01/10/2026
Young Kangan Writer Raidah Riyaz Emerges as a Distinct Literary Voice From Kashmir
Wani Touseef
Ganderbal, Oct 1 (KNC): At a time when most students are occupied with classrooms, examinations and academic responsibilities, young writer and poet Raidah Riyaz of Kangan is pursuing an additional journey—one shaped by poetry, prose, public speaking and creative expression.
A student of Islamic Revival International School (IRIS), Kangan, Raidah has gradually developed a literary identity while continuing her formal education. Her interests span poetry, creative writing, hosting, debate, public speaking and other literary and communication activities.
Much of her writing draws upon the emotional experiences associated with adolescence and growing up. Themes including identity, relationships, self-discovery, loneliness, memory, love, loss, hope and healing frequently find space in her work.
For Raidah, writing began largely as a means of expressing thoughts and emotions that were difficult to communicate directly. Those personal reflections eventually developed into poems and prose, leading to manuscripts and, subsequently, published books.
From Personal Reflections to Published Works
One of the early pieces associated with Raidah’s literary journey is “Whispers of a Caged Soul,” a poem that continues to hold particular significance for her.
Over the course of her writing journey, she has developed more than three dozen poems, experimenting with reflective and emotionally centred forms of expression.
Her writing is not limited to documenting personal feelings. She seeks to create an emotional connection with readers by presenting experiences that may resonate with their own lives.
Raidah is the author of “A Trauma Called Teenage” and “Somewhere Between a Star and a Scar,” two books centred on different dimensions of adolescence, emotional development and personal growth.
Exploring the Challenges of Adolescence
In “A Trauma Called Teenage,” Raidah examines the uncertainties and pressures that can accompany the transition from childhood into adulthood.
The work touches upon identity, comparison, changing relationships, emotional pressure and the process of understanding oneself during a formative stage of life.
Her second book, “Somewhere Between a Star and a Scar,” explores themes including love, loss, memory, hope, healing and growth.
The contrast reflected in its title captures the coexistence of positive and painful experiences that can shape a person’s emotional journey.
Together, the two books reflect Raidah’s continuing interest in the inner world of young people and the challenges associated with finding individuality while growing up.
Learning the Publishing Process
Raidah’s transition from an aspiring writer to a published author has involved more than simply putting words on paper.
Moving from an initial manuscript to a finished book required exposure to editing, formatting, presentation, publication procedures and the practical aspects of reaching readers.
The experience has also provided her with an understanding of the difficulties young and independent writers can encounter while attempting to gain recognition and build an audience.
For the young author, publication represents not an end point but another stage in an ongoing process of learning, writing and creative development.
Participation in Literary Anthologies
Her literary activities have also extended beyond her individual publications.
Raidah has participated in anthology-related opportunities and has been selected for inclusion in “The Favourite Tales — Beyond Border, Volume 3.” She has also explored literary initiatives connected with projects such as “Wildflowers” and “Whispered Faith.”
Participation in such projects has provided her with opportunities to place her work alongside contributions from other writers and gain exposure to a broader literary community.
Balancing Books, School and Creativity
Despite her growing involvement in literature, Raidah continues to pursue her studies at IRIS, Kangan.
Her activities extend beyond writing. She has participated in school programmes, assemblies, hosting, public speaking and debates, while also showing interest in leadership-oriented activities.
She has reportedly received recognition within her school environment, including being named Best Student of the Week on multiple occasions.
For the young student, education and creative expression remain interconnected, with her school providing opportunities to develop both academic and communication skills.
From Writing to Public Speaking
Raidah’s interests are not confined to the written page.
She has participated in speeches, assemblies, hosting programmes and public-speaking activities, while also developing an interest in debate and structured discussion.
Among the subjects she has explored through speaking activities are feminism, kindness, environmental concerns, quality over quantity, and questions relating to responsibility and authority.
She has also participated in Model United Nations activities, including KMUN, reflecting her interest in research, discussion, diplomacy and public argument.
For Raidah, writing and public speaking offer two different avenues for communicating ideas—one through literature and the other through direct interaction with an audience.
Seeking Wider Platforms
As her interests have expanded, Raidah has also begun exploring opportunities outside her school environment.
She has shown interest in local newspapers, media organisations and radio platforms in Kashmir, seeking opportunities to introduce her work and create greater visibility for young writers from the region.
Her efforts include exploring possibilities for interviews, literary features and media interactions.
For a student writer, these experiences also provide an opportunity to understand how creative work can be presented to a wider audience and become part of a broader public conversation.
A Young Literary Voice From Kangan
Raidah’s literary journey remains closely linked to Kangan and Kashmir.
Alongside her own writing, she has expressed an interest in encouraging other students to recognise and develop their creative abilities.
She has shown interest in interacting with students at educational institutions and discussing books, writing and creative expression.
Her journey reflects an effort to demonstrate that students can pursue creative interests while continuing their academic education.
Writing About Growing Up
Growing up remains one of the recurring subjects in Raidah’s writing.
Her works explore questions of identity, self-worth, relationships, memory, heartbreak, hope and the pressure to meet expectations.
The tension between individuality and the expectations of family, society, peers and one’s own evolving identity appears repeatedly in her creative expression.
Rather than presenting emotions simply as individual experiences, Raidah seeks to leave space for readers to recognise elements of their own lives within her words.
Ambitions Beyond Books
Raidah’s aspirations extend beyond becoming an author.
She has expressed interest in public speaking, journalism and media, hosting, debate and leadership while continuing her education.
At the same time, she has shown interest in medicine as a possible future professional path, reflecting an effort to pursue literary and academic ambitions alongside each other.
Her immediate literary goals include continuing to write, working on future publications, participating in anthology projects, developing her public-speaking abilities and exploring opportunities with educational and media platforms.
A Journey Still Taking Shape
Raidah Riyaz’s literary story is still at an early stage.
Her journey has progressed from personal thoughts to poetry, from poetry to manuscripts, from manuscripts to published books and from private writing to public platforms.
Each stage has brought new learning—from refining creative work and completing manuscripts to understanding publication and presenting writing before a wider audience.
For the young writer, the significance of the journey lies not only in having books to her name but also in transforming thoughts and emotions into creative works that can reach other people.
As she continues her education and literary pursuits, Raidah Riyaz of Kangan is looking towards wider audiences, new literary opportunities and platforms where young voices can find space for expression.
Raidah Riyaz is a young writer, poet, speaker and student from Kangan, Jammu and Kashmir. She is the author of “A Trauma Called Teenage” and “Somewhere Between a Star and a Scar,” and has participated in literary anthology projects including “Beyond Border — Volume 3.” Her writing focuses on adolescence, identity, love, loss, memory, healing and self-discovery, while her interests also include public speaking, hosting, debate and student leadership.(KNC)
