Reigniting the passion for writing at 73

An inspiring story of Satish K. Chohan (Khyaal Community Member)

“I am Captain Satish K. Chohan, 73 years old from Roorkee, Uttarakhand. After completing my Architecture degree in 1976, I joined the Indian Army in 1978 and served as a Captain until 1983. Following my service, I pursued a Master’s Degree in Urban and Rural Planning from I. I. T. Roorkee where I was Awarded GOLD MEDAL and subsequently. Subsequently, I joined the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) as an Architect - Planner. Over the years, I also took on the roles of Profs. and Administrator, ultimately serving as one of the Director Arch & Plng Deptt. the National CPWD Academy, Ghaziabad (U P). After Retiring from government service in 2011, I continued to contribute to the field of Architecture & Planning as the Director of several Architecture & Planning Colleges and served as a Member of the National Monuments Authority N. Delhi. ( Additional Secretary to G O I). I concluded my professional journey with final retirement in 2019 at the age of 68 yrs.

Retirement, however, marked the beginning of a new and deeply personal chapter—one where I reconnected with a long-lost passion: WRITING. My love for writing began in my youth, around the time I was in the 12th standard. I was an avid reader, often spending countless hours in the excellent library at Roorkee.

Gradually, I began writing my own poems, short stories, and reflections. While many of those early stories have been lost over time, I am now committed to revisiting and rewriting them.

Today, writing has become more than a hobby—it is my passion, my voice, and my companion. I write about everything that inspires me: Nature, Society, Everyday Life, and the quiet resilience of ordinary people. My poems often explore themes such as human emotions, the environment, and social realities. I do not follow a single theme; instead, I write about whatever moves me in the moment.

Writing gives me peace, clarity, and immense joy. It keeps my mind engaged and my heart fulfilled. All I need is a quiet corner, a pen, and a notebook.

I am a proud member of the poetry club at Khyaal, where I regularly share my new poems. Being part of this community of poets and poetry lovers brings me a deep sense of belonging and creative energy.

Though my professional responsibilities once kept me occupied, I continued writing in bits and pieces, storing my work safely without thinking of publication. Over the years, I have written more than 500 Poems. A few months ago, I rediscovered an old manuscript—a Novel I had written over 52 years ago. This rediscovery rekindled my excitement and motivated me to publish my work.

Currently, I am working on three books:

Bawan Saal Pehle Ki Bhool – A novel written decades ago, now being refined for publication.

Gehraiyan – A collection of over 100 poems reflecting life’s depth and emotions.

Vicharon Ki Dhara – A compilation of around 70 poems capturing my thoughts and experiences across the years.

On a personal note, I lost my wife last year. Her absence has left a profound void in my life. However, I continue to find solace in writing, meeting people, and staying engaged. Travel has also remained a source of joy. I have explored various regions of India, including Arunachal Pradesh & Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and recently revisited Singapore after 25 years—each journey giving me new stories to tell.

To me, retirement is not an end, but a fresh beginning. Through poetry, I continue to write the latest chapters of my life. I believe that even a single hobby—be it writing, reading, gardening, or anything else that brings joy—can bring vitality and meaning to our later years.

As long as I can, I will write—with heart, with purpose, and with gratitude. - Satish K. Chohan (Khyaal Community Member)