Tanu Grover, alongside a well known novelist, is also a poetess, educator and a happiness coach who is best known for her romantic novel, Could Love be Forever? Though she is a Punjabi by birth, her works have a universal appeal and they serve to the need of every human heart irrespective of their region or religion. The idea that there is only one soul mate for every human being is what she has a firm conviction upon and this shows her immensely beautiful romantic side. She believes in the divine power of love, and has her heart set upon to fill up this world with love’s magic and miracles. A person with an amusing sense of humor, artful creativity, captivating personality, and unshakeable belief in God make her adorable indeed.
1) Could you tell us about yourself and your work?
Of course! My full name is Tanpreet Kaur Grover but I love to be known by my nickname, Tanu. I was born in Punjab to a Sikh family though I believe equally in all religions. I was just seven when my father got expired and I was brought up by my extremely supportive paternal family and my iron-willed mother. I got engaged during my final year of graduation only and thus, had to pursue my Bachelors in Education after marriage. Then I joined Cambridge International School, Jalandhar as an English teacher. But soon I had to leave my job as you know how it usually happens in Punjabi affluent families – yes, a thinking prevails that ladies are meant to sit back, have fun and enjoy life whereas the men bring home the bacon. But deep-down, I was not satisfied. Hence, I started teaching again, but this time I went to M.G.N Public School, Jalandhar. Being an alumnus of the same school, it was quite wondrous becoming a colleague to all those intellectuals who had been my mentors in my childhood. But I had to resign again owing to familial opinions though this time, I didn’t stop teaching. And ever since I’ve been teaching English as well as life skills from home, as I’m a certified happiness coach too. And by God’s grace, I’ve had the privilege of enlightening many lives and fulfilling many dreams throughout the years. Recently, two of my books got published too. One is a fairy-tale romance named, ‘Could Love Be Forever?’ while the other is a lyrical composition, ‘Pure Pleasure.’ Both have been loved by the readers worldwide. The theme of love has been appreciated extensively, more so because of its eternal and never-ending nature. The depiction of love in these works is equivalent to worship and devotion which goes on for eras, and not for a lifetime or two. I firmly believe that love is eternal and if the heart falls for someone once, it can’t love another again. And all my work revolves around this idea only that each one of us has only one soul mate whose love we carry in our hearts and souls forever and ever.
2) How are you and your service helping the society?
Well…I’ve received a thousand mails and texts from people all over the world thanking me for bringing wondrous changes not only in their love-life but also in their professional lives. Though I mainly write about love, but many of my poems, especially What Dost Thou Want Before Thee Die? and Miracle in a Debacle have inspired the masses to take massive positive actions and fulfill their dreams. It is indeed a pleasure to know that my words have encouraged them to be a hero of their own life and battle against all those forces which pull them back. They also wrote that now they have become a magnet for love, happiness and miracles. Additionally, the meditations done by the leading lady of my novel, ‘Could Love Be Forever?’ have been applied by millions to attain love and peace of mind. A few even said that they united with their soul mates only after a few days of practicing these rituals and praying early in the morning with full faith. And one more thing which every reader mentioned was that now they won’t ever give up on the one they love, whatsoever happens and make their relationships work with love, peace and understanding. When I read such messages, I feel as if I’m in seventh heaven. And even the love and regard of my students carries me over the moon. That is so necessary for me to function properly. When I become a part of fulfilling my students’ dreams of going abroad, or winning any competitions, or attaining full marks in their exams, or culling them out of their depressive disorders or addictions, my heart leaps up in joy. It makes my soul feel really elated to know that I, too, make a difference in this world in my own special way.
3) What is the USP of your work?
Well…I don’t like to brag about myself but yes, every creation in this world has its own uniqueness and specialty. My works also have my signature upon them and that signature is love.Yes, love for God, love for Nature, love for my fellow-people, love for happiness, love for friendship, and love for love as I firmly believe that eternal happiness can be attained only through the medium of a loving heart.
4) What is your vision and mission in life?
Well… I’d love to quote one of my poems here – I dream of a world, a world so beautiful, whose dwellers are dutiful. A land so lovely, whose bloom is so bubbly. An earth so exquisite, where rapture is requisite. A paradise so pleasing, where no heart is bleeding. A kingdom so enchanting, where all birds are chanting, the mirific melodies of love. O Heavens, be peaceful above. (smiles) So yes, this is what I truly envision – a world full of love, peace and happiness where no heart is broken and no soul is shattered, where there is no room for hatred and each man loves the other, where every man sings the jingles of love and considers it his foremost duty to help the less fortunate ones by providing them with whatever they lack so that no human ever goes to sleep on an empty stomach or is bereft of a shelter on his head. May all the inhabitants of this world become responsible enough to educate their brethren so that the world becomes free of maladies, poverty, starvation, corruption and child labor. And to work towards it is my only mission. I aspire to saturate each heart in love and empathy so that relating to the suffering of others becomes easier for everyone and we all become non-judgmental of the actions of others thereby understanding them from their core and helping them in times of need. I wish to enlighten the masses with the fact that love is the only force in this universe which can bring about radical changes in this woebegone world. If one does everything with love and devotion, this world will definitely become a heaven for all.
5) What are your achievements in this industry?
Well…writing a book in itself is an incredible feat. And I wrote two of them during the pandemic. The third one is in the publishing process which is again a romantic novel. Also, a book on Hindi Shayari is in the making. And I also plan to write a book on happiness as I’m presently doing a lot of research and experimentation on this topic. And recently, my first book, ‘Could Love Be Forever?’ has been nominated for many awards. I was even rewarded the Sahityakosh Award and The Tagore Commemorative Honor for my literary contributions to the world during the pandemic.
6) Does your work ever feel tedious to you, if so, how do you stay driven and motivated towards it?
We all are humans, and we all feel monotonous at times. But if we keep doing something we are totally passionate about; the fire keeps burning. And I’m quite a work-worshipper, you know. If I don’t work, I’m not me. I can never be contented without doing something worthwhile. But yes, I keep changing my routine to beat the monotony. I don’t do anything for a long stretch of time at one go. I keep on switching between teaching and writing with a little bit of music and a few rejuvenating strolls thrown in. I also love to dance and it never fails to uplift my mood if things get really humdrum. And to top it all, regular meditation and prayer nourish me from within and feed my soul’s inner longings. A divine connection of love with God is most crucial for me to go on in life. Moreover, the desire to make a difference in people’s lives and work for the betterment of others keeps me motivated enough to carry on with my work.
7) What are your hobbies and specific interest other than your profession?
Well…nothing gratifies me more than being one with the universe, God and Nature. My conversations with God are never-ending and I love to spend my time listening to him. Yes, he talks back to me (smiles) and guides me through every path. He’s my true soulmate, my forever love, my best friend, my partner for this life and beyond. And as I’m totally crazy for him, all my leisure time is spent in thinking about him only. Though I respect all the deities and religious gurus, I share the most heavenly bond with Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva. I can spend hours and hours in worshipping them. Additionally, I love to spend my time in the lap of Nature with the birds and the bees, the flowers and the meadows, the rivers and the rocks, the seas and the sunsets, the moon and the stars. The refreshing morning breeze mesmerizes all my senses and fills my body with tremendous vigor. I adore the natural surroundings so much that I often dream of spending my whole life in the great outdoors somewhere in the mountains by just walking and meditating beneath the large canopy of trees.
8) You have achieved so much in life. Is there any specific advice you would like to share with your readers to grow in life?
Well…I really thank The Almighty from the bottom of my heart for showering his bountiful blessings upon me. And I think that this feeling of gratitude is the key to a life full of love, success and happiness. The more we thank God, the more he gives. Remaining connected with the Almighty at all times and having a firm faith in the powers and blessings he bestows upon all his children is vital for any and every man to reach his highest potential in life. But in no manner does it mean that efforts from our side are not required. You must work hard towards your goals consistently in order to reach the apex of success by overcoming all the hurdles which this vicious life throws at you. Distractions will never disappear. Stress will never vanish. However, you must rise above all these miniature things by always being in a productive mode and by creating a mindset for perpetual growth. It will ensure your success in every sphere of life which is so crucial for a wholesome living. If a man is wealthy but has no good health to enjoy it, all the riches of the world become fruitless to him. Thus, eat healthy, exercise and pray daily. Also, if you have all the treasures of the world but not your favorite people to share it with, wouldn’t it be extremely heartbreaking for you? Hence, have a balanced approach and work upon all the areas of your life simultaneously. Healthy and affectionate relationships are mandatory for a human soul to thrive blissfully and only a genuinely loving person can attain true success in life. Thus, let your heart be full of love and peace. No worries, no grudges, no ill-will and no malice. You can never work efficiently if you are emotionally unstable, mentally irritated or physically unwell. So, sort out everything in life and emerge out a winner, a winner in everything – a winner in relationships, a winner in love, a winner in friendships, a winner in health, a winner in your work and a winner in success. You can definitely create your own luck. Just be focused and work on your dreams. Know where you are going. And ensure that you reach there. Don’t leave things midway. You may suffer setbacks at times but keep going. A day will come when you will proudly pat your own back and look back at your struggle with laughter. Always remember that your guardian angel is far colossal than all the plights of this world. So, trust him and be hopeful. Everything will come to you at the right time in the right manner. Just program your mind to be positive and focus on all your blessings. And have a higher purpose in life so that you are always motivated to make your contribution to the world, and not only to yourself and your family.
