Renowned writer, poet, and sensitive literary figure Asha Shailly, originally of Punjabi roots, shares a deep emotional and cultural connection with the land of Uttarakhand. Her literary works beautifully reflect the simplicity of mountain life, the unmatched beauty of nature, the warmth of human relationships, and a positive, inspiring outlook toward society. Her simple, graceful, and emotionally rich style has become her literary identity, effortlessly touching the hearts of readers. Through her contribution to literature and culture, she has helped bring the rich folk and literary traditions of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand to national and international recognition.
Recently, Prof. S.S. Dogra — Delhi Bureau Chief of Nepal’s prestigious Himalini magazine, senior journalist, author, and media academician — conducted a special online interview with Asha Shailly, who has made remarkable contributions to Hindi literature at both national and international levels. Presented here are the key excerpts from this insightful and inspiring conversation:
Question: How have the cultural background of Himachal Pradesh and your deep association with Uttarakhand influenced your literature?
Answer: Both these states have been my karmabhoomi (land of work), and it is natural for one’s work — especially writing — to be influenced by the civilization and culture of these regions. These two Indian states are deeply interconnected, and their geographical and cultural environments are quite similar. While my education took place in Uttarakhand (then part of Uttar Pradesh), after marriage Himachal Pradesh remained my workplace for a long period. Naturally, the culture and traditions of both states are clearly reflected in my writings.
Question: Your works beautifully portray mountains, nature, and human emotions. Are these reflections of your personal life experiences?
Answer: Whatever we have lived and experienced inevitably becomes part of our writing.
Question:In today’s fast-paced modern life, how challenging is it to preserve sensitivity in literature?
Answer:If sensitivity still exists in your heart, it will certainly remain in your writing too. No matter what happens, it cannot completely disappear.
Question:Your poetry and writings prominently reflect positivity and inspiration. What is the philosophy behind this outlook?
Answer:Whether you write poetry or stories, your thoughts naturally influence your writing. I would especially like to say that in life’s biggest crises, it was positivity that helped me overcome difficulties. I believe God never closes all doors at once. Perhaps this faith itself makes a person positive and helps one rise again after falling. Such positivity is essential for poetry and narrative literature. Negative literature, on the other hand, spreads despair in society. In fact, I believe positive thinking can even bring fresh buds to a dried tree trunk. Other forms such as essays and history differ because they are based more on reality than imagination.
Question:Why is it important to preserve mountain culture and folk life in literature?
Answer:Mountain life is generally not easy. I will speak about India rather than other countries. India’s cultural heritage is extremely rich and valuable. Our culture is rooted in epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Once you begin exploring them, countless fascinating stories unfold before you. While the Ramayana mainly belongs to central and southern India, the Mahabharata lives in every corner of northern India. In Himachal’s mountains, I witnessed a unique form of it which differs from Uttarakhand. There, Lord Ram is portrayed as someone among us. If we fail to preserve such rich literature, we risk losing our own identity.
Question:What similarities and distinctions do you see between the literary traditions of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand?
Answer:Both states share similar divine traditions, which are deeply embedded in their literature. Literary scholars in both states claim connections with Manu’s legendary boat — Manali in Himachal and Mana village in Uttarakhand. However, contemporary literature appears more developed in Uttarakhand today. That said, Himachal’s literary heritage is equally significant. The Russian-born writer, poet, essayist, and travel author Nicholas Roerich settled in Himachal Pradesh and created remarkable literature there. Most importantly, the belief that Sage Ved Vyasa composed the Mahabharata on the banks of the Beas River greatly enriches Himachal’s literary legacy.
Question:As a woman writer, what challenges and inspirations have shaped your literary journey?
Answer:The biggest challenge often presented before women writers is the expectation that one must choose a “godfather” to succeed. Somehow, I could never do that. Perhaps that is why I belong neither here nor there.
Question: Do you see poetry merely as an expression of emotions, or also as a tool for social change?
Answer: That is a difficult question. There was indeed a time when songs and poetry could go beyond possibilities and inspire major transformations. But today, I do not think poetry alone can bring large social change. Poetry has mostly remained confined among poets themselves. Yet I would still say that a sensitive mind cannot stop itself from writing poetry.
Question: The younger generation seems to be drifting away from literature and books. What efforts are needed to reconnect them with literature?
Answer: The younger generation may be moving away from books, but not from literature itself. Today, the internet offers us such an abundance of literary material that it often surprises me.
Question: Your writings place great emphasis on relationships and human values. Do you feel society is losing these values today?
Answer: You have raised a very important issue. Yes, in the blind race for progress, human values have certainly declined. But there is no need to become completely pessimistic. As long as India’s eternal way of life survives, warmth in relationships will also survive.
Question: How do nature and the mountains spiritually energize your writing?
Answer: I do not know exactly — it simply happens naturally.
Question: According to you, what is the greatest need in literature and culture today?
Answer: Not becoming blindly obsessed with the race for progress.
Question: Do you think regional literature is receiving adequate national and international recognition?
Answer: It requires tremendous effort. Hindi itself has a vast global platform. When regional literature is presented through Hindi, it naturally reaches an international audience. But if we limit ourselves only to local dialects, the scope becomes smaller. Tell me — can you see more sky through a small window or from the rooftop? Therefore, if we truly want our thoughts to reach the masses, we must present them through Hindi.
Question: Which moment in your literary life do you consider the most memorable?
Answer: When I recited poetry in the courtyard of Mahadevi Varma in Allahabad, I first touched the soil of her courtyard to my forehead. On one side was the sound of the flowing Ganga, and on the other side the applause of listeners — a memory that still lives within me.
Question: What message would you like to give to emerging young writers and poets?
Answer: Study, hard work, and guidance. Reading others is extremely important, and seeking advice from learned people about one’s own writing is equally essential.
Question: According to you, what is more important for becoming a successful writer — talent or continuous practice?
Answer: Both. Without dedication and discipline, talent alone can achieve nothing.
Question: If you had to describe your entire literary personality in one sentence, what would you say?
Answer: Do your work and leave the results to God.
Question: What new literary works of Asha Shailly can readers expect in the near future?
Answer: My novel Paras and the collection Sahastradhik Doha may be released this very month. I am also working on Ramkatha Mandakini. Besides these, I have scattered material that may eventually become four more books. I am trying to organize it all — the future rests with God.
Question: Your writings beautifully balance spirituality and human sensitivity. Is this a reflection of your personal philosophy?
Answer: If a writer lacks spirituality, they cannot truly be sensitive. Human sensitivity alone is not enough — one must become sensitive not only toward humanity but toward every living being and even every particle of existence. A writer’s ideology always accompanies their work; in a sense, the writer is always present within their creation.
Question: Finally, what message would you like to give your readers and listeners regarding literature, society, and culture?
Answer: Literature should serve the welfare of all. If you write, write something meaningful. A writer’s role is like that of a mother, and every creation is like our child. I do not know who originally wrote these lines, but I heard them from my mother:
“If a mother gives birth, let it be to a devotee, a donor, or a hero.
Otherwise, why should she lose her radiance in vain?”
