Dear Readers,

In this interview series we ask questions to people who are making a difference in our society, it can be big, it can be small, it doesn’t matter, what matters is their contribution. It can be anyone from any walk of life and from any country. Please, do send us suggestions of people whom you think we should interview for this series.

Anantinee ‘JHUMPA’ Mishra is a prodigy author, poet and TED speaker. She is eleven years old studying in std.7^th at Apeejay School, Saket, New Delhi.  At the age of ten, she published a 21,000 worded anthology of stories called ‘Treasure of Short Stories’. Recently she has been conferred with a title ‘PRODIGY AUTHOR’ and an ‘HONORARY DIPLOMA’ by the Hon’ble Vice President of  India Sh. M Venkaiah Naidu in the 39^th World Congress of Poets.

1. Tell us something about yourself?

Myself Anantinee Mishra, studying in Grade 7 in Apeejay School, Saket, New Delhi, India. Writing is my passion and reading is my hobby. I have authored a short story book , many stories  and poems in reputed magazines . I spoke in the very prestigious platform i.e. TEDx on the topic Fear & Hope. Recently I was conferred with the title ‘Prodigy Author’ and an ‘Honorary Diploma’ by Hon’ble Vice President of India.

2. What was your motivation to take up writing?

My motivation was not of any person or place as such. I was motivated to take up writing by famous authors of all time such as JK Rowling and Ruskin Bond. They encouraged me to bring out that somewhat hidden passion of writing short stories and poems at that particular period of time. I was also equally motivated with the various books which I used to read and continue reading, be it any genre or style. So, long story short, authors and boos are my inspiration, motivation.

3. Who are your favorite writers and books?

As I mentioned earlier, I absolutely adore JK Rowling and Ruskin Bond. Their works- Harry Potter and Crimes of Grindewald series and the flight of a pigeon respectively are my all-time favorites. Other than that, I like reading Shakespeare and Rabindranath Tagore. Their way of expressing a certain character’s emotions and mindset is simply superb. It feels like that I am myself present in the ballroom and Romeo and Juliet are dancing just beside me. I feel like any moment now Harry Potter will run to the castle dungeons and Professor Snape shall reprimand him for coming late with Draco Malfoy smirking in any corner. Such is the magic of such authors and their exemplary masterpieces.

4. What do you want to become when you grow up?

I aspire to become an Indian Administrative Officer and a renowned writer when I grow up. It is never too late to set your ambitions and I wish to become a living example of the same.

5. What does freedom of expression mean to you?

Freedom of Expression refers to the fact that I can express whatever my heart, soul or mind tells me to without a slightest bit of hesitation. Through writing, of course. I express whatever I desire to. No hindrance is acceptable with respect to freedom expression of course within permissible limits.

6. Which social issues do you try to cover in your writings and why?

As I am in my preteens, I prefer to cover all the issues that a child goes through at this point of time in life. Bullying and competitiveness in education as well as athletics remain the key storyline or plot and numerous of the short stories I have authored

7. Do you write in Oriya language too? What are your thoughts on promoting literature in regional Indian languages?

Unfortunately, no I don’t write in Odia language. Being brought up in Delhi has made me lose that connection somewhat, although I speak fluently in Odia. Regarding promotion regional language, yes that needs to be done. Writing books primarily in English results in the word ‘writing’ to be limited to the international language. Regional languages like Malaylam, Tamil, Marathi et cetera also need to be brought up to the front so that the native people are encouraged to master them and write masterpieces in the same. I am focusing on writing few stories in Sanskrit very soon.

8. Your message for our readers?

My message for all the readers would be to follow their heart out. I did, and I advise you to do the same. Follow your heart, your passion. Live your life, be focused and humble.