Touseef Wani
Ganderbal, Sept 29 : At an age when most students remain focused on classrooms, examinations and academic routines, young writer and poet Raidah Riyaz of Kangan in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district is steadily carving out a distinct space for herself in the literary and public-speaking fields.
A student of Islamic Revival International School (IRIS), Kangan, Raidah has been pursuing writing alongside her formal education, developing an interest in poetry, prose, public speaking, hosting, debate and other literary activities.
Her creative work largely revolves around the emotional and personal experiences associated with adolescence, identity, relationships, self-discovery, memory, love, loss, loneliness and healing.
For Raidah, writing began as a way of giving expression to thoughts and emotions that were difficult to communicate verbally. Over time, those private reflections evolved into poems and prose, eventually taking the form of manuscripts and published books.
One of the early works associated with her literary journey is “Whispers of a Caged Soul,” a poem that remains particularly significant to the young writer.
With more than three dozen poems developed over the course of her writing journey, Raidah has experimented with reflective and emotionally driven forms of expression.
Her stated approach is not simply to record personal emotions, but to create a connection with readers who may recognise fragments of their own experiences in her words.
From Poetry to Published Books
Raidah’s literary journey has gradually expanded from individual poems to longer-form writing.
She is the author of “A Trauma Called Teenage” and “Somewhere Between a Star and a Scar,” two works that explore different aspects of growing up and the emotional experiences associated with adolescence and personal development.
“A Trauma Called Teenage” focuses on the uncertainties and emotional pressures that can accompany the transition from childhood to adulthood. The work explores themes such as identity, comparison, changing relationships, emotional pressure and the struggle to understand oneself.
The manuscript marked a significant stage in Raidah’s development as a young writer and received encouragement within her school environment before taking the form of a published book.
Her second work, “Somewhere Between a Star and a Scar,” explores themes of love, loss, memory, hope, healing and personal growth. The title reflects the contrast between the beautiful and painful experiences that can shape an individual’s journey.
Together, the two books demonstrate the young author’s continuing interest in the emotional world of young people and the complexities of finding one’s identity while growing up.
From Manuscript to Published Author
For Raidah, becoming a published author has also involved learning about aspects of the literary world beyond writing.
The transition from an initial manuscript to a published book required her to engage with editing, formatting, presentation, publication procedures and the practical challenges involved in reaching readers.
Her experience has also exposed her to the challenges faced by young and independent writers, particularly in gaining visibility and connecting newly published work with a wider audience.
Rather than viewing publication as the conclusion of her literary journey, Raidah considers it another step in a continuing process of learning and creative development.
Participation in Literary Anthologies
Her literary activities have also extended beyond her individual books.
Raidah has participated in anthology opportunities and has been selected for inclusion in “The Favourite Tales — Beyond Border, Volume 3.” She was also informed of recognition among the writers associated with the volume and was subsequently asked to provide author-related information and a photograph for publication purposes.
She has further explored opportunities linked to literary projects including “Wildflowers” and “Whispered Faith.”
Such opportunities have given the young writer exposure to a broader literary environment and enabled her work to be considered alongside contributions from other writers.
Balancing Literature With School
Despite her growing literary profile, Raidah continues to pursue her formal education at IRIS, Kangan.
Her interests extend beyond academics to public speaking, school programmes, hosting, debate and leadership-oriented activities. According to information shared about her academic and extracurricular journey, she has also received recognition at school, including being named Best Student of the Week on multiple occasions.
Her school environment has played an important role in developing her confidence, providing opportunities to write, speak before audiences and participate in activities beyond conventional classroom learning.
From the Written Page to the Public Stage
Writing is only one part of Raidah’s developing communication skills.
She has participated in speeches, school assemblies, hosting and public-speaking programmes, while also showing an interest in debate and structured discussion.
Her speaking interests have included subjects such as feminism, kindness, environmental concerns, quality over quantity, and questions surrounding responsibility and authority.
She has also participated in Model United Nations activities, including KMUN, reflecting an interest in research, discussion, diplomacy and public argument.
For Raidah, writing and public speaking represent complementary forms of communication—one through the written word and the other through direct engagement with an audience.
Looking Beyond the Classroom
As her literary activities have expanded, Raidah has also begun exploring opportunities beyond her immediate school environment.
She has shown interest in local newspapers, media organisations and radio platforms in Kashmir, seeking opportunities to introduce her work as a young local author and bring greater visibility to student writers.
She has explored possibilities for media coverage, interviews and literary features as part of her effort to build a wider public identity around her writing.
For a student author, the process has also become an opportunity to learn how creative work can be presented professionally and how literature can move from a personal form of expression into a wider public conversation.
A Young Literary Voice From Kangan
Raidah’s literary journey remains closely connected to Kangan and Kashmir.
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Alongside her own writing, she has expressed an interest in encouraging other young students to take their creative abilities seriously. She has shown interest in visiting educational institutions and interacting with students to discuss writing, books and creative expression.
Her broader objective is to demonstrate that students can pursue literary and communication interests while continuing their formal education.
Writing About the Complexities of Growing Up
A recurring theme in Raidah’s writing is the experience of growing up.
Her work explores identity, self-worth, relationships, memory, heartbreak, hope and the pressure to conform to expectations.
The search for individuality amid the expectations of family, society, peers and one’s own changing sense of self appears repeatedly in her creative work.
Her stated aim is to write from personal emotion while allowing readers to discover their own experiences within those emotions.
In this sense, her writing seeks not merely to present a completed story, but to create a space for conversations around emotions and experiences that many young people may find difficult to articulate.
Beyond Literature
Raidah’s ambitions extend beyond becoming an author.
She has expressed interest in public speaking, journalism and media, hosting, debate and leadership, while continuing her formal education. She has also expressed an interest in medicine as a possible future professional direction, indicating that her literary ambitions are being pursued alongside her academic aspirations.
Her immediate literary goals include continuing to write, publishing further works, participating in anthologies, strengthening her public-speaking skills and exploring opportunities through media and educational institutions.
A Literary Journey Still Unfolding
Raidah Riyaz’s story is not that of an established author looking back on a completed career. It is the story of a student developing her literary identity while still pursuing her education.
Her journey has moved from personal thoughts to poetry, from poetry to manuscripts, from manuscripts to published books, and from private writing to public speaking.
Each stage has brought its own challenges—from refining her writing and completing manuscripts to understanding publication, presenting her work professionally and finding avenues to reach readers.
For the young writer, the significance of the journey lies not only in having books to her name, but also in transforming thoughts and emotions into tangible creative work.
As she continues her education and literary pursuits, Raidah Riyaz of Kangan is now looking towards wider audiences, new literary opportunities and platforms that can provide space for her voice and creative expression.
Raidah Riyaz is a young writer, poet, speaker and student from Kangan, Jammu & Kashmir.
She is the author of “A Trauma Called Teenage” and “Somewhere Between a Star and a Scar,” and has participated in literary anthology projects including “Beyond Border — Volume 3.” Her work focuses on adolescence, identity, love, loss, memory, healing and self-discovery, while her interests also include public speaking, hosting, debate and student leadership.
