How has this publication, my labour of love ‘Chetona’ (Conscience) come to be? 

In response I could say that I have written it because of a deep desire of the heart, to meet a need in society, to protest, to provide direction, to bring light to the darkest of places, to offer guidance to the directionless, to awaken humanity, to offer solace to the loveless, to strengthen the weak, to offer hope for the needy, to stand up against what is unjust, to release the trapped, to oppose conflict and torture, to promote the authority of honesty, to awaken the conscience, to realise our dreams, to side with the needy, an expression of joy and happiness, to welcome the new, praise the Almighty for all that he gives and all that we find, to offer love, to relieve the pain and suffering of the loveless, to add melody to songs, to find rhyme and reason in poetry, to understand the unknown, to meet and to greet the beloved. In one expression ‘Chetona’ seeks to awaken the conscience in us all. 

This compilation collectively brings together the events and experiences of the heart here. It spans over two decades beginning from 1980 to 2006. It brings together extracts of adolescence, of love and hurt, of patriotism, of politics and society. These thoughts, I have sought to piece together as in a jigsaw. My writing has helped to fill the voids and times in life when I felt alone. These poems have found a warm place in the hearts and minds of all those who have come to embrace them including individuals, family, friends, community, society, and people who have given me strength and awakened my desire to go on. This is my quiet protest against all that is unjust in society. 

Today, through ‘Chetona’ I have raised my voice. I hope to awaken the conscience in us all to unite with the helpless, the needy, the alienated, the oppressed, the subjugated and silenced voices of political and social struggle, the ignored and overlooked and I seek to stand united with them all. Today, power is being abused, nations are creating differences to divide themselves, democracy is being eroded, punishments are not fitting the crimes, society is lacking discipline, and anarchy reigns. We cannot remain silent any longer and it is for this reason that all just and fair-minded people need to come together in protest. 

In literary terms, I still consider myself a relative novice. I do not write to negate others. However, if anyone feels unduly hurt by the words and sentiments expressed herein then I offer my sincere apologies and I hope they will overlook them. If by reading this publication you find enjoyment, solace, and comfort, then I will consider my efforts a success. I wish readers well for the future and hope life brings you bountiful joy, happiness, longevity, and prosperity. I seek support from the Almighty for all those who strive to create a just and fair society and ask that they be given the courage and strength to do so.