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By:

Shiv Sethi

10 January 2026 at 2:43:11 pm

Endless Inner Echoes

A Kolkata-based entrepreneur and a featured author in eminent media houses, Rajeev Kejriwal,  presents a rare confluence of industry and introspection. Writing primarily in Hindi, his poetry navigates universal emotional terrains like restlessness, solitude, memory, and the self with a quiet intensity. His work does not seek comfort; it unsettles, provokes, and invites readers to confront their own unspoken truths. His acclaimed poetry collection Antheen (meaning Endless) has been widely...

Endless Inner Echoes

A Kolkata-based entrepreneur and a featured author in eminent media houses, Rajeev Kejriwal,  presents a rare confluence of industry and introspection. Writing primarily in Hindi, his poetry navigates universal emotional terrains like restlessness, solitude, memory, and the self with a quiet intensity. His work does not seek comfort; it unsettles, provokes, and invites readers to confront their own unspoken truths. His acclaimed poetry collection Antheen (meaning Endless) has been widely appreciated for its minimalist expression and emotional depth. An English translation of the collection is set to release soon, aiming to reach a broader audience. Excerpts…   Poetry often comes from deep emotion. What inspires your verses the most? Inspiration, for me, is rarely a grand moment. It’s usually a quiet moment of solitude or equally a moment of disturbance—something that doesn’t settle. A question that hangs in the air, a silence heavier than words—and at times, just emptiness. I write because something within refuses to be resolved.   How would you describe your poetic voice or style in your own words? I believe my voice lives somewhere between what is said and what escapes being said. Minimal on the surface, with an undercurrent of unease… and involves the reader in its search. I’m drawn to pauses, to absences, to incompleteness.   Do your books emerge from personal experiences, observations, or imagination? Tell me about your books. A combination of all three, but not in a linear way. Personal experience leads to focused observation, observation dissolves into vivid imagination—and somewhere in between, a poemstarts taking shape instantly. My work, especially Antheen, it’s more about capturing states of being—detachment, longing, quiet anger, or nostalgia. If there’s a thread across my books, it’s this idea of something endless—but in feeling.   Is there a particular poem of yours that is closest to your heart? Why? Yes—but not because it is the most polished. The ones closest to me are often the ones that feel unfinished, almost fragile. Like “Tukde Tukde” is a poem where the question outweighs the answer, where the silence in words and action holds more weight than the written words.   How do you approach the process of writing a poem? Does it come spontaneously or through careful crafting? It almost always begins spontaneously—a line, a thought, a certain emotional rush. But writing doesn’t end there. I return, not to decorate it, but to strip it down. Remove the extras, like a sculptor removing the unwanted parts from a slab of stone to reveal the statue. The process is more about uncovering what was already there, hidden beneath noise.   Many believe poetry is losing space in today’s fast-paced world. How do you respond to that? I t’s the attention span., and poetry has always lived in spaces where attention is fragile. poetry becomes almost necessary in a fast-paced life, - crisp, minimal words to express thoughts, emotions, —not as an escape, but as resistance, asking you to pause. It will always find those who are willing to stop and listen- to their heart.   Which poets or literary traditions have influenced your work the most? Less names, more sensibilities. That said, works that embrace restraint and depth whether in Hindi, Urdu, or even certain modern minimalist voices have stayed with me, where a single line can hold an entire emotional landscape.   What role does language play in your poetry? Do you think differently when writing in different languages? Language shapes the emotion itself. Hindi, for me, carries a certain intimacy and rawness. English offers distance and structure. The poem chooses its own language and sometimes, it lives in both, and that’s where translations come.   What themes or ideas are you currently exploring in your upcoming work? The distance, - lately, I find myself returning to it, not just between people, but more within the self. A kind of quiet disconnection that isn’t dramatic, but persistent. I’m also exploring memory how it shapes us, distorts us, and sometimes traps us. As something unresolved, as something that remained unsaid at that point of time. Few of my poems have a humorous touch too as you will find in “Dasvi Pass” or “Dawa Daru” I write not to answer, but to sit with what refuses to resolve.

Lung health awareness should be prioritised

Ustad Zakir Hussain

Zakir Hussain Succumbs to Rare Lung Disease Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): A Wake-Up Call for Lung Health Awareness Renowned pulmonologist Dr. Abhijit Ahuja from Saifee Hospital underscores the importance of early diagnosis and public awareness.


Zakir Hussain’s untimely demise has highlighted the devastating impact of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a rare and chronic lung disease often overlooked due to its silent progression. This condition leads to irreversible thickening and scarring of the lung tissues (fibrosis), impairing the lungs’ ability to function. The exact cause of this life-threatening condition remains unknown, which is why it is termed “idiopathic.”


According to Dr. Abhijit Ahuja, a leading pulmonologist at Saifee Hospital, there is an urgent need for public education regarding IPF. “Many people are unaware of IPF, and its symptoms are often dismissed as minor or age-related. Tragically, most diagnoses occur at advanced stages when treatment options are limited. Early detection is crucial for improving patient outcomes and quality of life,” stated Dr. Ahuja.


Recognizing the Symptoms of IPF

IPF begins with subtle symptoms, making it challenging to diagnose early. Patients and healthcare providers must be vigilant about the following signs:

• Persistent shortness of breath (dyspnea), especially during physical activity

• Chronic dry cough that does not improve over time

• Unexplained fatigue and general weakness

• Sudden, unintended weight loss


“Many patients with IPF misinterpret their symptoms as signs of aging or other common respiratory problems. Unfortunately, this leads to delayed diagnosis,” Dr. Ahuja explained. Diagnosis involves a detailed review of the patient’s medical history, high-resolution CT scans, and lung function tests to confirm the presence of fibrosis.


Treatment and Management Options

While there is no cure for IPF, recent advancements in medicine offer hope by slowing the disease’s progression and managing symptoms effectively. Treatments used at institutions like Saifee Hospital include:

1. Antifibrotic Drugs: Medications like pirfenidone and nintedanib significantly reduce the progression of scarring in the lungs.

2. Oxygen Therapy: Providing supplemental oxygen helps manage breathlessness and improves patients’ energy levels.

3. Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Structured programs of breathing exercises and physical training enhance lung capacity, stamina, and quality of life.

4. Lung Transplantation: For severe cases, lung transplantation may be considered a life-saving option.


Dr. Ahuja emphasized, “The combination of antifibrotic drugs, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation can slow disease progression and improve patients’ lives. However, the success of these treatments hinges on early detection.”


Prognosis and Early Detection

IPF is a rapidly progressing disease with a poor prognosis. The average life expectancy following diagnosis is 3 to 5 years. However, early diagnosis and timely intervention can extend survival and significantly enhance quality of life.


Dr. Ahuja added, “Regular health check-ups and vigilance about respiratory health are vital. Early intervention is the only way to ensure a better prognosis for IPF patients.”


A Call for Greater Awareness

The tragic passing of Zakir Hussain has underscored the importance of raising awareness about rare diseases like IPF. Many people remain unaware of IPF’s early symptoms, leading to delayed diagnosis and limited treatment options.


Dr. Ahuja stated, “Awareness campaigns should emphasize that persistent shortness of breath and a chronic cough should never be ignored. Early referral to pulmonologists and tests like CT scans are crucial for identifying this disease at its initial stages.”


Saifee Hospital is actively involved in spreading awareness about lung diseases, offering cutting-edge diagnostic tools, and providing comprehensive care for patients with IPF and other respiratory conditions.


Supporting IPF Patients and Families

IPF is not just physically debilitating—it also takes a severe mental and emotional toll on patients. Family members and caregivers play an integral role in helping patients cope with the challenges of daily life.


Dr. Ahuja added, “While medical care is critical, psychological support for patients and their families is equally important. Addressing the emotional and mental strain can significantly improve the overall well-being of those living with IPF.”


Zakir Hussain’s Passing: A Lesson for All

Zakir Hussain’s untimely demise is a somber reminder of the need to prioritize lung health. It urges individuals to seek medical attention for unexplained breathlessness or persistent coughing and emphasizes the importance of early intervention in preventing severe outcomes.


Dr. Abhijit Ahuja of Saifee Hospital concluded, “Every individual experiencing symptoms like breathlessness or an unrelenting dry cough should consult a pulmonologist promptly. Early diagnosis can make all the difference.”


Let us honor Zakir Hussain’s legacy by spreading awareness about IPF and supporting those battling this rare and life-altering condition.


(The author is a leading pulmonologist at Saifee Hospital, Mumbai. Views personal.)

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