PVLF 2025

Interview with Bhavna Mishra Author of BE STRONG ALWAYS AND IN ALL WAYS

Bhavna, an educator and author, inspires with stories of resilience, hope, and familial bonds, blending real-life lessons and creativity in her heartfelt writings.
on Dec 30, 2024

An alumna of St. Stephen’s College (D.U), Ms. Bhavna is a passionate writer

In her own words:

By profession, I am an educator who is a curious learner first!

By passion, I am an author who writes when the heart guides!

By choice, I am a storyteller who visualises a story in every experience!

Driven by determination I am a fighter,who can never give up!

And filled with gratitude a proud Stephanian.

She believes that as educators one must strive to match children’s pace, energy and eagerness to explore and learn.

Frontlist: Bitti finds hope and positivity in her journey through her diary. What inspired you to choose a diary format for the book? How do you think journaling or writing can help people during difficult times, especially in isolation?

Bhavna: The diary has been my trusted companion since I was 10 years old. It became a space where I could capture moments that touched my heart and left a lasting impact. Over time, writing became more than just a habit; it turned into a place where I could pour out my thoughts freely and honestly.

Journaling is a deeply personal practice that allows us to connect with our inner selves. In moments of difficulty or isolation, it becomes even more meaningful. Writing offers an outlet for emotions that might otherwise remain bottled up. It has a way of calming the mind and bringing clarity to the chaos.

What makes a diary so special is its non-judgmental nature. It doesn't critique or question - it simply listens and embraces everything you share. That's why I chose the diary format for Bitti's journey - it reflects the transformative power of putting pen to paper, of finding hope and positivity even in the most challenging times.

Frontlist: Bitti's connection with her father is a vital source of strength for her during challenging times. Can you explore how you developed the theme of familial bonds in the story, particularly the role of memory in helping Bitti cope?

Bhavna: The theme of familial bonds is deeply personal to me, as I draw immense strength and inspiration from the people who have shaped my life. In challenging moments, memory becomes a powerful anchor - a source of comfort and guidance when we feel lost or uncertain. This is something I've experienced personally, often revisiting my father's words and interactions from my formative years to find clarity and strength.

In the story, Bitti's connection with her father mirrors this idea. It's a reminder that family, at its core, is about acceptance. They may not always understand or agree, but they rarely give up on you. I believe this bond is precious and should be nurtured with care and patience. When things don't work, it's essential to step back with respect, preserving the relationship rather than letting misunderstandings erode it.

Frontlist: Your book is set against the very real backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. How did you navigate the blend of fiction with reality in Bitti's story?

Bhavna: The pandemic was a transformative period, and I drew heavily from my own emotions and experiences during that time. I documented the challenges, reflections, and growth I underwent, channeling them into Bitti's story.

The reality of those moments naturally intertwined with the life lessons my father instilled in me during my formative years. This seamless connection between personal experience and timeless lessons formed the heart of the narrative.

Frontlist: One of the key messages of the book is about nurturing dreams and maintaining hope despite adverse circumstances. How did you develop this theme in Bitti's journey, and what do you hope readers take away from it?

Bhavna: You have one life - make it count. The simplest way to do that is by immersing yourself in your passion. Through my book, I want my readers to understand that while life may be tough, we have to be tougher. Challenges will come, but they should never stop us from experiencing the beauty, opportunities, and lessons life has to offer.

The title says it all: Be Strong Always and in All Ways. It's a reminder to embrace resilience in every situation and to find strength not just in our actions but also in our hearts and minds.

Frontlist: Bitti's Diary is your first published book. What was the biggest challenge you faced as a first-time author? Were there any moments of doubt, and how did you push through them to complete the book?

Bhavna: The biggest challenge I faced was continually delaying what I had already written. In life, we often struggle to prioritize our passions, getting caught up in the daily grind. It becomes an endless cycle of merely making it through each day while our true calling takes a backseat.

Looking back, I realize that the delay was avoidable. However, the pandemic in 2020 became a turning point for me. It forced all of us to pause, reflect, and truly value life. During those moments of stillness and introspection, I resolved to step forward and make every effort to publish my story.

Frontlist: Having spent over 20 years in the field of education, how did your experience as an educator influence your approach to writing this story? Did you draw on any lessons from teaching that helped you craft this narrative, especially when addressing young readers or aspiring dreamers?

Bhavna: My experience as an educator influenced the way I approached writing this story. Teaching has given me an understanding of human emotions and how deeply they shape our thoughts, actions, and aspirations. It's a perspective that allowed me to connect authentically with readers, especially young dreamers navigating their own journeys.

I owe much of this insight to the incredible mentors who shaped my professional path. One of them once told me, "You have one life - make it count." Those words stayed with me, driving me to share my story before it was too late. Through this narrative, I want young readers to embrace the power of their dreams and pursue them with determination.

Frontlist: Now that you've published your first book, do you have any other writing projects or themes you'd like to explore next? Are there any other personal stories or life experiences you're excited to share with readers in the future?

Bhavna: I am a passionate and committed educator, and my upcoming book is a heartfelt narrative of my professional journey. Through its pages, I hope to connect with all those who carry dreams in their hearts, especially the dream to nurture and shape lives.

I wish to inspire more people to step forward and embrace this extraordinary journey of love, dedication, and togetherness.