Dr. Shabana Parvez, MD, FACEP, US Bureau Chief of The Desi Buzz and founder of ArlingtonIntegrative.com, recently engaged in an enlightening conversation with Kalsum A. Choudhry an accomplished author, illustrator, speaker, & artist
In this episode, we’re thrilled to bring you an enlightening and heartwarming conversation featuring Dr. Shabana Parvez, MD, FACEP, the US Bureau Chief of The Desi Buzz and founder of ArlingtonIntegrative.com. Known for her dedication to blending holistic healthcare with modern medicine, Dr. Parvez dives into an inspiring dialogue with the award-winning Kalsum A. Choudhry—an accomplished author, illustrator, speaker, and artist.
Together, they explore the themes of hope, joy, and resilience beautifully captured in Kalsum’s celebrated book, 18 Stories: Hope, Joy & Endless…Faith. This conversation is a testament to the power of storytelling in uplifting communities and inspiring individuals to find strength in the face of adversity.
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Watch the interview on YouTube
Introduction and Background
Dr Shabana Parvez: Kalsum, welcome to The Desi Buzz Talk Show! Could you start by giving our audience a brief introduction about yourself, your journey, and the inspirations that shaped your work as an author and artist?
Dr Shabana Parvez: Your passion for architectural design and creative writing began in childhood. How did these early influences guide your career and artistic pursuits?
Kalsum A. Choudhry: My name is Kalsum Choudhry. I am an Author & illustrator of Book 18 stories Hope, Joy & Endless…Faith. I launched last year in Dec 2023 which is my charity project and in loving memory of my son.
I loved painting ,reading and writing from a very young age and growing up as a young girl I liked reading the stories, articles and novels with more realistic views instead of fantasies, which I think influenced my writing. As a child I loved visiting historical buildings and I always admired their grand structure. Colorful paintings of flowers and scenes painted on walls as well. That interest as a child led me to choose an Architecture Design Degree and increased my passion to bring some character and grandeur to house plans & designs at affordable.
Faith and Inspiration
Dr Shabana Parvez: Faith plays a central role in your life and your creative process. Can you share how it has influenced your journey as an artist and writer?
Kalsum A. Choudhry: Faith influenced my journey not only as an Author & Artist but in many ways. For example by using my skills in charity projects, whether it’s cooking, writing, painting or simply giving my time away in helping others.
Dr Shabana Parvez: You’ve spoken about trusting God’s plan during challenging times. How has this perspective helped you overcome personal hardships?
Kalsum A. Choudhry: Trusting in God’s plans during personal hardships motivated me to look at life in general through the lens of a positive perspective.
Dr Shabana Parvez: The themes of hope, joy, and faith are evident in your book 18 Stories of Hope, Joy & Endless Faith. What inspired you to explore these themes through the lens of animals and their experiences?
Kalsum A. Choudhry: I was always inspired by other creatures we share our planet earth with. My trips to national parks with my kids have several memories of our direct encounters with animals. While recalling those memories, I picked those characters and themes in my stories.
On Writing and Creative Process
Dr Shabana Parvez: Writing has been therapeutic for you, especially in processing grief. How did writing 18 Stories of Hope, Joy & Endless Faith help you navigate the loss of your son?
Kalsum A. Choudhry: The ample time each day I set aside for writing was used towards creating a positive mindset, and surrendering my grief process in the hands of God. Gradually, those elements helped me to process my grief.
Dr Shabana Parvez: Your stories appeal to both children and adults. How do you approach writing in a way that resonates with such a diverse audience?
Kalsum A. Choudhry: In the stories critical thinking points are the base of thought provoking processes in adults and children .However the engaging narratives also capture the children’s imagination. Therefore, each story holds its own charisma for both adults and children.
Dr Shabana Parvez: Could you tell us about the creative process behind your book, from ideation to the beautiful illustrations?
Kalsum A. Choudhry: The illustrations are inspired by my hobbies such as traveling and connecting with nature. The ideology behind my writing is to encourage readers to find joy and hope in their life. And to inspire readers with uplifting messages in order to give them faith in themselves and their own journey.
Awards and Recognition
Dr Shabana Parvez: Congratulations on winning the Purple Dragonfly Award for children’s literature! How does it feel to have your work recognized with such a prestigious accolade?
Kalsum A. Choudhry: Thank you, I am happy that my work was recognized with not only the Purple Dragonfly Award, but also the Nautilus award, as a finalist in the American Writing Awards, and lastly the International Impact award. For international Impact my book won in the Children’s Christian category and Inspirational Reading category.
Dr Shabana Parvez: What impact do you hope your book will have on young readers and their families?
Kalsum A. Choudhry: I hope that the platform of reading time my book provides for families can form strong family bonds, while also discussing the themes in each story. For individual readers, my hope is that my book also creates joy and thought-provoking reflections.
Artistic and Charitable Endeavors
Dr Shabana Parvez: In addition to writing, your murals are displayed across the Kansas City area. How do you balance these creative outlets, and how do they complement each other?
Kalsum A. Choudhry: My painting skills were always used to support my charity projects. I created a balance in my busy life and it is an endeavor I always enjoyed. So, in a beautiful way my paintings inspired the scenes surrounding the animals in the book. In fact, the cover of my book is the image of a mural.
Dr Shabana Parvez: Your family’s involvement in charitable causes has been deeply meaningful to you. Can you tell us more about how these values influenced your writing and book projects?
Kalsum A. Choudhry: The values my parents had instilled within me, I also taught my children as a mother. These values were shown to me in subtle ways through their love and care. These values also created a foundation for the life lessons within the short stories of my book.
Dr Shabana Parvez: You’ve used your book as a way to support meaningful initiatives. What charitable goals or projects are you currently focusing on?
Kalsum A. Choudhry: In the year 2024 , book sale supported Extension Project of Muslim Cemetery, ICNA Relief USA, TCF USA, Mikal & Riyaan Foundation USA, Zamang Kor Inc USA, Hunger Buster USA proceeds of 2025 will be supporting charities orphans, children, food, health, shelter, education and continuous support towards previous charities of 2024.
On Life Lessons and Advice
Dr Shabana Parvez: You’ve shared several inspirational quotes in your book, such as “Prayer and patience are powerful during tough times.” What’s the most profound lesson you’ve learned through your journey?
Kalsum A. Choudhry: The most inspirational lesson I learned from my writing journey is that our time on Earth is a gifted treasure to use wisely.
Dr Shabana Parvez: What advice would you give to aspiring authors who want to write stories that inspire and uplift others?
Kalsum A. Choudhry: I would say to write from inspiration by focusing on reflection in this journey of life. This can be by any aspects such as reflecting on their values, experiences, and growth in their own lives.
Dr Shabana Parvez: As a parent and a creative individual, how do you encourage resilience and positivity in your children and others around you?
Kalsum A. Choudhry: As an individual and parent I focus on my approach, actions, and positive mindset which eventually creates a ripple effect towards my loved ones around me.
Future Plans and Vision
Dr Shabana Parvez: What’s next for you in terms of writing or other creative projects? Are there any upcoming works we can look forward to?
Kalsum A. Choudhry: Yes I will be working on my writing and will continue to offer my writing and painting workshops.
Dr Shabana Parvez: Your stories transcend cultural and geographical boundaries. What message do you hope readers from different backgrounds take away from your work?
Kalsum A. Choudhry: I hope universal themes in my stories provide readers a better understanding of the world they are living in as they enjoy the pages of my book.
Closing
Dr Shabana Parvez: Finally, what would you like to share with our audience about the importance of faith, creativity, and resilience in navigating life’s challenges?
Kalsum A. Choudhry: Faith is the essence of our existence on earth and serves a pivotal role towards human excellence. ‘18 stories Hope, Joy 7 Endless … Faith’ is an effort to highlight the importance of faith within ourselves and on the higher power of the universe.
Dr Shabana Parvez: Where can our viewers learn more about your work and purchase your award-winning book?
Kalsum A. Choudhry: Signed copies are available on my website, KalsumAchoudhry.com. It is also available on Amazon ,Barnes & Noble and Ingram to ship globally everywhere.
