Gayatri Lakhiani Chawla stands as a multifaceted literary force, seamlessly blending the realms of poetry, translation, and healing. An award-winning poet, translator, healer, and French teacher from Mumbai, she has made an indelible mark on contemporary Indian poetry. Her evocative verse, profound themes, and commitment to the literary arts have garnered widespread acclaim, making her a significant voice in modern Indian poetry.
A POETIC JOURNEY ROOTED IN EXCELLENCE
Gayatri’s poetry has found a prestigious place in some of the most distinguished anthologies, including Modern English Poetry by Younger Indians published by the Sahitya Akademi, The Yearbook of Indian Poetry in English, and The Kali Project. Her poetic prowess was recognized early on when her poem Anagram won the 2013 Commendation Prize at The All-India Poetry Competition (New Delhi), setting the stage for a literary journey rich in accolades and artistic exploration.
As an author, she has penned three exceptional poetry collections, each a testament to her ability to navigate emotions, identity, and human experiences with lyrical finesse. Her collection Borders and Broken Hearts was shortlisted for the PVLF Author Excellence Awards 2023 and received a grant from the Maharashtra Sindhi Sahitya Academy, Mumbai, further cementing its literary significance. Invisible Eye was longlisted for the Cochin Lit Fest Poetry Prize in 2018, and The Empress won the prestigious 2018 US National Poetry Contest organized by the Ræd Leaf Foundation for Poetry & Allied Arts.
RECOGNITION ACROSS LITERARY PLATFORMS
Gayatri’s contributions to poetry extend beyond the written word, earning her numerous accolades across diverse literary landscapes. She received a special mention in the Architectural Poetry Annual Competition 2020 and was honored with the Panorama Special Jury Award at the Panorama International Literary Awards 2020. Her work was shortlisted by the Asia Pacific Writers and Translators in collaboration with the Joao-Roque Literary Journal in June 2020. She also secured first prize at The New Normal Poetry Competition, an initiative by Poetry Paradigm, Oxford Bookstore, and Exceller Books.
Her expertise in translation shines through in her Sindhi poem Safar, which won first prize at the Kavya Kaumudi International Poetry Award, further amplifying her role in preserving and promoting linguistic diversity through poetic expression.
BEYOND POETRY: HEALING THROUGH WORDS AND SPIRITUALITY
Gayatri’s literary brilliance extends beyond poetry into the realm of healing and spirituality. Her book Healing Elixir: The Hawakal Handbook of Angel Therapy, Numerology & Remedies reflects her deep understanding of alternative healing modalities, seamlessly intertwining literature with holistic well-being. Through her healing practices, she offers guidance and inspiration, reinforcing the transformative power of words and spiritual wisdom.
Her dedication and contributions have earned her the Rahi Kadam Inspiration Award 2021, a recognition that celebrates her ability to inspire through both poetry and healing.
A LEGACY OF LITERARY AND SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT
Gayatri Lakhiani Chawla is not just a poet; she is a literary luminary whose words transcend boundaries, emotions, and cultures. Her commitment to poetry, translation, and healing exemplifies the confluence of art and introspection, making her an influential voice in contemporary literature. With a growing body of work and a profound impact on readers and fellow writers, she continues to shape the literary world with her evocative storytelling and transformative insights.
Her journey stands as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us that poetry is not just an art form—it is a force that heals, empowers, and bridges the human experience.