Nagpur, Maharashtra [India]: Dr. Vaidehi Borkar, one of the youngest and most dynamic board-certified Clinical Cosmetic, Facial Aesthetic, and Hair Surgeons from Maharashtra, is no stranger to breaking boundaries. Widely acclaimed for her remarkable contributions to surgical skin sciences and aesthetic medicine, she has now added another shining feather to her cap — this time, in the world of literature. Her debut poetry collection, The Smell of Rain, has been honored with the prestigious 21st Century Emily Dickinson Award, recognizing her as a compelling new voice in contemporary poetry.
At just 25, Dr. Vaidehi Borkar has already established herself as a force to reckon with in the field of cosmetology. Trained at the highest level in Surgical Cosmetology, her clinic, The SkinBliss, based in Nagpur, has become a trusted name for cutting-edge aesthetic procedures. Yet behind the surgical mask lies an empathetic, literary soul. The Smell of Rain marks Dr. Vaidehi Borkar’s transition from the operating room to the realm of the written word. This deeply personal and evocative poetry collection has already touched the hearts of readers across borders. What makes it extraordinary is its blend of emotional depth and poetic precision — a quality that has drawn comparisons to classic poets while maintaining a voice that is uniquely her own.
The Smell of Rain is not just a book; it is an experience. Through its pages, Dr. Vaidehi Borkar masterfully explores the raw, often unspoken layers of human emotion — grief, hope, longing, healing, and above all, love. Her words offer the comfort of a monsoon breeze and the warmth of a familiar memory. This is literature born from a life lived with intensity — from witnessing pain and perseverance firsthand in surgical theatres to absorbing life’s quiet wisdom in silent moments.
Winning the 21st Century Emily Dickinson Award is a testament to the universal resonance of Dr. Vaidehi Borkar’s work. Named after one of history’s most iconic poets, this award celebrates poetic excellence, emotional honesty, and transformative writing — qualities abundantly present in The Smell of Rain. The jury praised the book for its “heartwarming lyricism, compassionate insight, and the seamless marriage of art and soul.”
Speaking about her inspiration, Dr. Vaidehi Borkar shares, “Much of my writing is shaped by what I witness as a doctor. But I often think: who heals the healers? Poetry became my space to reflect, to breathe, and to find beauty even in times of despair. The Smell of Rain is dedicated to everyone who’s ever needed a gentle word or a quiet reminder that they are not alone.”
Balancing a demanding medical career with the rigours of writing might seem improbable to many, but for Dr. Vaidehi Borkar, both disciplines are deeply interwoven. “Surgery and poetry,” she says, “both require precision, intuition, and an unwavering commitment to the human spirit.”
With her dual achievements, Dr. Vaidehi Borkar is redefining what it means to be a modern woman — a trailblazer not just in the sciences but also in the arts. She stands as an inspiring example of how passion, compassion, and creativity can converge to shape an extraordinary life. The Smell of Rain is not merely the work of a debut author; it is the voice of a healer, a thinker, and a woman who listens deeply to the world.
The book is currently available in international markets and all across India. With glowing reviews and now a major literary award to its name, The Smell of Rain is poised to become a modern classic — one that lingers long after the last page is turned.
📖 Book Title: The Smell of Rain
🏆 Award: 21st Century Emily Dickinson Award
📍 From: Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
📷 Instagram: @dr.vaidehi_skinbliss