PARVINDER NAGI INTERVIEW

 

NILAVRONILL TALKING WITH

POET OF THE MONTH

PARVINDER NAGI

NILAVRONILL: Welcome to our Poetry Archive, dear poet. Do you believe that your literary self is actually an extension of your soul? We would like to know the factors and people who have influenced you greatly during the early stages of your literary life.

 

PARVINDER NAGI: Profound gratitude, dear NilavroNill sir, for this wonderful opportunity to be invited to ‘Our Poetry Archive.’ I feel honored to be recognized through this interview and to have my voice reach a larger audience. As a poetess, I would say that writing is like fragments of your feelings, emotions, and thoughts woven into the fabric of words. Ever so true that the literary self becomes a soul’s language, merely a reflection of the soul. It’s a way of revealing what you cannot express verbally.  Writing, to me, is a treasure trove giving meaning to my verses. It’s like building a bridge between your inner voice and the outside world. My words have always resided within my soul, and now they have found a home on the pages of my recently published book, “Unfathomed Secrets.”

 

Now, to the second part of your question…My deep love for art and creativity has always been at the core of my multifaceted personality. From earning accolades in education, I have continuously pushed the boundaries of my talents. It is this same creative energy that flows into my poetry, where I explore universal themes of life, love, and the human experience. My journey into the world of poetry took a profound turn during a visit to Dove Cottage in the Lake District, UK, the home of William Wordsworth. I found myself inspired by the legacy of one of the great romantic poets, a moment that became the catalyst for my own poetic endeavors. My poetry has been recognized and celebrated internationally, with my works translated into various languages and featured in global anthologies. My ability to capture life's emotions, from joy to sorrow, through evocative imagery and lyrical expression has resonated with readers worldwide. As a poet, educator, and lifelong learner, I continue to weave my love and remain dedicated to exploring the beauty of life, and sharing it through the art of poetry, enriching my perspective as a poet.

 

NILAVRONILL: Do you think the primary obligation of a poet should be to communicate with the temporal as well as with the eternal essence of life and the universe? If so, how can one fulfill that particular obligation?

 

PARVINDER NAGI: A profound question indeed…In my opinion, art lies in transforming the ordinary into something new. Life’s daily experiences are temporary and should be captured and acknowledged, while the eternal essence of life is metaphysical rhythms that bind everything—such as beauty, love, and truth—that persist through the ages and generations. To fulfill this obligation, we need dual vision, addressing inner disciplines, realms of life, and cultivating perception into insight. Poetry must evoke the reader in a way that they see what’s happening through your imagery as they read your verses, creating a bridge between the reader and the poet’s soul. So, it’s not about choosing between the temporary and the eternal but weaving them together as one. Thus, the poet must communicate with both the transient and the eternal aspects of life and the universe, as life unfolds in fragments that cannot be overlooked.

 

NILAVRONILL: Is it possible to put into words everything that you wish to express as a poet? If not, why?

 

PARVINDER NAGI: I have always loved jotting down short verses since my college days, painting in various colors of nature, scribbling pearls of wisdom, adorned with ornamental visions that stir the heart. But, yes, through life experiences, it’s not easy to fully portray feelings and emotions into words, although poetry deeply expresses what cannot be said, transcending its own limitations. While constructing poetry, some spaces remain incomplete due to expression limits and inexpressibility. When translating our thoughts and experiences into language, we inevitably lose something, but the reader's heart completes what words cannot. There's always more than what is spoken, a struggle to shape feelings that cannot be articulated. I would say that the beauty of a poem often lies in what it leaves unsaid!

 

NILAVRONILL: It is a fact that every poet should create their own poetic language as a unique signature that keeps them alive beyond their time. I want to know your personal experience in this regard, and how one can achieve that unique literary language in their lifetime.

 

PARVINDER NAGI: A beautiful question, taking me down the memory lane…! Looking back, I was a very sensitive, emotional, and passionate child, flowing with the music of the universe’s rhythms… believing that all humans are interconnected in some way, encountering each other and spreading positive vibes. Enthusiastic to bring life’s various experiences, I move from chapter to chapter, painting the horizon of life with carefully chosen words, diving into emotions, touching every note with meaningful syllables—adding depth to life. No matter what, true poetry must flow from your inner soul, expressing your heart’s feelings and emotions, not copying others. It involves shaping your own language through personal experiences and thoughts. Therefore, I am virtually shaped by my own unique expressive notes, recognized when read, awakening hopes for future generations.

"I live in the verses of my poetry breathing through the words so eloquent

Reminiscing in the universe forever" 

-Parvinder

 

NILAVRONILL: Literature encompasses every aspect of life; it blends human aspirations and flaws, illuminating new horizons and dimensions of human potential. How do you relate all these in your own writings?

 

PARVINDER NAGI: Poetry to me, is a means of capturing life’s ebb and flow, painting existence’s horizon with carefully chosen words, pouring meaning into every emotion and syllable. Literature is the most complete expression of human consciousness, an art that includes the entire spectrum of life. Every word has a voice, reflecting imagery, joy, sorrow, pain, or grief, ready to be understood and shared. While exploring the themes of love, empathy, and resonance, I reflect on both reflection and revelation. Since my youth, I have found solace in writing small verses that depict nature’s many colors, pearls of wisdom adorned with heart’s visions, shaping my journey. Acknowledging both the light and the shadows, revealing the complete picture of my expressions, lighting new horizons through awakening. My poems are music for the heart, expressing various aspects of life like happiness and sadness, whilst using different styles and themes to bring joy to the readers.

 

NILLAVRONILL: Do you think society as a whole is the key factor in shaping you up as a poet, or your poetry altogether?

 

PARVINDER NAGI: Most definitely a society plays an important role in shaping a poet in many ways but I would say it does not completely do it. The poet’s own experience and his inner consciousness interpret his vision. It's more about what we capture going around us and giving meaning to it through our own imagery. Where society inspires, the inner spirit interprets, both going hand in hand. As I reflect on my journey, I am deeply grateful to all those who have crossed my path and shared their pearls of wisdom along the way giving my poetry a shape, through the process of my vision awakening what already exists within. My writings are the reflections of my soul in itself, woven into words, shaping me into a fine poet. Thus, the poet and the society are both a reflection of each other, redefining each other constantly.

 

NILAVRONILL: Do you believe creative souls flourish more in turmoil than in peace?

 

PARVINDER NAGI: Life is a tapestry of experiences, some filled with joy and others marked by disagreements, disappointments, and heartache. Each soul carries its own story.  In times of chaos, the poet begins to see the world without its masks. Uncovering the whispers of time. We must navigate these varied emotions, learning to forgive without necessarily forgetting, moving forward into new beginnings with the wisdom of the past still with us. Turmoil is harsh but informative as we see that most works emerge from war, heartbreak, and grief. We often see that creative souls awaken in turmoil but flourish in peace. Turmoil gives them their depth; peace gives them their direction.

 

NILAVRONILL: Do you think in this age of information and technology the dimensions of literature have been largely extended beyond our preconceived ideas about literature in general?

 

PARVINDER NAGI: In earlier days, literature was confined only to the words printed on the pages, whereas today it has found new media as e-books, digital and multimedia technologies transcending across the globe. The digital era has broken down the traditional boundaries of what we once understood as literature. It has transformed not only how we read and write, but now sitting in one corner of a room you can share anything across the continents. We can connect to the larger audience with just a click. Today literature has no boundaries in a true sense. It’s easier said than done, but for a writer to challenge the world has become tougher as I see people using AI apps making it easier for themselves but not letting the deserving people come forward. In my opinion, the essence of poetry is the same, only the means of projection have changed. Technology has changed the medium of literature from books to screens but the echo remains the same.

 

NILAVRONILL: Would you consider, it should be the goal of a poet to enlighten the readers towards a much greater apprehension of life and eternity in general? Or is it better to write poems only to console the poet’s soul? Do you believe, literature can eventually help people to uplift human conscience?

 

PARVINDER NAGI: My first writings were a voice to myself, not being able to raise my voice enough to explain my emotions, until I gained the confidence to share my feelings meaningfully with the existing world. Soon the whispers of my soul found a doorway through the platform of poetry.  Delighted to see my words touching and enlightening the reader’s heart uplifting literature. The voice of a poet transcends boundaries across the universe; he writes from the depth of his heart through which a reader can find an easier meaningful glimpse of each verse. Literature as a whole uplift the human consciousness, awakening a sense of empathy, moral awareness, and spiritual depth. Our emotions find their own way into the verses so beautiful, capturing both the traumas and joys of daily life, and serving as a reminder of the natural gifts of wisdom and brilliance bestowed upon us. As I said earlier, literature has no boundaries, connecting the bridges of nations, travelling across the globe. Therefore, serving both the poet’s own soul, as well as the reader’s serves a purposeful goal giving meaning to literature.

 

NILAVRONILL: Personally, I do consider that literary criticism is too important in our writings to ignore it. Now please tell us your viewpoints on this, how do you handle literary criticism?

 

PARVINDER NAGI: Well, I take literary criticism as a strong motivation enriching my vision. Literary criticism has engaged with my work in various ways. Fair criticism helped reveal layers of confidence, which I may not have consciously intended, enriching the dialogue between writer and reader. Exploring complex themes has always been valued and has always derived the strength of my passion, emotions, and dedication throughout my literary career. Constructive criticism is essential for growth whereas, positive feedback is uplifting, but constructive criticism helps one identify weaknesses and improve as it paves the way for becoming a better poet. Though, I had a fair balance of criticism acknowledging my hard work without prejudice. I would say, exchange with readers and critics is essential to refine your language and enrich your vision.

 

NILAVRONILL: How would you evaluate your contemporaries and what are your aspirations for or expectations from the younger generation?

 

PARVINDER NAGI: Well, my contemporaries are a part of this literary journey where we together share the same platform and are moving towards a more luminous future, where each one carries their own light. The younger generation needs to know that poetry and literature are not mere ornaments of language, they are the quiet mirrors of our inner life as every word on the page is a reflection of our soul. In this fast-moving world, literature teaches us to pause, to listen to the soft voice of memory, and to rediscover the beauty of being human. The young readers should also know that without their reading through the pages of a book, the words would be meaningless. May every poem they read remind them that love and peace begin not in the world outside, but in the tenderness of their own heart. Everything changes, but words endure in every poem as there is a small light enriching their soul. The purpose of art is not to impress but to express thus, as it’s rightly said, “Write and you will be read.

 

NILAVRONILL: Our Indian subcontinent had a colonial past. We too are the product of this colonial legacy through our education, social upbringings and political cultures. Consciously or even unconsciously most of our literary works bear these marks either explicitly or implicitly. I would like to know your own experience on this matter, in respect of your own literary works.

 

PARVINDER NAGI: Loved this very question, related to my roots…Being born in the 1950s in Kenya, during the final years of British colonial rule and having lived through the last stretch of the British era in East Africa, I carry within me a living memory of transition from imposed structures to self-definition between the languages of my childhood, shaping my own narrative. Although my roots were firmly Indian, my living choices were shaped by East African and British standards thus, my layered identity within a colonial framework, has deeply shaped my inner world inevitably and my literary voice too. The English language dominated education, while British literature formed the core of the curriculum, which reflected colonial influence. My early readings leaned heavily toward British authors, and this shaped my sense of structure, rhythm, and formal aesthetics. Growing up in that era meant that colonial structures were not abstract historical concepts, but everyday realities. The colonial past is definitely present in my work, but it is also something I question, reinterpret, and reshape it from time to time. I absorbed western forms in school with East African experiences. My work is both a witness to that era and an act of moving beyond it, weaving together the Indian diaspora’s journeys, the African environment of my birthplace, and the long shadows of British rule into a voice that is fully my own. I would say, I carry both the remnants of the British era and the aspirations of modern times and my literary journey continues to reflect the evolving balance between influence and self-definition.

 

NILAVRONILL: We are almost at the end of the interview. I remain obliged to you for your participation. Now, personally, I would like to know your honest opinion about Our Poetry Archive. Since April 2015 are publishing and archiving contemporary world poetry each and every month. Thank you for sharing your views and spending much time with us.

 

PARVINDER NAGI: I truly remain grateful and feel honoured for your kind invitation on this platform of “Our Poetry Archive,” offering me this opportunity to reflect, exchange ideas, and reaffirm faith in poetry’s eternal relevance. A platform that has added to my personal and professional growth building bridges across cultures, languages, and generations, allowing poets from every corner of the world to speak in their own voices, sharing a common space. I admire its unwavering dedication to the literary work of poets, fostering the respect for craft, and providing a literary platform, an archive of human feeling, an evolving anthology of world conscience. Each issue of OPA is a global recognition, embracing and uniting the writer's voice collectively. I feel grateful to be a part of “Our Poetry Archive “

 

 

PARVINDER NAGI: Parvinder was born and brought up in Mombasa, Kenya, East Africa. Parvinder has dedicated her career to shaping the minds of future generations as a principal. Parvinder is a national award winner from NCERT, New Delhi. Parvinder is the author of a poetry book, “UNFATHOMED SECRETS”, a heartfelt collection of 100 poems from the abyss of her heart. She is a recipient of many literary awards. * An ambassador for peace in the world poetic fraternity, * The Global Peace Ambassador Awards, * Literary Ambassador Awards* Honorary Doctorate Awards. *An Ambassador for Indian Culture Insight Magazine. *An official member of CIESART. Parvinder has done many collaborative poems. Her poems are translated into various languages across the globe. Her poems are …Published among 231 great noble world poets, in the book “WORLD CONTEMPORARY POETS VOLUME 2”-Published in Turkish in “Poets from The World “, -Published in “Global Change Makers” -Published in “The Women - Global Poetic Gems" a collection of lyrical poems by international poets -Published in “UNCONDITIONAL LOVE AND HUMANITY” …. A Special International Poetry Anthology for The Disability. And yet into many more anthology books. Parvinder is a translator and has translated a historical chronological book, from Kosovo, written by Dibran Fylli “Prekazi Brezni Trimash-HE IS ALIVE “And another poetry book of selected poems “A caress in the soul “of a renowned author, writer, and editor Angela Kosta from Albania, in her mother language. Parvinder’s poems are music to the heart that express different aspects of life, bringing joy to the readers.