- A debut poetry collection that speaks softly to wounds we hide
- Gargi Chokshi’s verses turn vulnerability into quiet strength
- Savitri Publications nurtures young voices beyond screens and scrolls
R MANICKAVASAGAM
In a time when emotions are often filtered through screens and reactions reduced to emojis, Ink & Her arrives like a handwritten letter—unfolded slowly, read in silence, and felt deeply. Authored by debutant poet Gargi Chokshi, this slim yet intense collection of 40 poems divided into four parts is less a book and more a companion for those navigating unspoken feelings.
Published by Savitri Publications, helmed by veteran author and Ahmedabad Literary Society founder Shraddha Ahuja Ramani, the book reflects a larger, quietly determined mission: to bring young minds back to reading, writing, listening—and feeling. With over 200 books guided into print, the publisher’s handholding of young writers stands out at a time when attention spans are shrinking.
Poetry that speaks when words fail
Gargi’s own words set the emotional core of the book. Speaking not as a poet on a pedestal but as “one of you,” she writes with disarming honesty:
“Sometimes we lose track of our own feelings… We start worrying too much about what others will think… while becoming a shoulder for others, we forget to hold ourselves together. And I know these feelings – I really do. Because I’m one of you.”
This sense of shared vulnerability defines Ink & Her. The poems do not shout; they sit beside the reader. They remind us, as Gargi puts it, that “you also deserve a shoulder to cry on, the warmth, the comfort.” And when everything feels unbearably heavy, she offers quiet reassurance:
“Remember this – Ink and Her is always by your side.”
A debut that blooms with feeling
The opening poem, ‘Met Someone…’, captures the essence of the collection—unexpected healing, gentle hope, and emotional rebirth:
“A broken heart finds its bandage,
A damaged lung breathes fresh air,
after such a long, long time…
It’s like a dead forest blooming again…”
These lines reveal a young poet unafraid of softness, yet confident in imagery that lingers. Love, loss, self-worth and healing weave seamlessly across the four sections, making the book relatable to teenagers and adults alike.
Publisher’s faith, parents’ pride
Editor and publisher Shraddha Ahuja Ramani sees the book as more than a debut:
“Every book carries a heartbeat of its own, and ‘Ink & Her’ is no exception… Gargi has written not just poems, but small windows into the human soul. Her voice is young, sincere and fearless, and it has been my privilege to witness her creative journey unfold page by page.”
Equally moving is the reflection of Gargi’s father, Gunjan Chokshi, whose words echo both pride and perspective:
“I used to read stories to you, and now, I have the privilege of reading your words… Poetry is an act of bravery—to take your innermost thoughts and put them on paper for the world to see.”
His pride is not only in talent, but in courage—a theme that mirrors the spirit of the book itself.
An ancient Tamil wisdom from the Thirukkural seems especially apt here:
“The true wealth of parents is the learning of their children;
That learning becomes their light wherever they go.”
In Ink & Her, that light is unmistakably visible.
A quiet but important book
Priced at ₹225 and available at leading bookstores and major e-commerce platforms, Ink & Her deserves to find its way into the hands of young readers—and parents who still believe in the power of books to shape inner worlds.
In nurturing this debut, Savitri Publications once again proves that publishing can be an act of mentorship, not just manufacturing. And in writing these poems, Gargi Chokshi reminds us that sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is to feel—and let ink speak for us.
