‘I write to challenge stereotypes and norms…’: An interview with Mafazah Sharafuddin

✍ Aysha Tanisha
March 8, 2018

Poets are an asset to the society. Many a poets have vindicated the age-old saying, ‘Pen is mightier than the sword’, by challenging norms and addressing grievances. Poems are synonymous to eye-openers. Reality-checks via poems could be the upcoming recipe to mend a society that prevails on undercurrents of hypocrisy and insensitivity.

Mafazah Sharafuddin, the youngest among the three children of Sharafuddin Soofi and Sameena Afshan couple, is a teenage poetess, whose formal debut into the literary world took place with the recent release of the anthology of poems Labyrinths of Emotions. It is a compilation of poems she wrote when she was 13 and 14 years old. It spans over a variety of subjects including social issues, mental health and general struggles faced by adolescents. She says that her poems are mainly expressions of her thoughts that she can’t put into coherent words. 

Mafazah Sharafuddin is now a grade 11 student at a private college in Mangaluru and aspires to become a clinical psychologist. Apart from writing poems, she is passionate about reading. She is multi-talented with interest in fine art and public speaking as well.  Here are a few things Mafazah Sharafuddin said in her exclusive interview to coastaldigest.com.

CD: What is the importance of poetry in today’s society?

MS: In my opinion, there’s a grace to poetry that no other form of writing has. I think poetry challenges you to look for meaning in mundane, everyday things and that’s the sort of observation and contemplation we need.

CD: Do you have a cause that is close to your heart or a particular theme that structures your poems?

MS: Well, not one thing in particular. I’m a feminist. I also stand against racism and colorism. The condition for women all over the world hasn’t been ideal for a very long time. In India especially, we can see the whole hype on fairness’ creams and other products. We are basically told that dark equates ugly. In Hollywood too, we can see that the protagonists are mostly white. The patriarchy perpetuates these ideals for women to live by. That a women must have a voluptuous body, yet a skinny waist, that a woman should rip her body hair off in a very painful procedure on a monthly basis to look ‘attractive’. In my opinion, it shouldn’t be necessary to fight for women’s rights or black rights. People shouldn’t be deprived of opportunity based on trivial aspects of their existence. 

CD: Do you touch upon social issues that our society is grappling with, in your poems?

MS: I like to believe that I write to challenge stereotypes and norms that society pushes on people. I feel very strongly against the social culture that tells you what is ‘normal’.

CD: The poems you write convey disdain to certain social constructs. What is it that you are dismayed with and what made you turn to writing poems?

MS: The truth is that when I started writing I was just eight-year-old, meaning I didn’t have an understanding of social issues and such. But I read a poem I wrote from then, saying something like dark spots don’t make you any less beautiful. Part of the reason I’m so against these so called social constructs is, I think, remnants of that childish stubbornness that refuses to accept what I didn’t understand. Then again, there is the part of me that grew up and saw how much damage these mindsets cause in the real world, and I say without a doubt that I will stand against every illogically discriminating thing I come across. As for why I turned to writing, I’ve always been fond of literature, poetry in particular, and when I was a child I chose poetry as a way to express myself, which I continue to do today. 

CD: What got you writing? What about poets that inspired you, do you have any?

MS: My primary school teacher is actually the one who first asked me to write. More than people, however, books are what kept me writing. Poems like The Haunted Palace by Edgar Allan Poe and My Beth by Louisa May Alcott are what I recite under my breath when I’m distressed. I think literature has played such a huge role in creating the person I’m today, that I can say that it’s quite possible I wouldn’t have this book published without it. 

CD: Are you planning to write anything other than poetry?

MS: I do plan on writing prose but I get too caught up in detail to follow a complex plot. Maybe in a few years my mind will mature enough for it. 

Also Read: Mangaluru: Young poetess Mafazah Sharafuddin’s Labyrinths of Emotions released

Comments

Navaneeth Shetty
 - 
Thursday, 8 Mar 2018

Impressive achievement at an early age. she made mangaloreans proud. at a time when young girls and boys spend time on social media, smart phone and romance, this girl has exhibtted a rare emotional maturity. A leader in the making. 

Naren Kotian
 - 
Thursday, 8 Mar 2018

Hahhaha… initially when I clicked on the link I noticed a quote from Salman Rushdie. It was like ಶಿವ ಪೂಜೆಲಿ ಕರಡಿ ಬಂದ ಹಾಗೆ… I felt pity for both Rushdie and the hijabi poetess. But when I refreshed the story Rushdie’s quote got disappeared. I realized that CD team got threats from Khumeini’s followers from Iran. Anyways congrats to the young girl. Let her develop enough courage to write against social menace like love jihad, land jihad, media jihad,…. and last but not least the poetry jihad :p

Dr.Shafeeq
 - 
Thursday, 8 Mar 2018

MashaAllah...young talent. Needs full support from society so that she in turn can encourage others to follow the steps. Good Luck

Fatima Ali
 - 
Thursday, 8 Mar 2018

Happy women’s day Ms Mafazah Sharafuddin! Congrats for the deubut book! Where it's available in Udupi?

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News Network
July 19,2020

Bengaluru, Jul 19: Senior JDS leader H D Kumaraswamy on Sunday advised the Karnataka government to utilise the services of private medical colleges in treating Covid-19 patients, by taking them into confidence, instead of threatening them with license cancellation for not complying with directives.

He also said a concentrated effort should be taken in the fight against coronavirus. "It was wrong for any hospital to deny treatment. It is also not correct on part of the government to threaten the private medical colleges with cancellation of their licence for that reason. It won't be of any help at this time of medical emergency.

Remember that MCI has the authority to cancel licenses, not government," Kumaraswamy tweeted. "Instead of showing fury on private medical colleges at such a time, concentrate on taking their service by taking them into confidence. Look into their needs. I urge for a concentrated fight against coronavirus," he added.

Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa had on Saturday convened a meeting with Private Medical College Hospitals regarding Covid management and directed them to provide 50 per cent of the beds as promised.

In another tweet, Kumaraswamy said the notice being put out by local administrations in front of coronavirus patient's house is leading to new age social discrimination and untouchability.

To ensure that infected patients and his family leads a respectable life, such a practice has to be dropped immediately. "..... instead health workers should be sent to their houses to educate and instill confidence in them," the former CM added.

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News Network
January 9,2020

Mangaluru, Jan 9: Noted city based tax accountant and former Rotary District Governor Surya Prakash Bhat passed away late this evening following brief illness. He was 62 and is survived by his wife Srimathi and two daughters Shruthi and Shravya.

Surya Prakash Bhat suddenly fell ill and had been in coma for the last two weeks due to complications arising from acute diabetes. He was undergoing treatment in the ICU at Yenepoya Hospital, Kodialbail. However he failed to respond to treatment and passed away at 9.20 p.m on Wednesday, January 8th.

He was an active Rotarian. He was an active member of Rotaract Club of Mangalore Central during his youth and then joined Rotary Club of Mangalore in 1989. After holding various positions in club level and the district level including Rotary District Secretary during the year 1995-96, he became club President of Rotary Club of Mangalore during its Golden Jubilee year in 1999-2000. Then on he rose to the position of District Governor of RI Dist. 3180 during 2003-2004. He was presently a member of the Rotary District Advisory Council.

Popularly known as "SURI", Surya Prakash Bhat was born in Mangalore on 8th May 1957. He had his early education in Milagres High School and graduated from St. Aloysius College. He did his articleship under Kamath & Rao Chartered Accountants. He has been practicing as a Tax Consultant since 1980 specializing in the fields of Goods & Service Tax (GST).

He has earlier served as Treasurer and Secretary of Kanara Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mangalore. He also has been a Member of Finance & Banking Committee of FICCI, New Delhi; Member of Advisory Board, Department of Commercial Taxes as well as of Customs & Central Excise. He was one of the founders of The Karavali Automotive Sports Club, Mangalore and a Trustee of Shri Somanatha Temple, Someshwar, Mangalore.

Had been regularly anchoring programme like “Janadhwani”, a programme which highlights problems of common man, Elections Special and Budget Analysis in the local TV Channel.

Funeral will be held tomorrow in Mangalore.

Rotary Connection

Surya Prakash Bhat Joined Rotaract Club in 1976-77 and had won record 14 out of 15 awards in the district (Comprising of 8 Revenue Districts) as the best President during 1984-85.  He served as Rotaract District Secretary during 1985-86. 

He has been addressing various institutions, organizations and service clubs on matters of general interest, personality and individual development and Rotary. Has addressed the prestigious Rotary Institutes at Colombo and was trainer for the DGN’S at Cochin Institute, Bangkok Institute & SINGAPORE Institute. He was the President during the "Golden Jubilee Year" of Rotary Club of Mangalore during 1999-2000 when the club had bagged a record 28 awards in all.

He attended Rotary International Conventions at Singapore in 1999, at Denmark/Sweden in 2006 and New Orleans, USA in 2011,and Sydney, Australia in 2014. He was District Secretary during 1995-96 and then was the Club President during 1999-2000. He had initiated unique District Projects like “Sanjeevini” – Students Parents Insurance Scheme, “Jeeva” Highway Ambulance Project, Mid Day Meal for students of 6th & 7th Std children, Mobility Training Centre for the Blind etc. 

During the Governorship, RI Dist.3180 topped the world in membership development with 15 new clubs and 852 new members.  He has represented the Dist.3180 to Council on Legislation (decision taking body of Rotary International) at Chicago, USA during 2006-07.  Has been awarded “The Citation for Meritorious Service” by THE ROTARY FOUNDATION of Rotary International in recognition of his devoted efforts for the furthering of better understanding and friendly relations of people’s of the world. Has also been awarded “The Service above Self” citation of the Rorary International for the year 2011. Was the coordinator for Zone 6A & 6B covering around 12 countries for Literacy Programme of R.I for the year 2006-07.

Was the Chairman of the Dist. Trainers Training Programme at the Rotary Institute 2017-18 at Kuala Lampur, Malaysia.

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News Network
July 4,2020

Bengaluru, Jul 4: A case has been filed against a man who posed himself to be the PMO's National Security Council 'youth advisor' during his visit to Bengaluru.

According to the police, Ankit Dey (22 yrs) who had visited Bengaluru between 16 to 20 June and for his stay at ITC Gardenia, posed himself as a youth advisor to National Security Council at PMO.

As per the information given by the hotel staff, the police department had communicated with the PMO. They got clarification that there is no such person designated in the Prime minister's office. A complaint has been filed in Cubbon Park police station.

"The man found to be 22-year-old as per the identity shown in the hotel, left his visiting cards. Although he did not ask for any discount in the hotel," said Police.

A senior police officer said, "A criminal case has been filed against the accuse 'Ankit Dey' under the section IPC 420 (cheating and dishonesty), 465 (forgery), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating), 471 (using as a genuine forged document), 417 (cheating).

Police have started its work to find him as per the clues we have got. At this point of time, we can not reveal more details," Officer said. 

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