelling. Currently pursuing her PhD in English Literature at Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, she stands as a beacon of intellectual brilliance and poetic mastery.

 In an era where words shape realities and verse carves out new worlds, Kasturi Sinha stands tall as a beacon of literary brilliance. Hailing from Bhubaneswar, the city of temples, she has made an indelible mark on the world of poetry and prose. Currently pursuing her PhD in English Literature from Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, Kasturi’s journey as a poet and writer has been one of passion, persistence, and profound creativity.

With over 5,000 poems penned to date, Kasturi has not just contributed to the world of literature; she has enriched it. Her verses resonate with the depth and complexity of contemporary life, capturing the beauty and struggles of the human experience. Whether she is exploring themes of love and identity or delving into social justice and environmental consciousness, Kasturi’s poems serve as both mirror and lens—reflecting reality while inviting readers to see it anew. Her work has earned her recognition in various platforms and rewarded her with Awards. Her life philosophy is built on the belief that success is defined by commitment. For Kasturi, every achievement is the result of a continuous journey fueled by dedication and an insatiable curiosity for the world around her. She believes that setbacks are not roadblocks but stepping stones, each offering a lesson that brings her closer to her goals.

You’ve authored seven books and co-authored over 250. How has your journey as an author shaped your perspective on writing and collaboration? 

My journey as an author of seven books and co-author of over 250 has profoundly shaped my perspective on writing and collaboration. Writing independently has taught me the power of authenticity, persistence, and the importance of finding one’s unique voice, while collaboration has shown me the value of collective creativity and shared vision. Each project, whether individual or shared, has been an opportunity to learn, adapt, and build relationships that transcend the written word. Collaboration, in particular, has expanded my understanding of creative writing—melding diverse perspectives into cohesive narratives has enriched my craft and deepened my appreciation for the dynamic, interconnected nature of literature. This journey has instilled in me a profound respect for the art of writing as both a deeply personal and profoundly communal endeavour.

With such a diverse range of works, what common themes or emotions do you find yourself drawn to in your writing? 

In my writing, I find myself consistently drawn to themes of impermanence, resilience, and the delicate interplay between joy and sorrow. Emotions like longing, awe, and quiet reflection often anchor my works, as I seek to capture the fleeting moments that define human existence. I am fascinated by the way memories echo through time, how loss can coexist with beauty, and how language can become a vessel for transformation. Whether through poetry or scholarly exploration, my work often delves into the universal human desire for connection—both with others and with the ineffable. These threads weave through the diverse forms my writing takes, creating a tapestry that resonates with a sense of both vulnerability and strength.

Your debut book Euphony of Unheard Emotions covers the seven stages of life. What inspired you to explore the full arc of human experience in a single collection? 

In Euphony of Unheard Emotions, the inspiration to traverse the seven stages of life stemmed from a profound desire to capture the essence of the human journey in its entirety. Life, in all its complexity, is a symphony of emotions—some loud and celebrated, others quiet and often overlooked. I was drawn to the idea of giving voice to these silent moments, weaving together the innocence of childhood, the tempest of youth, the trials of maturity, and the wisdom of old age. Each stage, with its unique cadence, tells a story of growth, struggle, and resilience, and I wanted to offer readers a mirror to their own experiences, evoking both reflection and connection. This exploration allowed me to paint a panoramic portrait of life’s beauty and fragility, uniting the universal with the deeply personal.

How did you approach conveying emotions that are often left unspoken? Was there a particular stage of life that you found most challenging to portray? 

Well, conveying unspoken emotions requires a deep atonement to subtlety and nuance—an ability to inhabit silence and gesture as fully as words. I approached it by weaving together fragments of observation, memory, and imagined experience, creating a language where absence and implication could resonate just as powerfully as direct expression. The most challenging stage to portray, perhaps, was the luminal space of adolescence, where feelings often surge inarticulately—raw, clumsy, yet profoundly authentic. To capture it, I focused on moments where vulnerability revealed itself in the smallest details: the glance that lingered too long, the weight of an unsent message, or the pull of longing buried beneath bravado. Writing these moments demanded a kind of emotional archaeology, unearthing what is felt but seldom said.

Ashes of Love delves into the impermanence of emotions. How do you feel the collection speaks to the cycle of love, loss, and rebirth? 

Ashes of Love poignantly captures the ephemeral nature of emotions, weaving a narrative that mirrors the cyclical journey of love, loss, and rebirth. Through its verses, the collection suggests that love, while intoxicating and transformative, is never immune to the inevitable tide of change. Loss, though painful, is portrayed as a crucible that refines the heart, making space for renewal and new beginnings. The ashes of love's demise become the fertile ground for rebirth, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit. Each poem is a testament to the idea that while emotions are fleeting, their creation shapes the deeper currents of who we are, urging us to embrace the impermanence as part of life's beauty.

In what ways do you think reminiscence helps us navigate the present and future? How has it influenced your own creative process in your book An Ode to Reminiscence

Reminiscence serves as a bridge between past experiences and present understanding, allowing us to draw lessons, find meaning, and build resilience. Reflecting on what once was helps us process emotions, uncover patterns, and refine our values, shaping how we approach current challenges and future aspirations. For creators, it is a wellspring of inspiration—infusing the present with depth and authenticity. Personally, I find that revisiting moments of joy, loss, or transformation informs my perspective, anchoring my voice in the timeless interplay of memory and imagination. 

How does your book An Ode to Reminiscence highlight the importance of reflecting on our past in the face of a fast-paced, modern world?

In Ode to Reminiscence, the interplay between memory and modernity unfolds as a gentle yet urgent reminder of the significance of pausing to reflect on our past. Through vivid imagery and introspective verses, the book illuminates how our histories, personal and collective, serve as anchors amidst the relentless pace of contemporary life. It emphasizes that in the rush to progress, we risk losing the richness of experience and identity that only introspection can preserve. By weaving nostalgia with philosophical insight, Ode to Reminiscence inspires readers to honor their journeys and cherish the quiet lessons hidden in moments long gone.