Anjali Tripathi Upadhyay Speaks- Contributing Storyteller and Poet of The Shakti Within
Anjali Tripathi Upadhyay, founder of Messymom.co, is a passionate mother of two who turned her parenting journey into a global platform to empower mothers. Originally from India and now based in Oman, Anjali shares practical tips, heartfelt advice, and personal experiences on topics ranging from pregnancy to adolescence. A skilled author, blogger, content strategist, and copywriter, she champions mental well-being, mindfulness, and creating balance in the chaos of motherhood. Through her writing, infused with wit and wisdom, Anjali inspires moms to embrace their unique paths and navigate life’s challenges with confidence, creativity, and a sense of purpose.
In conversation with Samata Dey – Founder Indiacafe24.com and compiler and editor of The Shakti Within- Durga’s Call
Anjali, your work beautifully explores themes of inner strength, resilience, and the power of myth. Could you tell us a bit about your background and what initially drew you to writing stories and poems that center on empowerment and self-discovery?
Thank you, Samata! That truly means a lot to me. Honestly, writing has always been my safe place—a way to process everything life throws my way. Growing up, I was that kid who used to scribble stories in my notebooks and dream about worlds where anything was possible. But it wasn’t just about escaping reality; it was about making sense of it.
What drew me to themes like empowerment and self-discovery is probably life itself. We all face moments that test us, push us, and sometimes even break us. Writing became my way of piecing those moments together—finding meaning in the chaos. Along the way, I realized that words have the power to heal, connect, and remind people (myself included) that they’re stronger than they think.
I’m also inspired by the little things—the resilience I see in people around me, the quiet courage it takes to start over, and those small victories that often go unnoticed. Through my stories and poems, I want readers to feel seen, to know they’re not alone in their struggles, and to walk away with a sense of hope. Because at the end of the day, isn’t that what we’re all searching for—a reminder that we can rise, no matter what?
Both your poem and story explore themes of inner strength and resilience, especially through a connection with the goddess Durga. What inspired you to bring these themes to life, and why did you choose Durga as a symbol of empowerment?
The qualities of inner strength and resilience have always inspired me, especially when I see how people quietly face and overcome challenges, often without recognition. I wanted to shine a light on this silent power that doesn’t demand attention but profoundly shapes lives.
Ma Durga, as a symbol of empowerment, felt like a natural choice because she embodies the perfect balance of courage, grace, and determination. Her story is timeless—she faces challenges with unwavering confidence while staying composed. To me, she represents the potential within all of us to rise above adversity, not just with physical strength but with wisdom and dignity.
Through exploring these themes, I hope to remind readers of their own inner strength, even when it feels hidden. Ma Durga symbolizes what we can all strive to embody: resilience, compassion, and the ability to stand tall against life’s challenges.
In The Rise of the Goddess, we see Jiya experience a profound transformation after a tragedy. How did you develop her character, and were there any real-life experiences or observations that influenced her journey?
Jiya’s transformation in *The Rise of the Goddess* felt like writing about someone we all know. I built her character by reflecting on how life sometimes throws us curveballs that knock us down but also push us to discover a strength we didn’t know we had. Her story isn’t based on one person but on pieces of what I’ve observed around me—people facing tough times, feeling lost, and then slowly finding their way back.
I wanted Jiya’s journey to feel real, like that friend who experiences something life-changing and emerges stronger, inspiring everyone around her. It’s about showing that even when life feels impossible, there’s hope—and maybe even a chance to rediscover yourself.
Your poem, The Shakti Within – Her Unspoken Power, speaks to a quiet strength and resilience. How do you interpret this “unspoken power” in your own life, and what message do you hope readers take from it?
To me, unspoken power is the strength we carry within us, even when the world doesn’t notice. It’s the ability to endure, rise, and believe in ourselves during moments of doubt or silence. In my own life, this power has often been my anchor. Whether facing challenges as a parent, writer, or individual, I’ve learned that real strength doesn’t need to be loud—it’s in the quiet decisions, the small victories, and the unwavering belief in one’s path.
Through this poem, I hope readers recognize their own resilience and inner Shakti. My message is simple: you don’t need to prove your strength to anyone. It’s already within you, steady and unshakable. Trust it, nurture it, and let it guide you through life’s uncertainties. Sometimes, the most profound power is the one that doesn’t demand attention—it simply exists.
Mental health and workplace pressures are central themes in The Rise of the Goddess. What do you believe is the role of literature in addressing these issues, and how can stories like Jiya’s make an impact?
In The Rise of the Goddess, mental health and workplace pressures are key themes, and I believe literature plays a significant role in addressing these issues.
Stories like Jiya’s create a space where readers can see themselves in the character’s struggles and triumphs. Literature helps us connect with real-world challenges in a way that feels personal and relatable.
When we read about someone like Jiya facing similar pressures, it reminds us that we’re not alone. It also encourages us to talk more openly about mental health and the challenges we face at work. Stories like this can inspire change, promote understanding, and foster a sense of solidarity that is much needed in today’s world.
Your use of mythological symbols like Durga brings a unique cultural depth to your work. How do you see the role of mythology in modern storytelling, and why is it significant to your writing?
For me, Ma Durga is not a mythological figure—she’s a symbol of strength, courage, and the power to rise above challenges. She represents the inner strength we all carry, even when life feels overwhelming. That’s why I wanted to weave her symbolism into my story.
In modern storytelling, mythology is more than just tales from the past—it’s about the values and emotions they ignite within us. Think about it—don’t we all have moments when we need to tap into our inner Durga to face battles, whether it’s a toxic workplace, mental health struggles, or simply navigating the chaos of everyday life?
To me, Ma Durga is that silent voice inside app of us that says, “You’ve got this,” when things get tough. Stories like mine help us reimagine these symbols, making them relatable and impactful for a new audience. Because let’s be honest—who doesn’t need a little Durga energy to get through life?
Looking forward, do you have any other projects in mind that continue to explore these themes of inner strength and resilience? If so, can you share a bit about what’s next for you as a writer?
Oh, absolutely! The themes of inner strength and resilience are an endless source of inspiration for me, and I’m excited to keep exploring them. Next, I’m really eager to explore something close to my heart—Mom’s Mental Health.
As a mom myself, I know how easy it is to put yourself last, juggle a million things, and forget to check in with yourself. I want to create stories that highlight this often-overlooked side of motherhood—how moms are superheroes in their own right, but even superheroes need to recharge.
It’s so important to talk about the mental load moms carry and remind them that they, too, deserve the space to nurture their well-being. I hope my writing can help normalize feelings of burnout and encourage moms everywhere to ask for help and prioritize themselves. It’s a topic that doesn’t get enough attention, but I truly believe it should. So, stay tuned to my website messymom.co—there’s so much more on the way!
What suggestions you will love to give to the budding authors?
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