Vikas Singh, her school’s director, recounted a memorable incident when he had purchased Yusra’s first book from Mumbai, only to get the pleasant surprise later that it was authored by his own student.
By Kamran Khan
Yusra Fatma, a young talent from an obscure and remote village in Siwan district, Bihar, has made headlines. She has been recorded in the Book of World Records for her exceptional literary accomplishments.
At just 15, she has set a world record for writing the most poems and books, a feat that showcases her extraordinary abilities and dedication to literature. Yusra hails from Tethali village in the Barharia block.
Currently, Yusra is a 12th-grade student at RM Public School, situated in Vishambarpur in the neighbouring Gopalganj district. Her journey into the literary world began at a very young age; she started penning poems when she was only six-years-old.
She published her first book when she was 12. This was a poetry collection titled Jazba. The poems resonated well with readers and garnered significant attention.The readers were surprised to discover that a little girl has written such beautiful poetry. This initial success fueled her passion and motivated her to write.
In the subsequent years, Yusra continued her literary pursuits, authoring four books, such as Mere Hisse ki Koshish, Shaam aur Tanhai and Berukhi. Her work is characterized by a deep sensitivity, and is replete with human emotions. She engages with social issues, women’s empowerment and the right to education for girls. She believes that her poetry serves as a voice for the underprivileged and marginalized, reflecting her commitment to social change.
Her achievements have not only brought pride to her family, community, neighbourhood and school, but have also sparked joy among literature enthusiasts in Gopalganj and Siwan, otherwise unknown and non-descript towns in Bihar.
Her name was recognized by the India Book of Records last year, and one year later, she has made it into the Bravo International Book of World Records. This achievement of a young literary talent has placed her in the spotlight.
Interestingly, educational institutions preparing students for competitive examinations, such as Drishti IAS classes, have started referencing Yusra as ‘the youngest writer’ in contemporary Indian and world literature, highlighting her as an inspiration for aspiring authors and students.
The atmosphere at RM Public School has been jubilant following Yusra’s recognition. The school management held a celebration to honour her, with teachers and students sharing the joy by distributing sweets.
Vikas Singh, the school’s director, recounted a memorable incident when he had purchased Yusra’s first book from Mumbai, only to get the pleasant surprise later that it was authored by his own student. This revelation brought him immense happiness and made him proud of this poet and writer, who has carved her name in the world of literature, even while she is studying in his own school.
Yusra’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. Her early start in writing has blossomed into a series of significant literary contributions, and she continues to inspire many with her dedication. Through her poetry, Yusra not only showcases her talent but also advocates for important social issues, making her a remarkable young voice in contemporary literature. As she looks to the future, Yusra Fatma stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, proving that age is no barrier to making a lasting impact in the world.
Pictures taken from the Instagram handle of Yusra Fatma.