Claiming to be a feminist is not only brave but gallant for an ideal feminist who share a common goal ; to define, establish and achieve personal and social rights for women. Simrann Keshwani, a Final Year literature student at the Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi and the Founder of Born Of a Million Thoughts has it all to be an influential and brave female philanthropist. At such a young age of 20, Simrann fears no barriers and plans on changing the world, one word at a time.
Unlike many, she has attained her dream to write a book on the most sensitive topic of the decade - War And Syria, and we have managed to interview her just before the launch of her first book " BECOMING ASSIYA ". Now we leave you to decide whether she deserves an applaud or maybe an award.
Ques. What are we going to find in "Becoming Assiya" ?
It's been 5 years that the Syrian internecine began. The world shed tears while town and cities bled to death. Now, what remains is mud and mortar while the world sleeps. I've been one of the lucky few to be able to firsthand understand the struggles of the people trapped inside War Torn areas, as their fights towards peace continues.
Becoming Assiya is a small attempt to capture Syria's moment of crumble and a look into the dystopian future we signed up for, where bullets replace lives.
Ques. Which incidence or I may say circumstances, made you sure to start writing on such issue ?
As a child. I remember visiting my maternal home in the UAE, holding my mother's hand and often asking her why people dressed differently than us to which she replied "The world has forgotten that it doesn't matter. They are human too."
Ques. Was it a childhood dream to write or yoy had to take a step forward to enlighten the current world scenario through your bold worlds ?
It was always a dream. Inshallah, soon a reality.
Ques. Do you recall someone as your inspiration ?
Yes, the people stuck in war. They deserve empathy. I think they are the real heroes and as many words as we use are less to wash off their agonizing trauma.
Ques. Who is your favourite author ?
Nadine Gordimer... After her trailblazing work "My Son's Story", my mind was a slab of wet concrete with sermons and stones carved in. The word was I all knew - it was my weapon ever
since.
Ques. We know you are the founder of BOMT. How did it start ? Enlighten your journey.
Born Of a Million Thoughts (BOMT) is my firstborn. All we need ti do is look around to realise the dire need for on ground activism. There is suffering in the air and our tragedy is more than ever. There is a fear of OTHER, fear of an UNKNOWN. It is these barriers, I and my team have always tried to erase and Becoming Assiya is a step in that direction too.
Ques. If you were given a power, what power would it be and how would you as a writer use it ?
I think all of us are immensely blessed with the power to change or to destroy, to create or to reduce to rumbles, with the dangerous power of the word.
EXCERPTS
Simrann has given a considerable amount of time and energy for causes.
She has used every opportunity available to make the world a grand place
Simrann is inpirational, dedicated
and has a beautiful soul.
Connect with her at https://www.facebook.com/becomingassiya
