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Poetry & Writing

long after he was due,
in the color of saffron-soaked water,
the sun slowly creeping out
from behind a thick layer of fog. — from ‘Morning at Ghat’, 2023

For me, writing is a meditation which comes naturally by listening through the silence and allowing the words to flow onto the pages. I write poetry to express my spiritual experiences and inspire others to reflect upon theirs. I write academically to challenge the notions of the patriarchal worlds we are boxed into. I write for other platforms to raise awareness in the public spaces.

From verse published in journals to chapters in academic volumes, from encyclopedia entries to essays for public platforms – everything begins and ends in the Feminine.

Front cover of My India by Sowmya Ayyar

The Book

My India

Motilal Banarsidass · 2025

A book of 64 poems that resound with the heart and soul of India.

Get the book
I’ve driven in countrysides and city traffic; I’ve even been stopped by a caravan of camels and a couple weeks ago, a neelgai lunged out from nowhere when I was on the highway. — from ‘Want to learn to drive?’, 2024

Writing Journey

I was enthralled by books from a young age – novels and series, as well as spiritual books. In my teens, I began writing short stories and poems, which I would recite at community events. I even published a few in local magazines and other publications. Life took a turn, and I steeped myself in music and hand sculpture as outlets for my creativity.

Years later, I had the opportunity to complete two master’s degrees, where I learned more about academic reading and writing. Again, I left that creativity to give rise to other opportunities. Some of that included writing for online publications.

When COVID hit, I was just over 40 years old. Lacking social interactions, I befriended another writer and began my journey into poetry – this time taking it seriously. I also became involved in academic research and writing once again, which led me to my PhD.

Publications

A selected index — academic, poetic, and public.

Poetry

  • 2024
    “A Lesson in Love” and “To Be Productive”

    Peace Chronicle, Journal of the Peace and Justice Studies Association

  • 2023
    “Yogini” and “Under a Tree”

    TMYS Review, December 2023: Tribal Women

Academic Writing

Forthcoming, 2026–2027

  • “War, Peace, Conflict, and Diplomacy in the Devī Mahātmyam”

    Contemporary Essays on the Devi Mahatmyam, Routledge

  • “Saint from South India: Pujya Shri Mathioli Saraswathy, Her Life and Philosophies”

    Women in Religion, Volume 4, World Parliament of Religions

  • “Yoginis and Astrology”

    Journal of Dharma Studies

  • “Reincarnation of a Goddess”

    Religions, MDPI

Online & Public Work

And then I came upon my soul sister, Andal, singing a wake up song for her darling Krishna! What a great concept! A song for waking up the lord, a gentle cooing voice to welcome one to the world of light after a dark night in winter. — from ‘All things Andaal’, 2024

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