Imagine holding a book with words exquisitely woven into a poem, which revolve around hope, kindness, peace and faith. That’s exactly what Dr. Sehar Mushtaq Kanyu’s second book ‘Mighty Leaps’ is about.
In 2019, Sehar delved into the world of poetry, which would compose short meaningful poems which she compiled into an anthology in August 2021.
Sehar says that her book is capable of “imbuing hearts” and this claim of hers is favoured by the feedback of her readers, especially on internet based enterprise, Amazon India where Sehar’s book became the “BEST SELLER” within three weeks.
Published by Leiper Publication, Kashmir’s first self-publishing house, this 174 page book has the potential to change the reader’s mind from despair to hope, fear to courage, ingratitude to appreciation, and towards remembrance of Almighty Allah.
Poems in the book are inspired by Sehar’s own experiences and learnings of life. Every poem in the book is followed with tempting questions, posed to the reader to ponder and look within.
Different readers have their opinions about the book. Noorain, 21, a passionate reader from Srinagar, told The Indus Post, “Questions at the end of poems have to be the best part about the book. They help in self introspection and lead to self awareness.”
The next element that makes Sehar’s book unique is the addition of verses from the holy Quran and Hadith. Few of her poems have context from the Quran and Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ Sunnah.
She told The Indus Post, “What better could heal than the verses of Almighty which have been sent as mercy & healing.” She has meticulously selected the words of Allah (SWT) that fly like an arrow and reach straight to the ailing heart.
Sehar is a 32-year-old Doctor, who also holds a bachelor’s degree in Islamic Sciences. She was born and raised in Srinagar, Kashmir, but frequently travelled out of state for her studies and work.
She told The Indus Post that her stay at different places helped her to gain exposure.
“I became more confident and outspoken,” she said. Sehar is an Alumnus of Mallinson Girls school, Back then, she would always participate in speeches, debates and presentations in classes.
When she was in her sixth grade, she made writing as her daily routine. Sehar received an MBBS degree from Mymensingh Medical College, from Bangladesh. During her MD at GMC Jammu she was appointed as a spokesperson for the Doctor’s Association there. Sehar was also a faculty member at a reputed medical college in Bangalore.
In February 2022, she conducted a coaching programme for personality development for Muslim Women that she named as “BORN TO RISE”.
Within her journey through various phases of life, Sehar met different people in different cities, and all these experiences paved her way to become a writer and author.
“Everything connects, all my learnings polished me as a person and a writer, “she told The Indus Post.
For Sehar the purpose of writing MIGHTY LEAPS is to fulfil her responsibility towards society.
“Amid times in the world when mental health issues have taken toll on every person irrespective of age, gender, status and while depression, hopelessness, anxiety have occupied every heart I wanted to come up with something that makes people feel better and brings them ease even if it is only for a second,” she said.
Adding, “If my book inspires a single person or brings a smile on one face that would be my literary success,” says Sehar.
Dr. Sehar is a firm believer of وَمَا تَوْفِيقِي إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ My SUCCESS is only by ALLAH.
Being a Niqabi herself, she has been inspired by Hafsah Faizal, the first Niqabi to become the New York Times bestselling author in 2020.
Sehar states, “Niqab does not oppress or suppress women, I have been living my best life and achieving great things with my Niqab on.”
One of her poems in Mighty Leaps, “HER STRENGTH HER CHOICE” also reflects upon the similar thought that veil covers only face not the mind.
Sehar has received awards for her work which include Sahitkosh Samman, Tagore Commemorative, India Prime Top 100 author, Women of Substance award, Glantor Z Women Leadership award.
Her book, Mighty Leaps was available to readers internationally when the editorial review of Notion Press published its second version “The Mighty Leaps” on different literary sites based in the USA, UK, Australia, South Africa and other parts of the world. On being asked how she feels about these milestones, Sehar said, “I worked hard but in the end it was Almighty Allah who facilitated me and gave me success.”
Sehar has been lucky enough to have her family’s support in her writing journey. Her first book “Evolet: Unspoken Cogitations”, published in 2020 was an attempt to dedicate her gratitude and love to her family who, according to her, always stood by her side.
After getting married, things fortunately didn’t change for Sehar as she found her husband the first purchaser of her book.
“My husband feels proud of my achievements. He always motivates me to become the best version of myself,” says Sehar proudly.
With all gratitude towards her readers who showered great admiration towards Mighty Leaps, Sehar is only motivated to do more good work in future.
“I was overwhelmed with responses from my readers, especially the non-Muslims who could connect with my book and who said that they found solace in it,” Sehar rejoices.
In this exclusive interview, Sehar revealed to us that she is all set to welcome her new book soon and bring another masterpiece to book lovers.
Sualiha Zubair
