A thoughtful literary dialogue titled “Poetry – Khud Se Baat” was organised at the Anil Agarwal Foundation’s Bagaan venue during the Jaipur Literature Festival, offering audiences an intimate insight into the creative world of writer, poet and publisher Anshu Harsh. The session also marked the launch of her debut novel ‘Ichha Mrityu’, published by the prestigious Vani Prakashan.
The conversation featured poet and public relations professional Jagdeep Singh, who engaged Anshu Harsh in a discussion on her evolution as a writer and her transition from poetry to long-form fiction. The novel was formally released by senior writer and translator Malashri Lal, adding to the significance of the occasion.
Speaking about her shift from poetry to novel writing, Anshu Harsh observed that poetry is often an immediate and spontaneous expression of emotion, while writing a novel demands a sustained and immersive engagement with characters and their worlds. She described Ichha Mrityu as a powerful narrative exploring the fragile tension between life and death, a theme that encourages readers to introspect and question their own understanding of existence.
The discussion also touched upon the importance of translation in literature. Referring to the English translations of her poems in ‘Samandar – The Ocean’, Anshu Harsh said that translation helps literature cross linguistic and cultural boundaries. She emphasised that a sensitive and thoughtful translation retains the soul of the original work while making it accessible to a wider readership.
Reflecting on her literary journey since the publication of her first book in 2013, she noted that time and experience have brought depth and maturity to her writing. While her early works were largely introspective and personal, her recent writing engages more deeply with social realities and human concerns.
Elaborating on the session’s central idea, writing poetry as a dialogue with oneself, Anshu Harsh explained that poetry allows writers to confront their inner truths and articulate emotions that often remain unspoken. This honest self-conversation, she said, is what gives poetry its emotional strength and universal appeal.
Held on the opening day of the Jaipur Literature Festival, the session drew a large audience of readers and writers and was warmly received for its reflective tone and meaningful literary exchange.
