For Dr. Nishindra Kinjalk, poetry is not just a creative outlet; it’s a part of life itself. His new book, Off the Soul, offers readers a glimpse into his journey, from his childhood in the foothills of the Himalayas to his career as a medical professional and accomplished musician. Every poem in this collection, spanning nature, love, philosophy, and society, brings us closer to understanding his unique blend of experiences.
Growing Up Among Words and Music
Growing up in a small village with a family rich in cultural pursuits, Nishindra was surrounded by social work, music, and literature. His father’s writings inspired him, as did his mother’s encouragement to nurture his creative side. Writing came naturally to him, and in his college days, he began crafting poems, stories, and essays. His first paycheck from Champak magazine in 1980 marked the start of a lifelong love affair with words.
As he pursued his studies—first earning his B.Sc., then studying medicine at the prestigious Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune—his creative side never faded. He kept writing, inspired by the quiet moments in Pune and later the lively pace of Delhi, where he furthered his studies and worked in various hospitals.
Poetry as Reflection of a Life Well-Lived
In Off the Soul, Nishindra’s poems are collected in four sections: Nature, Love, Orbits Different, and Symphony. Each section reflects his journey, capturing life’s subtle details and complexities with a warmth that invites readers in.
- Nature: This section celebrates the natural world, reflecting his deep-rooted connection to the land where he grew up. Here, Nishindra brings the hills and landscapes of his childhood alive, sharing the beauty and tranquility he’s always held close to his heart.
- Love: Love, in Nishindra’s eyes, is full of depth and variety. The poems here explore the many shades of love—romantic, familial, and self-reflective. For young adults and poetry lovers, these verses offer a heartfelt exploration of emotions we all know but often find hard to express.
- Orbits Different: A philosophical section, Orbits Different encourages readers to step back and consider life from a broader perspective. In these verses, Nishindra shares insights on existence, humanity, and the larger questions that shape our journey. It’s poetry that encourages thought and reflection, showing his natural skill for capturing the profound in simple words.
- Symphony: Finally, Symphony brings readers into Nishindra’s views on society and its ever-changing dynamics. From sociopolitical themes to reflections on modern life, these poems give us his perspective on the world as it is and as it could be.
With these themes, Off the Soul explores every corner of the human experience, encouraging readers to relate, ponder, and find meaning.
Writing Through the Quiet Hours
Nishindra’s poetry journey is as interesting as the verses themselves. While studying and practicing medicine, he wrote during the quiet moments he could find—late at night in Pune, looking over the sprawling racecourse, or in Delhi, scribbling down thoughts between night shifts. In coffee shops near Connaught Place or during breaks at Holy Family Hospital, his poetry would flow, capturing the world around him. It’s this mix of life’s moments—personal, professional, and creative—that makes his work so relatable and full of authenticity.
Influences and Inspirations
Nishindra’s love for music, especially as a top-grade sitar player, has also influenced his poetry. Just as in a musical composition, his verses have a rhythm that speaks to the soul. The Maihar Senia Gharana, in which he trained, emphasizes discipline and soulfulness—qualities that come through in his poems. This blend of music and words gives Off the Soul a unique depth, bridging two forms of expression to reach the reader.
What Readers Can Expect
For anyone who picks up Off the Soul, Nishindra’s message is simple: life is a blend of many roles. We’re all lovers, professionals, citizens, and sometimes philosophers. Through his poems, he invites readers to explore these different aspects of their own lives. Every poem is a small reflection of human nature and the connections we share, making it a collection for those who see beauty and complexity in the everyday.
Nishindra’s daughter played a pivotal role in pushing him to publish his work, making Off the Soul a family effort, just like his mother’s initial encouragement back in the nineties. This collection is truly a labor of love—a gift to readers who are ready to experience life through poetry.
Looking Ahead
Nishindra isn’t stopping with Off the Soul. He has new collections of poems and novels in the works, each promising to bring more of his thoughtful perspectives to the page. As he continues to write, readers can look forward to even more of his insights on life, love, and everything in between.
Off the Soul is available on Amazon for those who want to experience Nishindra Kinjalk’s world of poetry—a world that brings together the simple moments of everyday life with the profound insights of a life well-lived.
