Bhubaneswar, May 12: Her severity of anaemia is so chronic that she had to undergo 14 blood transfusions in the past three years.
What kept her headstrong amid the serious health disorders is her passion for writing poetry that gradually guided her to publish anthologies of poems. Her second book, The New Leaf, was launched in the city today.
Odia girl Samrudhi Dash just completed her masters in English literature from JNU, Delhi. But during her course of studies, she had to frequently travel back to her state for treatment. Life was difficult for the 24-year-old youngster.
"I was going through an extremely bad phase, and it was like I was battling with myself. I could not concentrate on anything and it was during that time I began writing seriously. It was like a breeze of relief in my disturbed life," said Samrudhi.
The book has 51 poems dealing with her experiences from life and everyday incidents. "Being a poet, there are many things that strike my eyes like a little girl begging on roads or a bird atop a poll and I build lines around that. Most of the poems are associated with hope and belief," said the young poet.
Her message through the writings reads: "However dismal the situation may be, it will definitely end positively if we keep faith in ourselves. One should live in the present and bring out the best from life."
Her debut poetry book, The Newborn, was launched on the same day last year. "The day is special as it's my birthday, and I knowingly release the books on this day. It boosts my confidence, and considering my health issues, it helps me fall in love with life all over again," said the graduate from BJB College.
She said writing had helped her becoming mature with time. "When I wrote my first book, I was not even sure if I would be alive to see my book published as I was quite ill during that time. Gradually, I learnt to cope with life," said Samrudhi.
Several of her articles and papers have been published in many magazines and journals. Her condition is recovering and along with that her dreams. "I want to publish a novel someday based on treating anaemia with transfusions and the turmoil that one goes through the process and to deal with it as well," summed up Samrudhi.
