In a world where countless young women are still striving to find their voice, 20-year-old Riya Kolesh from a small village in Himachal Pradesh is emerging as a powerful symbol of women empowerment. A medical student by profession and a writer by passion, Riya’s journey reflects courage, resilience, and the determination to rise above self-doubt.
Coming from a humble background, Riya never initially imagined herself as a writer. What began as a moment of serendipity soon transformed into a defining part of her identity. Despite hesitation and uncertainty, she chose to give her passion a chance—and that decision has shaped her into an award-winning literary voice. Today, she is a co-author of multiple anthologies and has been honoured with prestigious recognitions such as the Best Pensmith Award and the Bharat Kavi Ratna Award.
For Riya, writing is more than just words on paper—it is her voice, her expression, and her strength. Her poetry often reflects the complexities of human emotions, particularly the lived experiences of women in society. Through her verses, she captures both the beauty and the pain of womanhood, creating a space for dialogue and reflection.
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One of her most impactful pieces, “Womanhood,” sheds light on the harsh realities faced by women, even in today’s world. The poem narrates the traumatic experience of a young girl subjected to harassment, boldly questioning societal attitudes and the silence that often follows such incidents. With piercing lines and raw emotion, Riya challenges victim-blaming mindsets and calls for accountability, urging society to introspect and change.
WOMANHOOD
A little girl playing on the streets,
then came a grown man whom she later meets,
he saw the opportunity, as she was all “alone”,
just look at the “mentality “of a man who is “fully grown”!
He then grabbed her, harassed her, the “poor kid” had to suffer.
She cried and screamed, for a second it all seemed like a bad dream.
He gave her the trauma that she’ll carry for the rest of her life,
For us females this world “isn’t safe” and its hard to survive.
Later the man ran away, knowing that he did wrong!
Every day we question ourselves that if this isn’t the place then where do we actually belong??
Society now what will you say? Who got the main role play? Who’s fault was it? Who was to blame?
Was it the clothes or the body??
Even saw the kid with” lustful eyes”,
can’t you become a little wise??
Aren’t you ashamed now?
At this moment everyone becomes “silent” somehow!!
In every sense, Riya Kolesh is more than just a writer—she is a voice of change, a storyteller of reality, and truly, a symbol of women empowerment.