Dr Pali Chandra (left) and Aalok Shrivastav with Karuna Rathor ‘Tina’.

The book of poems of Karuna Rathor ‘Tina’, “Har Baat Mein Tera Zikr” (Your Remembrance In Every Conversation), was launched mid-September in the presence of a distinguished gathering at the auditorium of Indian Consulate Dubai.

Containing 51 poems, it was officially launched by Tadu Mamu IFS (Consul — Press, Information, Culture & Labour), Kathak Ambassador Dr. Pali Chandra and eminent poet, writer and journalist, Aalok Shrivastav. 

When Dr Chandra and Shrivastav opened its colourful wraps and launched the book, the auditorium reverberated with thunderous applause!

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The joyous moments were witnessed by Tina’s proud parents, Shashi Punia and Udai Bhan Punia. Her husband, Manish Rathor, son Aryan and daughter Aahna, were also present on the occasion. “I consider this launch an auspicious blessing,” said Tina. 

She has been resident in Dubai with her family for the past few years. Passionate about dance, especially Kathak, she has also been a writer from her childhood.

Kathak is the classical dance form of the Indian State of Uttar Pradesh. During the period of Mughal rule, emperors were its patrons and actively promoted it in their royal courts.

Kathak performances include Urdu Ghazals, the form of poems originating in Arabic poetry, and commonly used instruments of the Mughal period. It is the only Indian classical dance form to feature Persian elements.

Author Karuna Rathor ‘Tina’.

After arriving in Dubai, Tina has kept her passions alive. She has showcased her writing talent in Dubai’s Mahila Kavya Manch (Women’s Poetry Platform) and is now the president of the same.

The organisation gives women an opportunity to present their talent and also organises poetry gatherings from time to time.

One of Tina’s poems titled “Kashish” (Attraction) was set to music and sung by Indian Classical vocalist Rajani Shridhar. It was choreographed and performed in Kathak style by Poonam Soni. The event was anchored by Somna Tugnait.

“Har Baat Mein Tera Zikr” offers a bouquet of poems or ‘Nazm’, reflecting Tina’s free thinking. She speaks to Gulf Today:

What attracts you to Urdu language and poetry?

This is a very beautiful question. My grandparents were teachers since pre-independence period. They were fluent in Hindi-Urdu and Punjabi, since we belong to northern part of India. My grandmother had a special love for the Urdu language.

My father worked as a journalist with a renowned newspaper. And my mother has always been very good in expressing herself. So I am very much sure that this love for Urdu and writing was gracefully received through genes!

What pulled you towards Hindi poetry?

Hindi is my mother tongue and I am comfortable in giving the flow to my expressions through this language.

Why do you think you can express yourself best when you combine Urdu and Hindi languages?

Hindi offers me expressions and Urdu gives me nazakat (delicacy). I believe that this combination is very interesting. But it was never planned this way; it happened spontaneously. I literally loved doing it consistently. It is the Almighty’s grace.

Both Dr. Pali Chandra and Sachin Puthran, in their commemorative messages in your book, have noted a “see-saw” and “up and down” effect when reading it. Did you aim for it?

At the first instant, I bow down with my palms together to my Guru Dr. Pali Chandra and my mentor and facilitator, Sachin Puthran. 

As human beings, we have the ability to experience joy and sorrow on different occasions and situations. Sometimes they are experienced at the same time — which Dr. Pali calls the feeling of ecstasy. But no, it is definitely not possible to aim for an effect like that, if you are an emotional person. It is just natural. It just came directly from the heart.

Purnima Varman, in her analysis, has said that your work is influenced by India’s Bhakti poets and Sufi poets. Is it so?

Purnimaji is a specialist in literature. For her to think so is big thing for me. Many poets have been influenced by Bhakti and Sufi poetry.

When I began writing, I never had the idea to be influenced by Kabir, Mirabai, Amir Khusrau or Surdas or many more from this genre.

The reason behind it is that I never had chance to read them very deeply. But now, to study them is in my wish list and to do lists.

In the process of writing these poems, I felt a transformation within me. I have started seeing the Creator in each and every person or thing in this universe.

Yes, it is true that my poetry depicts union, separation, grief, disappointment and devotion like Sufi and Bhakti poetry. And the ultimate is surrendering to the Supreme power and acceptance of everything and every circumstance provided by Him.

Pradeep Sharma ‘Snehi’ has noticed you deal with ideas of fervent love and intoxication, separation and complaints in your poems. Is he right?

Pradeep Sharma ‘Snehi’ is a scholar and a well known versatile author of India. I am fortunate that he agreed to take out some time from his busy schedule to write the preface for my book.

Yes, his observation is absolutely correct. What he noticed is the same as Purnimaji noticed.

Tell us a secret: who is the “You” in your poems?

There is nothing secret in my life or poetry. I am very much a transparent person — so is my poetry. The “You” is the beloved or people in my life whom I love unconditionally.