Why Matwaala by Matwaala Ambassador Kashiana Singh
As an immigrant, a poet, and a steadfast cheerleader of my community, joining Matwaala feels like coming home to a space that understands the transformative power of poetry in bridging divides. I vividly remember the early days of my journey in the United States—navigating unfamiliar landscapes while holding tightly to the threads of my heritage. Poetry became my anchor, my voice, and my way of connecting with the world around me. It allowed me to tell my story and amplify the stories of others whose voices often remain unheard.
Matwaala, true to its name—a collective drunk on language and words—embodies everything I cherish about poetry’s ability to heal, inspire, and unite. Its unwavering commitment to uplifting South Asian diaspora poets and the larger BIPOC community resonates deeply with my personal experiences. As someone who has seen how powerful it is to step out of the shadows and share one’s truth, I am passionate about creating platforms where marginalized voices can thrive.
What excites me most about Matwaala is its willingness to hand us a blank canvas and say, “Create.” Whether as a Program Ambassador or Panel Host, I am honored to play a role in shaping this vibrant and inclusive space. Matwaala’s Tenth Anniversary Poetry Festival in 2025 offers an incredible opportunity to celebrate the resilience and brilliance of BIPOC poets through live readings, poetry film exhibits, curated translations, and more.
For me, being part of Matwaala is not just about contributing to its mission--it’s about giving back to the art form and the community that has given me so much. I am proud to stand alongside this collective, amplifying stories, building bridges, and reshaping the literary landscape one poem at a time. Together, we can ensure that no voice remains in the shadows.
-- Kashiana Singh
Matwaala, true to its name—a collective drunk on language and words—embodies everything I cherish about poetry’s ability to heal, inspire, and unite. Its unwavering commitment to uplifting South Asian diaspora poets and the larger BIPOC community resonates deeply with my personal experiences. As someone who has seen how powerful it is to step out of the shadows and share one’s truth, I am passionate about creating platforms where marginalized voices can thrive.
What excites me most about Matwaala is its willingness to hand us a blank canvas and say, “Create.” Whether as a Program Ambassador or Panel Host, I am honored to play a role in shaping this vibrant and inclusive space. Matwaala’s Tenth Anniversary Poetry Festival in 2025 offers an incredible opportunity to celebrate the resilience and brilliance of BIPOC poets through live readings, poetry film exhibits, curated translations, and more.
For me, being part of Matwaala is not just about contributing to its mission--it’s about giving back to the art form and the community that has given me so much. I am proud to stand alongside this collective, amplifying stories, building bridges, and reshaping the literary landscape one poem at a time. Together, we can ensure that no voice remains in the shadows.
-- Kashiana Singh