My India

My India is a poetic odyssey-a deeply personal journey through the landscapes, traditions, and spirit of a land that has become both home and muse to Sowmya Ayyar. Through verse, she weaves together lived experiences, reflections, and ancestral ties, painting a portrait of India as a place and as a feeling-one of longing, belonging, and discovery.

Rooted in the wisdom of foremothers and the rhythms of ragas, Sowmya's poetry traverses bustling cities and sacred rivers, the philosophy of yoga, and the devotion of bhakti. Divided into four sections-Time and Place, The Practice of Yoga, The Philosophy of Yoga and Ragamala: A Garland of Sound-this collection evokes a spectrum of emotions, from nostalgia to enlightenment, from wonder to introspection.

My India invites readers to journey through its verses-to see, feel, and embrace the beauty of a land that continues to reveal itself in infinite, sacred ways.

About the Author:

SOWMYA AYYAR is an American-born ethnic Indian who has traveled extensively across India, exploring its landscapes, traditions, and philosophies. Through deep engagement with people, places, and practices, she seeks to understand the essence of her foremothers' spirituality. Her work highlights the contributions of spiritual women, bridging their wisdom with the modern world.

Sowmya holds a B.S. in Sociology (Santa Clara University, USA), an M.A. in Peace and Conflict Studies (University of Innsbruck, Austria), an M.A. in Environmental Security (United Nations University for Peace, Costa Rica), and a PGDM in Social Innovation Management (Amani Institute, Bangalore, India). She is also a trained yoga teacher. Currently, Sowmya is a PhD Research Scholar at the Malaviya Centre for Peace Research, Banaras Hindu University, where she explores the intersection of spirituality, gender, and peace. In her free time, she immerses herself in the Divine Feminine, Shakti, through creative arts, spirituality, and nature.