Dr.Aswin Shaji is a MBBS doctor from Kollam, Kerala.He grew up in Saudi Arabia and completed his schooling at International Indian School Al-Jubail. It was there that he found his passion for both the healing arts and the literary arts. He was part of the editorial board of the school annual magazine- ECHO. Subsequently he went to India to complete his Bachelors in Medicine and Surgery at Amrita Institute of Medical Science, Kochi, Kerala where he was the arts representative for a term.
He is now in preparation for NEET-PG exam.He has been published as a Co-Author in 8 books and is also working on a solo release book.His patience to listen to one’s stories and his keen view of life is what inspires him to blot his ink on paper. His love for poetry arises from viewing the reflected shades of life and the sublimation of nature with the soul.
His achievements in the literary field are-
1.Editorial Board(School annual Magazine ECHO)- 2011-2012
2.Various articles in newspapers like Saudi Gazette and Gulf Daily
3.He has been published in 8 Anthologies under various publications
A head full of dreams
Paradise
A night to remember
Give me wings
Midnight
Imperfections
Secrets
Blooming Wildfire
4. 1st prize in script writing competition on “World Suicide prevention day” conducted by Psychiatry department in Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi.
Here is an exclusive interview with Dr. Aswin Shaji:
Which books written by you have been published?
I have been published in 8 Anthologies under various publicationsA head full of dreams
Paradise
A night to remember
Give me wings
Midnight
Imperfections
Secrets
Blooming Wildfire
What is your success mantra for budding writers, poets, and authors?
The beauty of words are the reflection of the souls symphony through the pens nib and the flowing ink that touches and passes through and permanently marks both the paper and the reader with an inexplicable sense of awe and interest. Words that through the transcendence of time and language barriers allows us to see and feel and ultimately emote what the author felt. A swish of the pen is but a simple task but to bring forth an entire world with it is something to strive for.
Each time I note something, I always wish to convey that which I could not in general public. An introverts life is a hard one in any social setting but as an author I transcend the blockade of social setting, of color, of caste or creed and in this modern era with translation software’s, even language.
What I have to say to the budding writers of India is to keep writing and try to grab each opportunity as it comes, so that you will be able to truly convey what you want to a wider audience.
What is your other profession and how does it influence your literary work?
My other profession is being a Doctor. The best part is being able to be a healer both for the body and mind. We have to listen to the patient’s history both to assess and diagnose them but also to know whether any other factors are contributing to the patient’s current ailment. Being able to listen to the patients’ stories and their history, allows me to connect to them and be able to empathise with them. This also helps me to grow as a human and ultimately pen down what I feel as I try to step into someone else’s shoes.
What motivates you?
What motivates me are the books that I have read, the people that I have talked to and the values that I grew up with.
How did you start your writing journey?
I started my writing journey by writing short stories when I was in the 7th grade. I didn’t particularly write it for anyone other than for my own satisfaction to be able to build a whole world and be able to view it. It was my friends’ curiosity of what I was writing that led to them reading what I wrote and giving their opinion on it. This further encouraged me to write more. In 11th grade I took Creative Writing as a subject instead of Maths because I was already focused on Medicine and also wanted to hone my literary skills. It was there that I fell in love with writing poetry. I would always like to thank my parents, relatives and teachers for always encouraging me on this road. My teachers, Mr. Fakhruddin and Dr. Syed Hameed who was our principal at the time, were the ones that honed my talents and gave me the opportunity for many school events.
How do you react to the success you got thus far?
I am extremely happy. To even be able to reach so far is itself amazing.
What do we expect from you in the future?
You can surely expect more works from me in the future. Whether it be as part of an anthology or solo books. You can catch up with me on instagram @thenirvanicheart or visit my blog at thenirvanicheart.blogspot.in
