THE UNBREAKABLE BOND OF EMOTIONS: USHA RAJE SAXENA

A segment of Cafe Social Magazine dedicated to celebrating the stories of distinguished professionals who were born, raised, and educated in India and later moved abroad to achieve their professional dreams. Though they have become ‘foreigners’ by residing in other countries, their hearts still beat for their motherland, India. In this segment, we explore their journeys from Desh to Videsh and delve into the depths of their hearts to understand their connection to India.

Imagine being far away from home, living in a foreign land, yet your heart beats for the soil where you were born. This is the essence of Usha Rajé Saxena, a celebrated writer and cultural ambassador, who has woven her journey through the fabric of literature, culture, and social advocacy. Born in Gorakhpur, India, Usha now resides in the UK, where she continues to shine as a beacon of Indian literature and thought.

Usha Rajé Saxena is not just a writer; she is a bridge between two worlds, blending the rich traditions of India with the global perspectives shaped by her experiences abroad. With an unyielding passion for the Hindi language and a sharp understanding of the immigrant experience, Usha’s work resonates with readers across continents. Whether through her poetry, short stories, or social engagements, she has tirelessly worked to preserve the essence of India while embracing the world’s diversity.

We sat down with Usha Rajé Saxena to discuss her literary journey, thoughts on life abroad, and the legacy of Hindi literature.

Q1: Usha Ji, what drew you to writing, and how did your journey in literature begin?

Usha Rajé Saxena: “I grew up in a family where literature and language were highly valued. My father, a man of great learning, always encouraged me to express my thoughts. Writing, for me, was a natural extension of my love for the world around me—its people, its stories, its struggles. The real turning point came when I moved to the UK. The experience of being away from home, living between two cultures, brought a new depth to my writing. I started to write not just as a storyteller, but as a witness to the journey of migration, identity, and belonging.”

Q2: You have written extensively in both Hindi and English. How do you find the balance between these two languages in your writing?

Usha Rajé Saxena: “Hindi has always been my first love. It’s the language of my soul. But living in a different country meant that I had to embrace English as well—both for communication and for reaching a wider audience. I believe that writing in both languages gives me the best of both worlds. Hindi connects me to my roots, to the stories that need to be told, while English allows me to reach a global audience and share the nuances of Indian culture with the world. Both languages are essential in my literary journey.”“रचनाएँ केवल शब्द नहीं, बल्कि हमारे समाज, संस्कृति और परंपराओं का आह्वान होती हैं।”

(“Works are not just words; they are a call of our society, culture, and traditions.”)

Q3: You have spent a significant part of your life in the UK. How has this experience shaped your work?

Usha Rajé Saxena: “Living in the UK has been a double-edged sword. While it’s a land of opportunity, it also brings a sense of isolation, especially for someone like me, deeply connected to India. That sense of duality—the feeling of being in two worlds at once—has shaped my writing. My stories, my poems, are reflections of the immigrant experience, the joy and sorrow of navigating a foreign land while holding on to your identity. The world of the diaspora, the challenges, the emotional conflicts, the yearning for home—these are themes that run through much of my work.”

Q4: Your works have been published in several international journals, and even some are part of university curriculums. How does it feel to see your words reach such vast audiences?

Usha Rajé Saxena: “It’s humbling, truly. When I first started writing, I never imagined that my work would be recognized globally. To see my stories and poems being studied at places like Osaka University, and read by people from different cultures, is both a recognition of my hard work and a testament to the power of literature to bridge gaps. It validates the idea that stories, when told with sincerity, can transcend borders and connect hearts.”

Q5: Your life has been dedicated to the promotion of Hindi literature abroad. What role do you think Hindi plays in the global literary landscape today?

Usha Rajé Saxena: “Hindi is more than just a language for us. It’s a vessel of our culture, our history, and our emotions. But in the globalized world, Hindi is often seen as a niche language. As someone who has lived abroad, I see the responsibility to promote Hindi literature as not just a cultural obligation, but a personal mission. We need to show the world that Hindi literature is rich, diverse, and deserving of a place on the global stage. I believe that through organizations like the Hindi Samiti UK, and through journals like Purvai, we are slowly but surely giving Hindi the recognition it deserves.”

Q6: How do you perceive the role of literature in today’s world, especially for young writers?

Usha Rajé Saxena: “Literature, at its core, is about telling the truth. In today’s world, where distractions are many and the world moves at a fast pace, literature can offer a pause, a reflection, a mirror to society. For young writers, my advice is simple: Write what you know, write what you feel, and write with purpose. Don’t just write for the sake of writing. In today’s world, we need more writers who can challenge the norms, ask hard questions, and reflect on the changing world around us.”

Q7: You’ve been involved in several community-driven initiatives. Can you tell us more about your efforts to make a difference?

Usha Rajé Saxena: “For me, writing is not just about creating art; it’s also about creating impact. I’ve always believed in the power of literature to bring about change. My work with the Indian community in the UK, through Hindi Samiti UK, and in educational roles, is an extension of this belief. Whether it’s promoting Hindi or helping integrate the diaspora into the broader cultural narrative, I see myself as someone who connects people to their roots while helping them navigate the complexities of their new homes.”“हमारा भारतीय स्वभाव वह पुल है जो विदेशों में रहते हुए भी हमें अपने घर से जोड़े रखता है।” (“Our Indian nature is the bridge that keeps us connected to our home, even while living abroad.”)

Q8: Finally, Usha Ji, if you had to offer one piece of advice to young people today, what would it be?

Usha Rajé Saxena: “Set your goals, stay true to your values, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Life is a journey full of challenges, but it’s also full of opportunities. Whether you’re a writer or in any other field, the key is perseverance. And remember, the greatest stories are not just written in books—they’re lived every day.”

Usha Rajé Saxena’s life and work are a testament to the power of literature to cross borders, to connect people, and to preserve culture. Her words not only bridge India and the UK but also offer a glimpse into the hearts of those who carry their homeland with them, wherever they go. Through her writing, Usha shows us that no matter where we are in the world, the journey of identity and belonging is universal, and stories have the power to unite us all.

Rapid Fire Round:

1. Favorite Indian dish?
   Samosas and Chole Bhature.
2. Your favorite city in India?
   Varanasi – the spiritual heart of India.
3. A book that changed your life?
   Gitanjali by Rabindranath Tagore.
4. Your go-to hobby when not writing?
   Traveling and exploring new cultures.
5. A festival you look forward to celebrating?
   Diwali – the festival of lights, warmth, and joy.
6. One thing you miss the most about India?
   The warmth and hospitality of the people.
7. Your idea of a perfect evening?
   A quiet evening with a good book and a cup of tea.
8. What does India mean to you?
   India is the heart of my identity – its culture, history, and traditions are my guiding force.