When I first picked up the pen at age 40, I never imagined that what began as a bucket list entry would evolve into one of the most transformative chapters of my life. Today, I’m proud to call myself a Hindustani poet, a storyteller, and a fiercely devoted mother.
My Journey So Far
Poetry began as my personal refuge—a way to heal, reflect, and reconnect with my truth. Over time, it became a voice not just for myself, but for others who found comfort in my words. I’ve performed across 100+ stages in India, from Hooted 1ce to G Talks and The Speaker, and each performance has been an honest reflection of my inner world—raw, real, and full of emotion.
What makes this journey truly special is that I’ve lived it as a mother. My daughter has been my biggest cheerleader, gently pushing me forward with words like, “You can do it, mama.” Her belief in me turned moments of hesitation into milestones. Motherhood didn’t slow me down—it gave me the strength to stand tall, even in my most vulnerable moments.
From my solo show with Awaken Words in Delhi to connecting with over 500,000 people online, each step has been fueled by purpose. Receiving the Super Womaniya Award and recognition from media platforms like Ahmedabad Mirror and Republic News India affirmed that I’m on the right path—but the true reward is knowing I’ve touched hearts with every verse.
As I grow as a poet, I hope to make poetry more accessible and relatable—while showing women, especially mothers, that our stories are our strength.
My Philosophy as a Mother
Parenting has been my most profound, unstructured learning. From the moment my daughter was born, she taught me how to listen—beyond words, through presence. There’s no manual for motherhood, only moments that shape you. I’ve learned to be her guide, not her guard—to give her roots, but also the freedom to grow through her own experiences.
In this journey, I’ve also learned not to lose myself. My passions matter. My poetry isn’t just a pursuit—it’s a reminder that self-worth is non-negotiable. How can I pour love into my family if I’ve emptied it from myself?
Open, honest communication is the foundation of our bond. We talk about everything—fear, love, failure. I want her to grow not just through school but through my stories, my flaws, and my truths.
Each poem I write is like another child—nurtured, released, and fiercely protected. And someday, I hope my poetry becomes a legacy for her, filling the gaps where words may have failed, and always reminding her who I was, both as a mother and a woman.
Somewhere in my journey, I wrote a poem that mirrors the two strongest identities I hold close to my heart. It is an ode to the woman who writes and the mother who nurtures:
Mere andar basti hai shaksiyat do,
Ek kavi…ek Ma rehti hai,
Ho kavita meri ya ho aulaad,
Dono hi mujhe Ma kehti hai.
Seech ke apne dil ke lahu se,
Dono ko paalna padta hai,
Aanch aaye kabhi jo in par,
Dil Ma ka zamane se ladta hai.
Acche karm…acchi soch,
Acche kaamon se acche insaan bane,
Yahi toh bhumika hai ek ma ki,
Ki woh paron ke neeche ki udaan bane.
Kaabil banta dekh inhe,
Dil phoola nahi samata hai,
Lekin iss lanan-paalan mein,
Astitva stree ka kabhi kho jaata hai.
Toh ye waada hai andar ki stree se mera,
Shoolon par chal kar bhi ye nibhaoongi,
Na bhulne doongi wajood bacchon ko,
Na khud ka wajood bhulaoongi.
For in every verse I write, there lives a story of strength, love, identity, and a voice that never stopped speaking—not even when the world wasn’t listening.
— Ritika Mody
