In an age where the world moves at breakneck speed and our lives are dominated by the digital, IAS officer Neha Bansal’s new book, “Six of Cups,” offers a heartfelt respite. A collection of evocative poems delves into the sepia-tinged realm of collective and individual memories. The title, drawn from a minor arcana card in a traditional tarot deck symbolizing nostalgia, perfectly sets the tone for this poetic journey into the past.
“Six of Cups” is a beautifully curated anthology that serves as an ode to cherished moments, shaping our identities and offering a sense of rootedness in an increasingly alienating world. Ms. Bansal’s poems explore a blend of light-hearted and poignant themes. With pieces like “Good Old Doordarshan,” “Sibling Squabbles,” and “Supernatural,” readers are transported back to shared rites of passage that bring a smile to their faces. Conversely, poems such as “My Grandpa’s Stories,” “Festival of Lights,” “Paper Boat,” “Birthday Parties,” and “Mint Chutney” evoke a deep sense of longing for past homes and hearths that we can no longer return to.
A Conversation with Neha Bansal
Speaking with Indian Masterminds, Neha Bansal, a 2010 batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, shared insights about her new book, her inspiration, and her reflections on the rapidly changing world. Ms. Bansal is currently posted as Commissioner of Food safety, Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, VC, Delhi agricultural Marketing Board and Chief Vigilance officer, DSIIDC.
“As one grows older, one finds a lot of solace in the nostalgia of the past,” Ms. Bansal said. “The world is moving very fast right now, and we are losing touch with many people who matter to us.”
Ms. Bansal’s reflections are deeply personal. She shared that the recent passing of her grandmother brought her immense comfort through memories of her childhood and the stories her grandfather told. “The world seemed so slow, sweet, and nice in those days,” she reminisced. “Today, everything feels like it’s moving too fast for me. I miss when things were calm and people had time for each other.”
Themes and Reflections
Ms. Bansal’s poetry reflects a yearning for a slower-paced world where community and family time were paramount. She poignantly described the shift from communal TV viewing with a single Doordarshan channel to the isolation brought about by personal smart devices. “Earlier, we all sat together. Everything was family time. Now, everyone has their smart TV, smartphones, and iPads in their rooms,” she noted.
In “Six of Cups,” the poem dedicated to Doordarshan captures this nostalgia vividly. “Many people used to come and sit in your house, bringing food, and it would become somewhat like a potluck party,” Ms. Bansal explained. She lamented the loss of patience and the increasingly impersonal nature of interactions in the digital age.
A Personal Connection to Nostalgia
The title of the collection, “Six of Cups,” is inspired by a tarot card symbolizing nostalgia. Ms. Bansal recounted her long-standing interest in tarot cards, which began during her college years. “In November and December, when I started writing this book, I was doing a tarot reading for myself. The ‘Six of Cups’ card turned up, and I felt a lot of nostalgia for times gone by,” she shared.
The officer’s poems are deeply personal, reflecting significant moments in her life. From the magical experience of being posted to Car Nicobar with her husband and young son to the poignant memories associated with her grandfather, each poem holds a special place in her heart.
She also included a poem titled “Aspirant,” reflecting the struggles of UPSC aspirants, capturing the dedication and isolation they experience while preparing for the exams.
HAIRSTYLIST
I loved it when my son
Caressed my hair
as I requested him
to style my hair,
feigning an inability.
His five-year-old hands
would make this
Wondrous mess of
Medusa like tangles,
Just like I did years ago
When I tried tens of
Little fountains of hair
on my dad’s sleeping head
With colourful rubber bands.
Cherishing Memories
“Instead of pursuing other things, happiness is the most important thing in life. We should cherish our memories and write about them,” she advised. Ms. Bansal believes everyone has memories that are worth cherishing and documenting, akin to “word poems” that capture the images placed in our inward eye.
Future Projects
Looking ahead, Ms. Bansal shared her aspiration to write a children’s book on Car Nicobar, where she was posted. “My son and I have been planning it for ages, but somehow we haven’t started yet. It will just take one day, but the thoughts are not coming right now,” she admitted. She also expressed interest in writing more children’s books in the future.
In a world that often feels disconnected and rushed, Neha Bansal’s “Six of Cups” invites readers to slow down, savor the past, and find solace in shared memories. Through her evocative poetry, Neha Bansal captures the essence of a time when life was simpler, and connections were deeper, offering a nostalgic journey that resonates deeply with readers of all ages.
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