When a Mother Picks Up the Pen: Kerala’s Bhavya Shree is Writing What India Feels

In the heart of Kerala, a quiet yet powerful voice has emerged from the most personal corners of womanhood, motherhood, and memory. Bhavya Shree, one of the six shortlisted candidates for the Tribute Global Digi Awards for Women 2025 by The Holistic Pine, exemplifies how literature can be a source of healing, courage, and transformation.

In this feature, we share Bhavya’s story in her own words—a reflection not just of her growth as a writer, but also a testament to the healing power of vulnerability, language, and lived experience. Her testimony resonates like poetry itself—delicate, raw, and quietly defiant.

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With Ink and Soul: My Journey as a Writer

I was born and brought up in a realistic, conservative, middle-class family, where my parents didn’t have much formal education—but they educated me with a life syllabus that no school could offer.

Like many 90s kids, I did my schooling under the state syllabus (Malayalam medium), and I struggled with language barriers. I began writing during those early years, in my mother tongue, Malayalam. Aneesha, my classmate and the one who sat next to me, became my first reader. She used to enjoy my writings—I hesitate to call them “poems” because they always felt incomplete to me. But she was my only reader, as I never had the courage to share my lines with others, especially in a school filled with brilliant young writers.

It was in higher secondary that I published my first piece in our school magazine—though it went unnoticed. Still, I continued writing. In college, I found a new reader in my best friend, Jumana. She encouraged me endlessly, read everything I wrote, and her gentle validation kept my pen moving. I knew my words weren’t perfect, but her unwavering support meant the world to me.

Then came a turning point in my life. I was five months pregnant and had stopped working. With time on my hands and emotions swelling within me, I turned back to ink and paper. That’s when I stumbled upon Holistic Pine. With great hesitation, I submitted my poem Funeral—and it was accepted. I still remember the joy and disbelief I felt. My family, friends, and colleagues were surprised—and their reactions inspired me to write more.

Holistic Pine became a significant part of my journey as a writer. Through it, I published poems like Postpartum, An Untouchable, IN'dependent, For This Resilient Woman, Do You Know Why I Love Myself Most?, and Yes, She Isn't. One of my poems was even honoured with the Reader’s Choice Award, a moment that deepened my confidence as a writer.

I must express my heartfelt gratitude to Anulal Sir, who stood by me throughout this journey. In the beginning, I constantly doubted myself and shared my insecurities with him. Little did I know how accomplished he was—yet his humility and encouragement led me to the right path. He helped me get more of my poems published and reminded me of the strength in my voice.

Later, my poem Vermilion was published in The Literary Druid and received much appreciation. Now, I share my poems on my blog Bhavya Bharathi. All of my poems are deeply personal and rooted in realism. When readers come to me after reading pieces like She ISN’T, Postpartum, or Untouchable, and say, “How did you know? This is my story…”—I simply respond, “Because I’ve lived it too.”

Initially, I had just two loyal readers—Aneesha and Jumana. Today, I have the privilege of first sharing my poems with my husband, Mr. Krishnakumar. His smile and silent gaze are my first reviews. I also share them with my mentor, Mr. Azarudheen, whose feedback and motivation have helped shape my growth as a poet. I’m grateful to readers like Mrs. Mubeena, Vijisha, Samina, and Ashwathi, who consistently give honest and thoughtful critiques. Once, Vijisha asked me, “Why do all your poems echo sorrow?” therefore I wrote Why Do I Love Myself.

I owe the soul of my poetry to my mother, Bharathi. Though she lost her path to formal schooling, she paved mine with her sweat and sacrifice. And to my child—who, from the womb, inspired themes like Postpartum, Labour Room, and Why Do I Love Myself Most. It was his little kicks that nudged me into writing again, leading me to The Holistic Pine Tribute Global Digi Award for Women 2025.

But for me, the real success as a writer is when someone finds peace, strength, or direction through my words. That, I believe, is my truest achievement.

With immense love and gratitude, I thank the entire team of Holistic Pine and Anulal Sir for their unwavering support. I also extend my warmest congratulations to my fellow nominees—I wish you all continued excellence and the power to inspire others.

Thank you, with love,
Bhavya Shree

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Editor’s Note
Bhavya Shree’s journey is not simply about creative expression—it’s about finding light through shadows, and giving voice to emotions many are unable to name. Her poems do not seek applause; they seek to mirror pain, strength, and self-discovery. Through her reflections, she reminds us that literature is often born in the in-between moments—between pages, pauses, and personal revolutions.

As one of the six shortlisted candidates of the Tribute Global Digi Awards, Bhavya joins a growing constellation of women whose stories are reshaping how we understand literature—not just as art, but as resistance, recovery, and reclamation.

Stay tuned as The Holistic Pine continues to honour voices that write not just with ink—but with soul.

Read more stories of impact at: www.theholisticpine.com