I want my stories to bring people together, fostering empathy and understanding among folks from all walks of life.
Dr. Yojna Sah Jain
Dr. Yojna Sah Jain is a Berlin-based renowned author, poet, entrepreneur, cultural ambassador, and TEDx speaker. With a corporate career spanning over 18 years, she holds a Doctorate in Pharmacology and has extensive experience in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries across India and Germany. Beyond her corporate achievements, Dr. Jain has numerous medical and literary publications to her credit, including poetry collections, story collections, and novels, where she thrives as an artist committed to creative expression.
Internationally recognized, Dr. Jain has received multiple awards, including the prestigious Bharat Gaurav Samman, Maithilisharan Gupt Samman, and Golden Pinnacle Award, to name a few. She frequently collaborates with prominent figures in the Indo-German community, championing initiatives in education, integration, and storytelling that foster unity across diverse cultural landscapes.
Her acclaimed novel, Banaras Meets Berlin, interweaves the lives of characters from Banaras and Berlin, exploring themes of cultural unity, resilience, and the immigrant experience. Through her powerful storytelling, Dr. Jain brings a profound empathy to her work, celebrating the shared human connections that transcend borders and enrich contemporary Indo-German literature. Recently, Corporate Insights magazine engaged in a conversation with Dr. Jain about Banaras Meets Berlin, delving into the inspiration behind her novel and her vision for connecting cultures through her writing.
What inspired you to start writing, and how has your journey as an author evolved over the years?
I have been writing since I was a child. My first poem came to life when I was in 2nd grade. Back then, no one thought you could make a career out of writing. When I went to college, I had to put writing aside. I pursued my career, built a family, and writing took a back seat (fun fact: I started my career as a medical writer!).
Ten years later, I rekindled my literary journey. I digitized my poems and published my first collection with Bhartiya Gyanpeeth, one of the most renowned Hindi publishers. A year later, I wrote my first story, and many more followed. My first story collection was picked up by another renowned Indian publisher, Prabhat Publications. To my amazement, it became a bestseller. That felt like the pinnacle, and I thought my quota of writing was complete. Then, COVID-19 hit, and the world changed. I was in Germany with so much to write about. “A novel?” my husband prompted. “No, I can’t do it,” I said instantly. Writing a novel felt daunting. It required hard work and a real knack for storytelling. Anyways lets try, whats the harm. I began writing, deleting, and evolving characters every day. The plot changed monthly. The writing style shifted from second person to third to first person. I started writing in Hindi and switched to English a month later as the story demanded. Phew! So many twists, and turns, and a roller coaster ride. But finally, after three years of work alongside other professional and family commitments, Banaras meets Berlin saw the light of the day.
Each step has been a learning experience, helping me grow both as a writer and as an individual. But today, after holding my debut novel in hand and receiving positive feedback, I am overly excited to write more. I have already started working on the next book.
Can you share a bit about your writing process? Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into the creative zone?
I am pretty flexible with my writing schedule, but I stick to one rule: spend at least an hour every day reading or writing. However, there have been several sleepless nights engrossed in reading or writing or doing both simultaneously. I believe, reading is the most essential ingredient for being able to write. I am a night owl, so my best ideas come late at night when everything is quiet. For poems, they come naturally, but I still need time to polish them. For stories, I start with a rough outline and let them develop on their own. There are no strict rules in the creative process—you just go with the flow. Of course, it all requires commitment, focus, hard work and of course creativity for originality. I often listen to music or visit a nearby park to set the mood. I also meditate to clear my mind and spark creativity.
What do you find most challenging about being a female author in today’s literary landscape?
Navigating the literary world as a female author isn’t always a walk in the park. You know, when you dive into stuff like romance, love, and societal issues, people start asking all sorts of questions. Like, is the story based on your life? Who are the characters? And those bold scenes? Well, here’s the thing: stories aren’t always straight from the author’s life. They are a mix of everything we see and experience. So, being bold in writing? It can lead to some serious judgment calls. But hey, I see it as a chance to break boundaries and shine a light on different perspectives
Are there any specific themes or messages you aim to convey through your writing?
Oh, totally! My writing—whether it’s poetry or stories—dives deep into themes like love, resilience, personal growth, and the beauty of cultural diversity. Plus, I am all about challenging norms with my bohemian spirit shining through. My main vibe is all about showing that love knows no boundaries and that we are all more alike than we think. I want my stories to bring people together, fostering empathy and understanding among folks from all walks of life.
Can you tell us about a character from one of your books that you feel particularly connected to, and why?
I have written a bunch of stories, and it’s kind of hard to pick just one character to connect with. But, in my last book, there’s this girl who’s dealing with the whole motherhood journey, facing all sorts of challenges. And let me tell you, I have been through similar stuff, with all the stigmas and everything. It was my first serious story that got published and got a lot of love from readers. I felt a strong connection with ‘Kanchan’ from my story “Imli ka Chatkara”.
Now, in my latest novel “Banaras meets Berlin,” there’s this protagonist named Ragini. Her vibe matches mine, even though our stories aren’t the same. But she’s got this rebellious spirit and curiosity that totally resonates with my own experiences of navigating different cultures and finding my voice. And not only me, I am sure a lot of girls living in Germany or willing to explore the world could relate to Ragini.
How do you navigate the balance between staying true to your artistic vision and meeting the expectations of your readers or publishers?
Balancing artistic vision with what readers and publishers expect? It’s like walking a tightrope. It’s a delicate balance. First and foremost I stay true to my artistic vision by writing what I am passionate about and not just jumping on the latest bandwagon.
Indeed “Banaras meets Berlin” is likely the first of its kind in this genre, written by an Indian author diving into the complexities of Indo-German relationships. It is not just a love story of two people. Its a tale of the intersection of two cities, two cultures, two countries. There is a lot of history peeping through the windows in this novel. At the core, it’s all about showing how we all are more alike than different. How the power of love reigns supreme. Alongside following my instincts I also value feedback from readers and publishers as it helps refine my work. Ultimately, I believe authenticity is key, and when I write from the heart, it tends to connect with readers.
Are there any underrated or lesser-known books by female authors that you think deserve more recognition?
Absolutely, there are many talented female authors whose work deserves more recognition. One book that comes to mind is “Passing” by Nella Larsen. I believe it deserves alot more appreciation for its intricate storytelling and deep exploration of human emotions, racism, identity, social class and several linked societal issues.
What advice would you give to aspiring female writers who are just starting their journey in the literary world?
My advice is to stay persistent and believe in your voice. Writing can be a challenging journey, but it’s important to stay true to your passion and keep honing your craft. Don’t be afraid to share your stories and seek feedback. Don’t be afraid to be different, and carve your own path. Surround yourself with a supportive community, and most importantly, write about what matters to you.
How do you think the portrayal of women in literature has evolved over time, and what role do you see your work playing in shaping that portrayal?
The portrayal of women in literature has evolved significantly. Back in the day, female characters were often pretty flat and one-dimensional. But now we are seeing a whole new breed of women in books, media, and cinema worldwide. They are diverse, intense, and complex, breaking free from old stereotypes. It’s all about being strong yet vulnerable, professional yet driven by emotion. Today’s women characters own their desires and showcase their strengths, vulnerabilities, and all the different shades and sides of their lives. Why should men only enjoy the privileges, right? My work aims to contribute to this evolution by presenting strong, resilient female characters who navigate cultural norms & boundaries alongside personal challenges, thereby inspiring readers to embrace their own journeys.
Finally, what upcoming projects or ideas are you excited about, and can you give us a glimpse into what readers can expect from your future works?
Well, I have got some exciting updates on this front! Firstly, I am working on completing the first draft of my next story collection, which centres around a topic close to my heart—female experiences. While feminism is a big part of my writing, I also explore themes of love, positivity, and the colourful aspects of life. On top of that, I’m cooking up an intriguing sequel to “Banaras meets Berlin.” Let’s see when it comes to life. Additionally—I will be sharing a lot of Hindi poetry too. While English is great for stories, when it comes to poetry, my heart sings in Hindi. Stay tuned with me on social media for more updates!
Thank you immensely for posing these questions and taking the time to delve into my journey and thoughts.
