Jaha-ara Wani, a 23-year-old poet, writer, calligrapher, artist and student of Psychology, is emerging as one of the most promising young voices in Kashmir’s literary and artistic circles. Originally from Kishtwar and now settled in Kashmir, she belongs to a Muslim family and has carried big dreams and a deep creative spark since childhood.
Her journey into poetry began as early as the third grade when she started penning verses about love and its many shades. At that young age, her talent was often met with disbelief as people doubted whether such expressive words could truly come from a child. Yet Jaha continued to write with sincerity and dedication, shaping her craft over the years.
A major breakthrough came when she was invited to recite her poetry at an event, a moment that changed her life. Her heartfelt verses captivated the audience, earning her widespread praise and recognition. This event marked the beginning of her rise as a poet. Alongside poetry, Jaha pursued her passion for singing and even explored modeling, showcasing her versatility and creativity.
However, belonging to a traditional family, she faced criticism and emotional challenges for her artistic choices. Over time, she decided to leave singing behind, realizing that it was not her true calling. A personal tragedy soon followed, leaving her deeply shaken. But as Jaha says, “It is the Lord who heals broken hearts.” In the silence that followed, she rediscovered herself through poetry.
One night, she wrote her first soulful and profound piece, a turning point that defined her as a poet of spiritual and Sufi thought. Since then, Jaha-ara Wani has been writing poetry in both English and Urdu, focusing on themes of love, spirituality and the essence of the human soul.
Beyond poetry, Jaha is also an entrepreneur, running a small art business where she creates calligraphy and handcrafted pieces. She has contributed as a co-author in a published book, further solidifying her presence in the literary world, all while continuing her studies in Psychology to understand the deeper layers of the human mind.
For Jaha-ara Wani, success is not about fame or recognition but about humility and goodness. As she often reflects, “A human being is created from dust and will return to dust, then what is there to be proud of?”
Through her words, art and journey, Jaha-ara Wani stands as a symbol of resilience and inner strength, a young woman who transformed pain into poetry and dreams into inspiration for others.