He is in Class 11 and a published poet. Soft spoken and polite to a fault, 16-year-old Aryaman Darda's first poetry anthology Snowflakes published by Rupa Publications was released at a well-attended launch on Friday. The book launch was attended by noted Urdu litterateur, poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar, and poet, lyricist and Censor Board chief Prasoon Joshi and singer musician Roop Kumar Rathod.

Speaking on the occasion, Akhtar lauded the young poet saying that his work reminded him of his own young age. "Poetry is not created from consciousness but from the innermost feelings which have to be drawn out. These feelings find expression in words and emerge as poetry," he said praising Aryaman for achieving so much so early. "We were also like you at your age."

Looking at Rajya Sabha MP, chairman and editor-in-chief of leading Marathi daily Lokmat and Aryaman's grandfather Vijay Darda on the dais, he said: "The older generation hands down values, ideas and ethics, but often legatees are busy with worldly pleasures. In Aryaman's case I'm glad that the socio-cultural norms and moral values inculcated by his parents are bearing fruit in his poetic creativity."

Joshi too praised Aryaman: "Not many grown-ups can do this." He also praised Aryaman's parents and family. "This family has always supported and promoted literature and arts. It is not surprising Aryaman imbibed this spirit," he said.

Aryaman who is schooling in Switzerland, has started a wildlife conservation NGO — Little Planet Foundation. He also likes photography, holds exhibitions and uses the money for the NGO. He told DNA that the proceeds from the sale of Snowflakes will go the NGO.

He said he began writing at ten encouraged by his mom Rachana. "I used to have very complex thoughts which I struggled to articulate. Mom told me to try poetry. Right from my first work about a football match, the words started flowing in and I began to enjoy it," he said. The young poet added, "Since then I've broached more abstract concepts. While some poems happened in hours, some have needed over a day's work."

Aryaman's grandfather Vijay Darda beamed: "He makes me so proud. My daughter-in-law Rachana and son Devendra have done a great job in bringing up Aryaman as a down-to-earth boy whose heart beats for society."

In reply to a question by Javed saab Aryaman said he will write poetry in Hindi too in the future and Roop Kumar Rathod asked him to also compose the music since he plays the guitar. "I will sing your composition," said the singer to much applause from those gathered.