Vinita Agrawal’s latest collection of poems EARTHA was published by Sahitya Akademi. Her book TWILIGHT LANGUAGE won the Proverse Prize Hong Kong 2021. She has authored six books of poetry. She was awarded the Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize 2018, the Gayatri GaMarsh Memorial Award for Literary Excellence, USA, 2015, and a special mention in the Hawkers Prize 2019. Her work was shortlisted for the inaugural Dipankar Khiwani Memorial Prize 2021. She co-edits the Yearbook series of Indian Poetry in English. She has edited two anthologies on climate change OPEN YOUR EYES (2020) and COUNT EVERY BREATH (2023). She was former Poetry Editor with Usawa Literary Review.

Based in Indore, India, Vinita’s work has been widely published and anthologised. She is on the Advisory Board of the Tagore Literary Prize. She is Co-chair for the Global Council for Excellence for Environment and Sustainability. She was one of the twenty poets to be featured in a documentary on Asian poets titled DEEPEST UPRISING made in Taiwan. She is a keen birder and photographer. You can find her online at vinitawords.com.

In this interview, Vinita tells us about her forthcoming book, JADE AND THE HARMONY FLYERS (Bare Bones, 2025).

What is your book about? Share an elevator pitch.

Through simple tales of family ties and friendship, the book explores five elements of Emotional Intelligence. Grandpa Shuka helps Jade appreciate his true self. The wise and graceful Leela gently nudges her son to be more independent, resilient, and empathetic. Finally, Jade and his friends––Tenzin, Luna, and Chimi––teach us the value of unity and teamwork. JADE AND THE HARMONY FLYERS is for emerging readers in the age group of seven to nine. The book includes learning resources designed by experts.

Why is the book different? What is its USP?

The book explores the terrain of Emotional Quotient (EQ) in children by depicting themes of teamwork, self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, and empathy. The USP of the book is that emotional intelligence is explained to children using relatable stories in which the characters are birds.

Why did you write this book?

I’ve been a writer for over two decades and have collected many awards and accolades in my journey. I have a special affinity to children and thought that it was the right time to write a children’s book with a deep but simple message that would benefit children of the target age group and help them become better human beings.

Can you think of comparable books in your genre?

The book is comparable to MASTER WRIGGLES, a tale of triumphs from Sonalika Publications, and Sudha Murty’s GRANDMOTHER’S BAG OF STORIES.

Tell us three words that best describe you.

Compassionate, empathetic, sensitive.