In Conversation with Young Poet Gaurav Tripathi

1. Tell us all about your childhood and where you grew up. How was life different, then? What were your hobbies, early influences, mentors?

I grew up in Kanpur. I was the most mischiei kid. I did all sorts of things and my parents were fed up with me. Like once I ran away from my home when I was 11 years old.

I never had a hobby as such but I had interest in mythology and current affairs. I started reading newspaper at a very young age. Also, I used to read and listen stories from Indian mythology alot.

I have a big influence of my father and grandmother on me.

2. You suited up as a Poet, Writer rather early, with your poetry and writing. What inspired you to take this up? And what was your aim?

Nothing inspired me to take this up. This is something I love to do. I had no particular aim in mind. I just wrote what I felt. I didn't even have an audience then. Most of my work remained in diaries.

3. What impact has your poetry had on the community?

Honestly, I don't know.

4. When and why did you pick up the quill? How much time did you devote to it, and did you keep your job alongside? How did you juggle both?

I started writing at a very young age but it wasn't very regular. I became serious about my writing only in past few years. I am a freelancer so I have a lot of time to read and improve my writing.

5. Who is Your favorite Poet/ inspiration and why?

It's very tough for me to name just one favourite. Every poet has a different style, set of thoughts, range of emotions etc. But still, if I have to name just one, I would say Agyeya. I admire his short poems alot and his ability to say alot using just a few wor