Meet Anil Deswal—or “Dash” when he’s scribbling away! A marine chief engineer from Rohtak, Haryana, Anil’s life story is as deep and unpredictable as the ocean he’s sailed for decades. He’s not just a sailor; he’s an external surveyor with the Mercantile Marine Department of India, a lead auditor with Class DNV, and a superintendent. And if that’s not enough, he’s also the president of the Merchant Navy Officers Welfare Association of NCR. But beneath the titles and the tough exterior is a storyteller at heart—a man who turns waves into words and experiences into ink.
Anil’s love for the sea isn’t just a job; it’s his lifeblood. He’s logged more miles on water than most of us can fathom, picking up stories and wisdom from every port. But the ocean isn’t the only thing that defines him. Raised on the rustic fields of Rohtak, he’s still a small-town guy at heart—vegetarian, lover of nature, and a deep thinker drawn to life’s philosophical corners. His NGO, Ek Haryana, reflects his spirit—supporting seafarers, helping animals, and giving anyone in need a hand up. For Anil, life’s a wild ride, and his books are how he shares the view.
Anil was chosen from among thousands of applicants to be part of the World Poetry Project 2025. His poems were subsequently published in Across Latitude & Language, a global anthology showcasing the works of all participants of WPP 2025.