Translation has been a rewarding experience for me. It connects me with two languages and allows me to act as a bridge, carrying creative expressions and thoughts from one linguistic realm to another.
Dr. Yogita Joshi
Dr. Yogita Joshi is the generation next educationist who believes in developing innovative techniques for making learning interesting and easy to relate with the real life situations. She is a trainer, author, counsellor and a motivational speaker. She holds Ph.D Degree along with Bachelor of Education and Post Graduate Diploma in Guidance & Counselling.
She has twenty five years of hands on experience as an educationist.She has conducted scores of teachers development programmes with a focus on helping teachers develop competencies that would enrich the learning experience of their students holistically .
She is an ardent supporter of inclusive education and believes that proficiency in English Language Skills is the key stone for progress .By profession She is a principal but by heart she is a litterateur .She has authored seven books.
Dr. Joshi, you were born and brought up in a small town in Rajasthan. How did your upbringing influence your writing and academic pursuits?
Although I was born and brought up in a small village, my deep connection with literature was nurtured by my parents and, even more so, by my grandfather’s encouragement. From a young age, I started reading quality literature and also practiced writing to some extent. I always had a determination to achieve something meaningful in life, which also reflected in my academic performance.
You hold a Ph.D. in English Literature and a Postgraduate Diploma in Guidance and Counseling. How do you think these qualifications have helped you in your career as a principal and a author ?
My academic journey has constantly helped me grow. I have been deeply interested in English literature since my school days. My father used to read English newspapers, and I gradually developed an interest in them as well. This interest led me to pursue a Master’s degree in English, and later, I completed my Ph.D. on the works of the renowned English author Anita Desai. This academic background has significantly benefited my career, and today, I hold a distinguished position as a principal.
We would like to hear about your professional journey and achievements as a writer of different streams?
While being actively engaged in the field of education, I have been consistently writing in Hindi. I am also involved in translation work—translating Hindi literary works into English and vice versa. So far, six of my books, including poetry, short stories, and essays, have been published. My research book was also featured at the World Book Fair. Some of my English poetry translations have been published in magazines. Currently, I am translating the essay collection Aalok Parv by the renowned Hindi writer Hazari Prasad Dwivedi into English. Additionally, I am translating the works of other significant authors from Hindi to English and vice versa. A collection of feminist-themed poetry and a Haiku collection are also in the press.
Your literary works include six collections of poetry and stories. What inspires your writing, and which of your published works is your favorite?
My writing is primarily inspired by the desire to contribute to form a better society. I believe that the purpose of literature is to guide and uplift society. All my published works are dear to me, but if I had to choose a favorite, I would say my collection of feminist-themed poetry holds a special place in my heart.
As a principal, how do you balance your administrative responsibilities with your passion for writing and creative pursuits?
There is a saying: “Where there is a will, there is a way.” Being a principal is a demanding job, but my passion for writing drives me to find time for it amidst my busy schedule. Instead of using my free time for entertainment, I dedicate it to creative pursuits. This balance has helped me sustain my writing journey.
You are a prolific writer of poems,articles,essays, stories, and short stories.Can you share your creative process with us and how you manage writing across different genres?
Writing is not just a hobby for me; it is an essential part of my life. Without writing, I feel a void. My mind is always engaged in deep contemplation on various issues, and these thoughts take shape in different literary forms—sometimes as poetry, sometimes as a short story or an essay. I also write about contemporary issues from time to time.
In addition to your writing, you are also a translator and editor. Can you tell us your experience in these roles ,and how they have helped you grow as a writer?
Translation has been a rewarding experience for me. It connects me with two languages and allows me to act as a bridge, carrying creative expressions and thoughts from one linguistic realm to another. This process has enriched my writing and helped me maintain originality in my work. My experience in translation has also benefited me in editing several books. Today, I continue to play multiple roles as a translator, editor, and writer.
Your books have been well received, and you have earned recognition and awards for your work. How does it feel to be acknowledged for your contributions to literature?
I believe that if you work with honesty and dedication, recognition follows naturally. My books have reached readers, and as a result, various institutions have honored me. I have never actively sought awards or recognition, but they have come my way due to my sincere efforts. Some of the significant honors I have received includes Pinkcity Women Achievement Award & Bharat Ratna Atal Samman etc.
Who are some of the authors or writers who have influenced your work,and what do you admire about their writing styles?
I would particularly like to mention the renowned Hindi writer Girish Pankaj. His versatile literary personality and his mentorship have greatly influenced me. I have even purchased his twenty-volume literary collection and aspire to translate his complete works into English. Apart from him, Hazari Prasad Dwivedi, Mahadevi Verma, Muktibodh, Nirala, Dinkar, Shakespeare, and Milton are among my favorite authors.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers, especially those from small towns or rural backgrounds who may face challenges in pursuing their literary dreams?
My advice to aspiring writers is to be patient and remain dedicated to their craft. Do not chase fame or compromise your integrity,especially women writers. Literature is a path of devotion, and gaining recognition takes time. I come from a small village, Nechhwa, and through my hard work and perseverance, I have been able to achieve something meaningful. Creative work gradually reaches people, so there is no need to rush. If you focus only on shortcuts and networking rather than the quality of your writing, you won’t be able to produce meaningful literature. Writers from rural areas should keep this in mind. The fragrance of your writing will eventually spread far and wide. Remember, even a writer like Premchand, who lived in the small village called Lamhi, became world famous.
Can you share some details about what’s in store for your readers?
Several of my books are set to be published soon. Some of my translation projects are also nearing completion. A poetry collection focused on feminist themes is in the press, along with a collection of short stories. and Haikus.Overall, my writing journey is continued.
