In its relentless pursuit of recognizing and celebrating literary brilliance, The Update India, India’s popular digital news and awareness website, embarks on a journey to unveil the finest poetic voices that have graced the realm of Indian Literature in 2023. Amidst a sea of talent, three outstanding poets have emerged, their verses resounding with passion, thought-provoking narratives, and an undeniable resonance with the times. Mayaa SH, Twisha Ray, and Aranya Johar stand as testaments to the power of poetic expression, and through an intricate interplay of language, emotion, and vision, they have secured their positions as the Best 3 Indian Poets of the year.
MAYAA SH – MS Dhoni Of Writing
Mayaa SH is a Multi-National and State Award Winner, a ten times a World Record Holder, An Artist, a Podcaster, a Record Chart Topping International Fastest Anthology Co-Authoress and has been chosen as number 1 The Modern Literary Stars Of India, 2022 by Cherry Book Awards for making valuable contribution to Contemporary Indian Literature. She is also known as Mayaa Devi, Mayaa Tai, Mayaa Di ,Mayaa Audio SH, Pushpa ‘The Fire’ , Padma Of The East, Lady Robin Hood , MS Dhoni Of Writing , Female Chulbul Pandey and Lady Gandhi is a known name in Contemporary Literature.
Read Mayaa’s message on Independence Day.
Mayaa SH’s literary contributions have touched upon many issues and daily challenges of women. She has Won In Memorable Performance in the category termed as ‘Other than English write ups “ for her appreciation of hard work , creativity and dedication in Grand Christmas Competition 2.0 which has been a world record event of the largest creative event hosted online with more than 1000+participants . Mayaa SH a gender equality exponent to position and contextualize her work within the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. She has depicted gender inclusivity and equality through her certifications from the United Nations and powerful writings on Feminism, Gender Equality, Transforming Vision Into Action: Transmogrification on Transgender Community and Mental Health Awareness Topics. Her work depicts the identity, economic and social freedom of many .She has co-authored more than hundred and fifty plus anthologies with nine solo books and has been aligned with more than 86 publication houses.She has been featured in several magazines and women oriented like Tejaswi -The Imperishable on Women Power and Honour including few international magazines. Her first poem “The Candle In The Wind” made her win an Award at the National Level. She navigates many women through stress by deploying talking as a medium to combat stress and fear. She is an expert in suicide prevention and women motivation.
TWISHA RAY – passion drives success
Twisha Ray is a passionate individual with a diverse range of interests. An avid reader and writer, she finds solace in the world of words, often embarking on literary journeys that captivate her imagination. Her love for travel takes her to all corners of the globe, with a particular affinity for mountainous landscapes that offer both challenge and serenity.
With an insatiable appetite for learning, Twisha is always eager to acquire new knowledge. She possesses a keen eye for photography, as she never misses a moment to capture life’s fleeting instances through her camera lens. Her academic journey led her to earn a degree in Computer Science Engineering, equipping her with technical prowess. Adding to her skill set, she later pursued an MBA in Human Resource Management, honing her ability to understand and work effectively with people.
Twisha’s curiosity extends beyond the earthly realm; she nurtures a fascination for space technology and gadgets that push the boundaries of innovation. Her enthusiasm isn’t limited to personal growth; she derives immense joy from sharing her knowledge and expertise with others. Notably, Twisha’s quirky accessory, her spectacles, is a testament to her unique personality. She finds inspiration in cartoons that offer valuable life lessons, showcasing her open-mindedness to unconventional learning sources.
In summary, Twisha Ray is a multifaceted individual whose passions span literature, travel, technology, and education. Her journey from a computer science engineer to an HR professional reflects her dedication to continuous learning and personal development. Through her distinctive lens, she navigates the world with a blend of wonder, intellect, and an ever-present sense of adventure.
My mother is my inspiration, says Twisha Ray – Read here!
ARANYA JOHAR – Using Social Media To Influence Minds
In the realm of spoken word poetry, where artists have been using their voices to question politics, convey identity, and forge connections since the mid-1980s, one name shines brightly as one of the best poets in India – Aranya Johar. Despite being born over a decade after the inception of this expressive medium, the 24-year-old sensation has carved out a formidable reputation not only in her hometown of Mumbai but across the global stage. Her evocative performances, delving into critical issues like gender bias and misogyny, have captured the attention of audiences worldwide.
In her latest compelling piece titled “A Brown Girl’s Guide to Beauty,” Johar fearlessly exposes the stereotypes and beauty standards that confront Indian women, with her words resonating powerfully. The opening lines of her poem—”Since the age of 9 I’ve been slapping my face with fairness creams”—underscore the challenges faced by those who don’t conform to prevalent standards of beauty. Johar’s verses dissect how skin color dictates one’s perceived beauty, portraying lighter complexions as more desirable and socially privileged. She highlights the disheartening reality of Indian women resorting to whitening creams to alter their natural appearance, challenging the societal norms that perpetuate such biases. As Johar eloquently raps, “We brown girls revolt against our own reflections every single time an Indian magazine puts a light-skinned girl on a cover, calling her brown.” The artist seamlessly weaves cultural references like haldi (turmeric) into her verse, exposing the lengths to which individuals go to attain a lighter skin tone. She defiantly embraces her identity with lines like, “Forget Snow White, say hello to chocolate brown. I’ll write my own fairytale.”
However, beyond the surface, Johar’s words carry a profound message. She advocates for a shift in perspective, emphasizing that each individual transcends mere physical attributes. “We’re all more than our coloration and body types,” she passionately declares, promoting unity among diverse backgrounds. With poignant allusions, she addresses the pervasive fixation on fair skin in India—a nation grappling with deep-rooted discrimination against those with darker complexions. Through her verse, Johar challenges society to embrace the kaleidoscope of beauty that exists in varying forms and shades. In essence, her impactful message underscores the urgency to redefine beauty beyond narrow confines and encourages the celebration of the entirety of the human experience.
Read in detail about Aranya Johar here!
