Smeetha Bhoumik is a poet, artist, editor, and a distinguished delegate at the Panorama International Literature Festival 2025. She has carved a name for herself in the world of literature and art, receiving accolades for her poetry and her creative endeavors. As the winner of the 2023 Reuel International Prize for Poetry and the founder of several impactful literary initiatives, Smeetha’s contributions have shaped the contemporary literary landscape.
Literary Contributions: A Poet’s Journey
Smeetha Bhoumik’s literary journey is one of profound exploration and artistic innovation. She is the founding editor of Yugen Quest Review (2021), a platform that showcases literary excellence, and the founder of the WE Literary Community(2016), an organization that brings together writers, poets, and artists for collaborative and creative pursuits. Her work spans a wide range of themes, from self-discovery to global socio-political issues, with her poetry featuring in several prestigious national and international journals and anthologies.
Her poetry is not confined to the pages of journals; it is part of the Polaris Trilogy selected for the Lunar Codex, an extraordinary archive of art, literature, music, and film sent to the moon. This collection, conceptualized by visionary physicist Dr. Samuel Peralta, demonstrates the intersection of Smeetha’s early Universe Series artwork with her poetry, creating a unique and harmonious connection between visual and written art that spans beyond the Earth.
Smeetha is also the author of several celebrated books, including In Tumultuous Light, Rhapsodies! (2023), Where I Belong – Moments, Mist & Song (2019), and Return to Love – The Point of Poetry (2021). These works are a testament to her lyrical mastery, emotional depth, and philosophical musings, reflecting her growth as a poet and artist.
Her dedication to fostering literary communities has also led her to serve as the Chief Editor of Equiverse Space – A Sound Home in Words (2018), where she continues to support emerging writers and poets. She has facilitated poetry sessions at various platforms, including the Asia Pacific Writers & Translators (APWT) in Bangalore in 2022 and CeWoPoWriMoWE, an annual poetry event hosted by WE.
Literary Awards and Recognition
As the founder of WE, Smeetha has been instrumental in establishing numerous prestigious awards that honor poetic excellence. These include the WE Kamala Das Poetry Award, WE Eunice de Souza Poetry Award, WE Chirag-e-Dair, WE Illumination Award, WE Trailblazer Poet Teacher Award, and WE Gifted Poet Award, alongside several special recognition prizes. These awards serve as platforms for emerging talent and give established poets the recognition they deserve.
Smeetha’s work has been widely recognized in literary circles, and her poems are featured in prominent journals and anthologies, such as The Mountain Was Abuzz – Poems on Himalaya (2024), The Polaris Trilogy – Poems for the Moon(2023), Sunflowers – Ukrainian Poetry on War, Resistance, Hope, Peace (2022), Oxygen – Parables of the Pandemic(2022), Muse India (2017–2018), and Modern English Poetry by Younger Indians (2019), among others. Her contributions have garnered praise for their emotional resonance, creative depth, and unique voice.
Artistic Vision: The Universe Series
Beyond poetry, Smeetha Bhoumik is a talented artist whose Universe Series explores oneness, the mysteries of the cosmos, and the interconnectedness of all things. Her paintings, primarily in oils and mixed media, convey a deep sense of introspection and cosmic wonder. Her work has been showcased in exhibitions in India and abroad, gaining admiration for its emotive power and conceptual depth.
One of her standout works, Lunar Landing (2006), a poignant oil painting on canvas, takes on added significance today, as the dots between her visual art and poetry converge with the inclusion of her work in the Lunar Codex. This serendipitous connection underscores the themes of exploration, discovery, and connection that run through both her written and visual art.
A Legacy of Encouragement and Empowerment
Smeetha’s commitment to fostering literary and artistic communities is unparalleled. As the founder of WE, she has created spaces for poets and artists to thrive and share their work with the world. Through WE Literary Community, she has provided support and mentorship to countless emerging writers, helping to shape the next generation of poets and creatives. Her work as an editor, curator, and facilitator ensures that literature and art continue to evolve in meaningful ways.
Smeetha Bhoumik’s journey as a poet, artist, and editor reflects her dedication to the arts, her passion for exploration, and her commitment to creating a world where creativity and expression know no bounds. Through her poetry, her art, and her efforts to cultivate artistic communities, she continues to inspire and empower others.
As a delegate at the Panorama International Literature Festival 2024, Smeetha’s work will undoubtedly resonate with audiences and fellow writers, as she continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression, blending the written word with the visual world in groundbreaking ways.
Her literary and artistic legacy is one of collaboration, empowerment, and a relentless pursuit of beauty and truth, both on Earth and in the farthest reaches of the cosmos.
