Interview: Poet Sultana Firdousi
The poet is Bangla Academy’s best-selling author. She was born in a modern and cultural family in Kushtia. Her first poems’ book Kit O Dronopushpo (Insect and Wild Flowers) was published from Bangla Academy in 1997. Tritiyo Pakkho (Third Party) was her first novel published from Dialogue Publications in 1999. She has a total of six books up to date and wishes to keep a low profile, and not promote herself actively. She has been engaged in poetry for 21 years but for family reasons she put her writing on hold for some time. Now she has started her poetic life again. She has been working for literary and social organisation, Kali.
Recently Poet Sultana Firdousi talked to The New Nation.
NN: It is very good to see you here today. How are you?
Sultana: Thank you so much. I’m doing great these days.
NN: Did anyone inspire or influence you in writing?
Sultana: I was influenced greatly by nature. I grew up travelling from district to district of rural Bangladesh. I was influenced by the diverse greenery of our country.
NN: Can you tell us about your childhood?
Sultana: My family was a perfect culmination of a traditional cultural Bengali and creative family. All of our siblings, we grew up reciting poems and telling lore during weekends with our father. My mother was extra caring towards us, like all mothers are, and took great care of our health. We were pushed to study, play, help around in the house and be creative with ourselves. I was into writing and poetry, one of my other siblings was a genius in mathematics, another one in computing, some in art and dancing. We had amazing days.
NN: That’s wonderful to hear. Which one is your best book? I know you love all of them but still.
Sultana: Yes, I would say my bilingual one, A Girl Has No Name. The translations gave new meaning to my poems.
NN: I heard, you are a strong feminist. You give off that energy right away. Do you think women are going through any problem in Bangladesh?
Sultana: In my eyes, the biggest concern is the day now a day is mild harassment. We all undergo, and from such a young age that it’s too common to us. Scarily so, it is become a part of us, to be silent about it and to get on with life. Being used to this as a girl but it is not the solution. Men should be taught at a young age, to respect and empower women, in order to earn the respect they so heavily demanded from us.
NN: Lastly, what is your advice to the youth of our country, who are wishing to pursue career as a writer.
Sultana: Long lasting habits, to write at least once a day, every day if possible, so that when you get older you can meet deadlines! And it’s always nice to lead a systemic, disciplined life. Explore different themes; don’t stay stuck to only one genre. Discover yourself. Take everyone’s opinion into consideration, criticism is always appreciated. And don’t give up. Set goals for yourself and don’t give up until you reach them.
