Inside the Writer’s Mind: Tasneem Hossain
Tasneem Hossain, one of the IHRAM’s treasured writers, shares her musings, inspiration, and drive as an author and activist. Thank you for all you do, Tasneem.
What moves you? What compels you to pick up a pen or open your laptop to free write?
William Wordsworth described poetry as a spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings. When I find myself emotionally charged I instantly jot down my thoughts on my laptop or in my notes. I’ve found this happens most often at night, when I am faced with silence and my mind is getting ready to sleep. It's during those moments that words effortlessly drift into my mind, floating like feathers. Also, I find myself inspired by movies and events in my life. In reflection, I try to pour my inspiration down on paper.
What human rights concerns are you most moved by? What inspires and influences your writing, particularly when it comes to addressing human rights issues?
I am particularly moved by witnessing injustice inflicted upon the innocent or the under-priviledged, victims of child labour, victims of human trafficking, gender discrimination. and the relentless pursuit of power. Through my writings I endeavor to raise awareness in society. I also aim to inspire individuals to take a stand against injustice. Many of my poems conclude with a message of hope; I believe that there is always a beacon of light at the end of every dark tunnel. However, reaching that light requires determination and perseverance. Hope is a catalyst to drive us in the right direction.
The human rights concerns addressed in the IHRAM literary magazine are often complex and challenging to navigate. How do you navigate the balance between highlighting these challenges and maintaining a sense of hope or optimism in your writing?
Interestingly, my first poem Fractured: Rise published in an IHRAM anthology deals with domestic violence against women: a truly challenging issue. It also speaks how women are looked down on if they speak about the violence enacted against them. But at the end it encourages women to rise above the social stigma to help pave the way to safety for the other victims, even if they themselves can't get out of the quicksand.
I find myself to be a very positive person and I always believe in the goodness of human beings. Herein lies the power of the writers to create awareness and positivity. I try, above all, to communicate hope in my poetry. My poem 'A Mother's Oath' ends with the stanza:
She smiles; the smile of a determined soul.
The mother in her knows it all.
Tomorrow will be fine...
Please reflect on the power of art and literature to influence social change. Do you believe art has the power to influence positive change?
Yes, of course. I strongly believe that art and literature has the power to influence positive social changes by promoting empathy and understanding. Art and literature have the power to evoke powerful, deep-set emotions, help people understand global perspectives and experiences, foster empathy, and form a sense of connection among diverse communities. It speaks of truth, beauty, love, nature, hope and peace. Sometimes it works as a catalyst and is instrumental in uniting people to revolt against injustice, oppression, exploitation, and corruption.
I believe in the power of art to enrich and beautify human minds with knowledge and philosophic understanding. As an advocate of poetry I believe, the modern world is indeed indebted to the poets of the past. Poets like Maya Angelo, Robert Graves, and the Progressive Poets of India, Pakistan and many countries played an active role to showcase and stop worldwide violence. Kazi Nazrul Islam's poems against the cruel, unjust exploitation and autocratic colonial rule of the British Empire in India are historic in building rebellion, finally ending in freedom.
For me, as a poet, poetry is the artistic mastery of bridging our feelings and creating the ability to influence others. It allows us to see life from a new perspective. Poetry is all around us. Poetry lets us see life in its different colors and shades. It is an ever-flowing river reflecting all that surrounds us. Poetry is life itself and has the power to bring about a social change for good. It's indeed the responsibility of artists and authors to highlight the goodness of life and give hope.
What drew you to become a contributing author for the IHRAM magazine, and how do you personally connect with its mission?
I have always been disturbed by the imbalance between the rich and poor, domestic violence against women, and the cultural and social conservatism against women. Though my father was very liberal regarding me and my sisters, the society that surrounded us and even some of my family members were very conservative. I was very good in sports I could beat boys in many games. I was invited to participate in national games but one of my family members was against it. He used to say that if I participated, I would never get married.
The values of IHRAM include beauty as a fundamental creative principle, sincerity, vulnerability, celebrating diversity, and opening doorways of engagement. How do these values resonate with your writing, and how do you incorporate them into your creative process?
I have always been a very positive person. I see beauty in everything and everyone. Step outside and look at the flowers. Each in bloom. Each has its own beauty. Just like that all humans are different in nature and behaviour.It's the culture and surroundings that might sometimes corrupt the mind but I believe, if given a right environment the goodness in humans can bloom. We have to nurture the minds of children in a positive way; make them understand equity and equality; then we can have those doors open for engagement with all the flowers that bloom on this planet.
Ready and enjoy all of Tasneem’s previously published work:
The Pearl Necklace
Floating Feathers
Grass in Green
Her work appears in the International Human Rights Art Movement’ literary magazine, ‘Southern Arizona Press Anthologies,’ 'Valiant Scribe' ‘The Mocking Owl Roost,’ ‘Setu: towards visibility,’ 'Pen Magazine', 'World Contemporary Poets' (USA), 'Borderless Journal' (Singapore), 'Discover Mississauga and More-eBook', 'Mindtalkers' (Canada), 'Krishnochura' (UK), Worvid International Magazine (Indonesia), Polis Magazino, (Greece), Micropoetry cosmos, INNSÆI Journal (IJCLATRPH), Cultural Reverence (India), EDAS Chronicle, The Dhaka Literature, An Ekushey Anthology, LitWrite, bdnews24.com, The Daily Star, The Business Standard and Asian Age Online (Bangladesh).
