I was born on 04.02.1981 in Hassan District, Karnataka State, India. I graduated from Mysore University and did post-graduate work in Kannada literature and earned a MA from KSOU Mysore. I’ve been interviewed on many radio programs in AIR Hassan in graduation level, many poems of mine are published in many books, and some poems are published in local and international newspapers. I believe in equality among human beings, freedom of expression, and peace and fraternity in the world.
I write poems and stories in Kannada and English that are published in international literary journals and the Global Nation of Bangladesh, The Primelore, Bangladesh. I’m published in Poetry Tribune Rumenia, Atunis Galaxy Poetry, Literary Barcelona Magazine Egift, Obra Maestra Canada, IACL, Humayun Editorials Monthly Journal of Poetry and outlets on social media.
As a writer, I want to give a voice to marginalized classes of our society, to people of different cultures, religions, and languages. I believe that people are all similar underneath our differences. This strong belief provoked me to write.
Dr. Debabrata Maji’s journey is one woven with the artistry of words, the precision of engineering, and the resounding echoes of literary passion. Born on September 6, 1961, in the serene Deulpur Village of Howrah District, West Bengal, India, his life’s path meandered through the structured world of engineering before blossoming into an awe-inspiring legacy in the poetic realm. With the gentle guidance of his parents, the late Harendra Nath Maji and late Nirmala Maji, Dr. Maji grew up immersed in the rhythms of nature and the unspoken poetry of life.
Despite pursuing a career in engineering, the written word never loosened its grip on his soul. It was as if poetry was inscribed into his very being, waiting patiently for the right moment to erupt into brilliance. And erupt, it did. What followed was an unstoppable rise through the ranks of the World Poetic Fraternity, marking Dr. Maji as a luminary in contemporary literature. His works—potent, evocative, and timeless—captured hearts across borders, earning him a place among the greatest voices of his era.
His literary prowess, distinguished by a profound sensitivity and refined craftsmanship, has been recognized far and wide. The world acknowledged his contributions by bestowing upon him twelve Honorary Doctorates, a testament to the depth and impact of his work. Recognition followed in waves, with nine prestigious Annual Literary Awards adorning his illustrious career—one of the most remarkable being the Silver Saraswati Statue, a symbol of divine wisdom and artistic excellence.
The weight of his influence is evident in the vast array of publications that carry his name. His unique poetic creations have graced numerous magazines, newspapers, and contemporary anthologies, reaching readers across India and beyond. His artistry, rooted in heartfelt emotions and intricate expressions, carved a distinct space within global literary landscapes.
Dr. Maji’s written legacy is solidified through six remarkable poetry collections, each bearing the coveted ISBN. His books—*Kavita Bichitra*, *Kavita Darpan*, *Probad Angina*, *Premer Boikunth*, *Sonnet Bhaskar*, *Harano Bamsari*, *Smarane Manane” and *Dreamscape* — are more than literary works; they are extensions of his soul. They have found their way into the hands of eager readers, offering solace, beauty, and wisdom through poetic verses that transcend time.
The accolades are endless, honoring his artistic contributions with the most distinguished awards: *Bharat Gaurav Ishan Award*, *International Solidarity Award*, *Kabi Ratna Award*, *Sarat Sahitya Ratna Award*, *Bengal Shiksha Gaurav*, *International Kabi Ratna Award*, and many more, including the *Royal of Art and Literature Award*, *Bishwa Bongo Sahitya Award*, *Golden Pen Award*, *Golden Star Award*, *William Shakespeare Award*, *Poet of Nature Award*, and the revered *Gold Poetry Prize Winner*. These titles bear witness to his unwavering commitment to poetry and the sheer brilliance of his literary craft.
A life dedicated to poetic excellence naturally garnered admiration and respect, culminating in six prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards. These recognitions not only celebrate his mastery but also solidify his place in the pantheon of poetic greatness. His presence as a guest in numerous literary organizations further reinforces the esteem he commands within intellectual and artistic circles.
Through every verse, every accolade, and every page that carries his name, Dr. Debabrata Maji’s journey remains an extraordinary testament to the boundless power of words. His story is not merely about accolades or achievements—it is about a man who dared to transform life’s melodies into poetry, leaving behind an enduring legacy that will inspire generations to come.
Like many others, I have many interests, But let me tell you just one of them. Sitting in front of the television screen, Watching football—that’s my favorite hobby.
The kings of football: Ronaldo, Messi, And I’m also a fan of Neymar Junior. When Marcelo strikes with his amazing shots, My eyes light up with joy and delight.
Running on a lush green field with the ball— It’s not easy, facing tough rivals. When luck is on your side, you score a goal, But if it’s not, you might not even touch the ball.
Some win, and others lose the match, Often, the final minutes decide it all. We share in the winners’ celebration, And stand by the losers with hearts full of empathy.
It’s not easy for those who lose either, For behind them stands an entire nation. Sometimes, we must admit who earned victory, Sometimes, defeat teaches more to a man.
I mentioned the world’s most famous players, Spoke of the greats and their shining names. But truly, let us never forget The footballers of my own Uzbekistan.
They have skill, courage, and speed, Win or lose in every game they play. No matter the outcome, behind them always Stands the hopeful Uzbek crowd watching with pride.
We have “Jaloliddin,” we have “Abbosjon,” Carried in every Uzbek’s heartfelt prayer. May your feet never grow tired on the pitch— You are tomorrow’s world champions!
Marjona Baxtiyorovna Jo‘rayeva was born on October 18, 2003, in Termiz district, Surkhandarya region. She studied at School No. 6 in her district from 2010 to 2021. From grades 5 to 11, she actively participated in the “Knowledge Competitions” and “Subject Olympiads” in the subject of Uzbek Language and Literature, winning first place in district-level rounds and becoming a winner at the regional level. She graduated from school with an honors diploma and a gold medal In 2022, she was admitted to the Uzbek Language and Literature program at the Faculty of Philology of Termiz State Pedagogical Institute on a state scholarship. Currently, she is a third-year student at the institute and also serves as the coordinator of the “Mushoira” (Poetry) Club. In addition, she works as a teacher of Uzbek language and literature at the specialized School No. 12 in Termiz district. She is a member of the Democratic Party of Uzbekistan “Milliy Tiklanish” (National Revival). She has a good command of both English and Turkish languages and holds a B2 level certificate in Turkish.
That graceful lady, on a rainy afternoon, opened for the first time a notebook filled with scribbled lines of poetry. At first, she felt confused, as if hearing a foreign language. But then, with each rhythm and each resonant word, she was amazed to realize: poetry was speaking for her own heart. From that moment on, poetry became a companion, helping her to understand the world and herself. People often say, “Poetry is the blood of the heart, the voice of the soul” (Gibran). Indeed, poetry is everywhere: in lullabies, in letters, even in dry chronicles. It not only arranges words but distills emotions, turning the personal into a shared rhythm. Thus, poetry is like a bridge spanning generations and feelings. If you have ever been puzzled by a poem, do not rush to blame it for being inaccessible. Like any art form, poetry requires patience and an open heart. When we listen and allow ourselves to be moved, poetry will bloom. To fully appreciate it, readers should begin by understanding poetry’s structure: from lines, stanzas, rhyme schemes, to rhythm, all are pieces that harmonize into a meaningful picture.
As she began to explore the world of poetry, she gradually realized that reading poetry is not merely about receiving brief phrases but a journey opening layers of emotions and reflections. Poetry is a condensed world where each line, each image carries a hidden meaning, waiting for the patient reader to unfold. A poem, seemingly simple on the surface, actually contains a whole universe of the soul. Everyone approaches poetry with their own perspectives and experiences, making the meaning of a poem never fixed but always shifting with each heart that receives it. Poet Robert Frost once said: “Poetry is a conversation between the heart and the mind, a way for people to extend their voice across time.” And so, decoding poetry requires subtle understanding and attentive listening.
One autumn afternoon in August, the graceful lady sat by the window holding an old poem gifted by an unknown author. She read it repeatedly; each word and phrase gradually revealed images, tones, and emotions she had never noticed before. She learned not to rush analyzing each word but to let the entire poem flow smoothly through her soul, until everything naturally became clearer. She began to ask: Who is speaking in the poem? To whom are they speaking? What is the surrounding context? These questions opened a space for deeper understanding—not only of the author but also of herself. There is a saying: “The best reader is one who journeys alongside the author in discovering meaning” (Ezra Pound). And the graceful lady gradually realized that reading poetry truly means not only understanding words but living with the poem’s breath and feelings.
Poetic language is a world different from everyday speech, a place where symbolic images, subtle metaphors, and harmonious rhythms combine to give the work life. Once, in a conversation with a seasoned poet, she heard him say: “Metaphor is the soul of poetry. A single image can carry a vast range of emotions, transporting the reader from reality to imagination.” Like when Shakespeare called life “a fool’s tale, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing,” just a few words made readers feel the futility and brevity of human existence. Martin Luther King, Jr. also used metaphor in his famous speech, calling the American South a “burning desert of oppression” and hoping it would become “an oasis of freedom and justice,” powerful images that stirred the hearts of listeners. The graceful lady understood that metaphor not only enlivens language but also enables poetry to transcend ordinary language limits and reach the listener’s heart.
But the journey of writing poetry is not always smooth. Some days, the graceful lady sat at her desk staring at a blank page, her mind tangled, unable to find a single idea. Feelings of frustration, fear, and anxiety hung like a shadow. She recalled Ernest Hemingway’s words: “Writing is a lonely job but sitting still and not writing is lonelier still.” In that moment, she understood that writer’s block is inevitable, and how she overcomes it matters most. She tried stepping outside to breathe fresh air, watching people passing by to calm her mind. Sometimes, just a short story about a bird flying past the window would brighten her thoughts, making words flood back. She began jotting down fragmented sentences, small ideas, imperfect but real, and from there, the creative flow resumed.
As poet Rainer Maria Rilke once advised: “Live the questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without noticing it, live your way into the answer.” The graceful lady learned that creativity does not always require a perfect plan; sometimes a small step or a spontaneous idea is enough to break through the wall of stagnation. Music, nature, and small everyday objects all became precious sources of inspiration, helping her reclaim emotions and continue raising her own voice.
In the end, she realized poetry is a process of empathy, between the writer and themselves, and between the reader and the author. Each poem is like a mirror reflecting hidden corners of the human soul, helping us better understand ourselves and the world around us. As poet Langston Hughes said, “Poetry is understanding people with the heart, not just the mind.” And when the graceful lady sat down to write her first verses, she knew she was not alone. Like generations before her, she was gathering fragments of words and rhythms of emotion to create her own symphony, a melody of the heart echoing through past, present, and future.
V.T.N.M.
Võ Thị Như Mai is a translator, poet, and educator lives in Western Australia. She is known for translating Vietnamese poetry into English and vice versa, helping to connect and promote cultural and linguistic exchange between the two literary traditions. Her poems have been published on many major platforms attracting wide attention from readers both in Vietnam and abroad. In May 2025, she was honoured with an award from the Vietnamese Consulate General in Australia, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the development and promotion of Vietnamese literature overseas.
