Behind every powerful book lies a remarkable author whose experiences, vision, and creativity breathe life into words. In the case of Fifteen Months and Seven Stories – Life through closed doors and masks, that author is Asha Singh Gaur—a multi-talented personality who has carved her space as a writer, poet, translator, artist, editor, and therapist. Her journey is as inspiring as the book itself, making her not just a storyteller but also a symbol of resilience and reinvention.
This article explores who Asha Singh Gaur is, her accomplishments, and how her personal evolution shaped this unforgettable memoir of the pandemic years.
Asha Singh Gaur – The Woman Behind the Words
Asha Singh Gaur is not defined by a single role. She is an artist of many forms—words, colors, and emotions. From corporate boardrooms to poetry readings, from translating novels to interpreting dreams, she has worn many hats with equal grace. Her strength lies in channeling personal experiences into creative outputs that touch lives.
Born with an innate passion for literature and art, Gaur initially built a successful corporate career. But in 2015, she shifted her focus entirely to writing, editing, and artistic pursuits. This bold step marked the beginning of her true creative journey, which has since blossomed into a career filled with awards, recognition, and diverse contributions to the literary world.
Literary Achievements Of Asha Singh Gaur
Over the years, Asha Singh Gaur has become a celebrated name in contemporary Hindi and English literature. Her works range from poetry and stories to translations and anthologies, showcasing her versatility. Some of her most notable milestones include:
Surkh Laal Barf (Hindi poetry), which won the Radha Awadhesh Saahitya Smriti Samman in 2015.
The Poet of the Year Award by Ukiyoto Publishing in 2023.
Sahitya Ratna Samman for poetry in 2024.
Translations of novels and stories that bridge linguistic and cultural gaps.
Editorial work on anthologies, offering platforms for diverse voices.
Her ability to write across languages and genres highlights not only her skill but also her deep understanding of human emotions and social realities.
Asha Singh Gaur as an Artist and Therapist
Beyond literature, Gaur is also a talented visual artist. She has participated in more than ten exhibitions across India, displaying her paintings and exploring how visual art can heal and inspire.
Her journey into art therapy and dream analysis reflects her commitment to helping others. By guiding people through creative expression, she offers tools to cope with trauma and rediscover themselves. This therapeutic angle directly connects to her memoir, where art and creativity emerge as pathways to resilience during the pandemic.
The Birth of Fifteen Months and Seven Stories – Life through closed doors and masks
The memoir that has brought Gaur widespread appreciation is rooted in one of the most difficult periods of her life. Like millions of others, she faced job loss, isolation, and uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Instead of succumbing to despair, she turned inward—rediscovering her love for painting, poetry, and storytelling. The result was Fifteen Months and Seven Stories – Life through closed doors and masks, a book that captures her reflections during those fifteen months of disruption.
Each of the seven stories in the memoir represents not only her experiences but also universal emotions of fear, separation, resilience, and hope. It is a personal yet collective narrative, showing how creativity can turn pain into purpose.
What Makes Asha Singh Gaur’s Voice Unique
Several qualities distinguish Gaur’s writing and make her a voice worth celebrating:
Authenticity – She writes with honesty, avoiding exaggeration while capturing real emotions.
Versatility – From poetry to memoir, from translation to editing, her range is remarkable.
Empathy – Her background as a therapist and artist enriches her writing with compassion.
Resilience – Her own journey of overcoming setbacks gives her work a deeply inspiring tone.
These qualities shine brightly in Fifteen Months and Seven Stories, making it more than just a pandemic memoir. It becomes a story of transformation.
Recognition and Foreword
The book carries further weight through its foreword by Neelam Saxena, an award-winning author who calls it “a poignant and deeply personal memoir.” Saxena’s words echo what many readers feel—that Gaur’s work is both intimate and universal.
Reader Reactions
Readers have consistently praised both the book and the author:
Chhatraveer called it compelling and thoughtful.
Sakshi Nair admired its raw yet uplifting conversational tone.
Deepak Seth highlighted how inspiring the author’s personal reinvention has been.
Krishna Dev Chaddar described it as a compassionate documentation of a historical moment.
These testimonials reflect not only the book’s impact but also the admiration for the author herself.
Why Asha Singh Gaur Matters
In an age when literature often becomes fragmented, Asha Singh Gaur stands out for her depth, sincerity, and multi-dimensional creativity. She is not just documenting life—she is living proof of how art and words can heal, inspire, and transform.
Her work matters because it bridges the gap between personal struggle and universal experience. She represents resilience, not only in surviving a crisis but also in turning it into art that resonates with thousands.
Conclusion
Fifteen Months and Seven Stories – Life through closed doors and masks is inseparable from its author, Asha Singh Gaur. The book is a reflection of her life, her values, and her ability to see beauty in adversity. But beyond the pages, her larger journey as a poet, translator, editor, artist, and therapist makes her a truly inspirational figure in Indian literature.
By highlighting human resilience, rediscovery, and creativity, Gaur has ensured that her memoir is not just a personal account but a timeless contribution to pandemic literature.
For readers who want to connect with an author who embodies courage, authenticity, and versatility, Asha Singh Gaur is a name to remember.
The memoir is available here: Buy on Amazon.
