Uzma Fatima, a resident of Uri in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district, is the talk of the town these days after coming out with her first solo book titled "War of Different Emotions".
Brighter Kashmir caught up with her to find out what motivated her to write a book that uniquely focuses on what drives human emotions and makes them feel and act accordingly. Uzma informed that the art of putting pen to paper has been a passion that she has nurtured since she was a child.
"This book is the first that I have written solo, on my own, and got it published. Prior to this, I have been associated with or have co-authored about 40 books. As the title of this book "War of Different Emotions" suggests, it is not focussed on one particular theme, but on a range of them, each of which psychologically and physically impact us in one way or the other in our daily lives. For instance I talk about themes like love, patience, disappointment, struggle and depression to name a few, and how they affect us as we continue on our journey through life," she said.
Uzma further told BK that the book's objective was to look for ways to lift the morale of humans experiencing lows and to give them a sense of purpose or a direction to come back on track and lead fulfilling lives.
"There are imaginative thoughts and poems as well in this book to which readers can relate to. It's basically a collection of poems that I had started writing in a diary format when I was in school. At that time, my family and wellwishers dissuaded me from writing such stuff, saying 'No Muslim girl or woman does these sorts of things. I remember when I was in the eighth standard, my cousins managed to get their hands on this diary. At that time, my write-ups were mainly about feelings or expressions of love and romance which weren't appreciated or encouraged. I didn't stop writing, but yes, I stopped maintaining my diary for some years. I have had the full support of my parents all along for anything that I have wanted to pursue and I am very grateful for that. I was given a mobile in the eleventh standard by my father through which I accessed an App that allowed me to resume my diary writing."
Uzma said her family has taken great pride in her success as a writer and is particularly happy to bask in the glory of all the certificates and acknowledgements that she has received with the passage of time.
"I have a cousin Jameel who has been my mentor. I have most often turned to him for guidance on how to write, whether I am using the correct words in English to express myself, etc. I have been a good student of the English language but because of limited exposure given our environment, there have been times when I needed help or for someone to correct me," Uzma revealed.
She added that though there have been people who discouraged her from pursuing writing as a career choice, she has never lost heart and has just gone forward.
"I am of the firm view that losing your drive to pursue something that you are interested in can lead you down the wrong path. For instance we here of the youth taking to drugs, or persons getting involved in other social evils, or people thinking of or commiting suicide unable to deal with the challenges that they are confronted with. Islam does not sanctify suicide in any way. My message to the youth is pursue with vigour what interests you and is socially acceptable. To the parents, I will say don't pressure your child, every one has some or the other good quality that can be nurtured and encouraged. Stop comparisons, I have chosen writing as a medium to express myself; others are free to choose theirs and make a better life for themselves," Uzma concluded.