My India is a poetic odyssey-a deeply personal journey through the landscapes, traditions, and spirit of a land that has become both home and muse to Sowmya Ayyar. Through verse, she weaves together lived experiences, reflections, and ancestral ties, painting a portrait of India as a place and as a feeling-one of longing, belonging, and discovery.
Rooted in the wisdom of foremothers and the rhythms of ragas, Sowmya's poetry traverses bustling cities and sacred rivers, the philosophy of yoga, and the devotion of bhakti. Divided into four sections-Time and Place, The Practice of Yoga, The Philosophy of Yoga and Ragamala: A Garland of Sound-this collection evokes a spectrum of emotions, from nostalgia to enlightenment, from wonder to introspection.
My India invites readers to journey through its verses to see, feel, and embrace the beauty of a land that continues to reveal itself in infinite, sacred ways.
SOWMYA AYYAR is an American-born ethnic Indian who has traveled extensively across India, exploring its landscapes, traditions, and philosophies. Through deep engagement with people, places, and practices, she seeks to understand the essence of her foremothers' spirituality. Her work highlights the contributions of spiritual women, bridging their wisdom with the modern world.
Sowmya holds a B.S. in Sociology (Santa Clara University, USA), an M.A. in Peace and Conflict Studies (University of Innsbruck, Austria), an M.A. in Environmental Security (United Nations University for Peace, Costa Rica), and a PGDM in Social Innovation Management (Amani Institute, Bangalore, India). She is also a trained yoga teacher. Currently, Sowmya is a PhD Research Scholar at the Malaviya Centre for Peace Research, Banaras Hindu University, where she explores the intersection of spirituality, gender, and peace. In her free time, she immerses herself in the Divine Feminine, Shakti, through creative arts, spirituality, and nature.
Raised in California with ethnic roots from India, I spent my teenage years looking into Indian ideas, thoughts, perspectives, and places. Fortunate to travel extensively across India in my youth-from West Bengal and Tamil Nadu to Kerala and Karnataka-1 developed a deep connection with the country.
When I moved to India, I embraced every opportunity to explore this nation and its diverse landscapes, cultures, and philosophies. I've lived in a cosmopolitan metro city; a rural region; and a hub of religious pilgrimage and education. Each experience has shaped my understanding of India's multifaceted identity.
This book of poems is a journey across the country and its cultures that have shaped my adult life, from its music, yogas, arts, and lands. The collection is divided into four sections: Time and Place, The Philosophy of Yoga, The Practice of Yoga, and Ragamála: A Garland of Sound-comprising 64 poems, a number considered auspicious in the world of yoginis.
Time and Place captures my reflections on different regions of India and the country as a whole. I've traveled to my grandmother's native place and felt her soul in the space. I have lived in Bangalore, immersing myself in the dynamic culture of its ambitious youth, eager to carve their paths and develop their ideas. I have shared meals and conversations in the homes of friends, bridging the gap between belonging and otherness. My accent, mannerisms, and experiences set me apart, yet they also allow me a unique vantage point an insider-outsider perspective that enables both immersion and observation.
The Philosophy of Yoga delves into the moral and ethical principles that shape a yogini's journey. This section explores values such as Satya (truth), Dharma (duty and responsibility), empathy, and kindness. While these ideas come from my Indic-rooted experiences, they are universal principles that transcend tradition and nationality, values much needed in the world today. Through these poems, I hope to inspire readers to cultivate character and introspection.
The Practice of Yoga takes a more lighthearted approach to both a personal and professional aspect of my life that bloomed while in India. After moving to India, I became a yoga therapist and a leader in the yoga community, founding Prafull Oorja Charitable Foundation and serving as the President of the Women's Council of India. This section celebrates yoga's impact on my life and teaching, offering a playful perspective intended to bring smiles and joy to readers.
Ragamala: A Garland of Sound is an ode to Indian music. The poems in this section explore individual ragas, the essence of raga as an art form, and the instruments that bring them to life. Inspired by my musical background, this chapter reflects how I experience and connect with the rich tradition of Indian classical music.
My India is my gratitude to my India.
Hindu (908)
Agriculture (116)
Ancient (1052)
Archaeology (694)
Architecture (555)
Art & Culture (882)
Biography (652)
Buddhist (546)
Cookery (167)
Emperor & Queen (512)
Islam (239)
Jainism (276)
Literary (870)
Mahatma Gandhi (368)
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