In a world where silence often overshadows stories of pain and resilience, Jaspreet Kaur—universally known as “Behind The Netra”—emerges as a voice of truth, beauty, and empowerment. Hailing from East London, Jaspreet has carved a powerful space for herself as a spoken word artist, writer, performer, and speaker. Her words aren’t just poetry; they’re healing verses that strike chords, challenge norms, and start conversations that matter.
With an academic background rooted in history and gender studies, Jaspreet uses her education not just as a foundation for her work, but as a launchpad for activism, change, and cultural awareness. What makes her journey truly remarkable, however, is the personal pain she has transformed into poetry—and the lives she has touched in the process.
Turning Pain into Power
Jaspreet’s journey has been anything but easy. During her secondary school years, she faced relentless bullying. The emotional toll it took led to struggles with anxiety and depression through her teenage years. Yet, instead of letting her pain consume her, Jaspreet turned to writing at just 13 years old. It was in those early years that she discovered the power of putting pen to paper—a release of emotions, a personal escape, and eventually, a path toward healing.
This quiet act of self-expression slowly evolved into something bigger. What began as a private outlet became a powerful tool for storytelling, allowing her to not only understand her own emotions but help others understand theirs.
From Journals to Global Stages
As Jaspreet grew more confident in her voice, so too did her presence in the literary and performance world. Over the last few years, she has performed at renowned venues across the UK. From the 2018 Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey to delivering a stirring TEDx Talk titled “How Poetry Saved My Life” in front of a live audience of 1,200—Jaspreet’s words have travelled far and wide.
Her TEDx London talk touched on the transformative power of poetry and how it helped her navigate mental health challenges. It wasn’t just a speech—it was an act of bravery, of vulnerability turned into strength. It marked her not just as a poet but as a survivor and mentor for those facing similar battles.
A Voice in the Media and a Mentor for Many
Beyond the poetry stage, Jaspreet is a familiar voice and face in the media. She has appeared regularly on BBC programs and “Sunday Morning Live,” not only as a poet but as a social commentator—speaking on themes like gender equality, cultural identity, and mental well-being.
She also extends her impact through workshops and keynote talks designed for audiences of all ages. Jaspreet believes in creating spaces where people, especially young girls and women of color, feel seen and heard. As an ambassador for The Girls’ Network, Binti International, and Time to Change, her advocacy work amplifies issues that have long been silenced in mainstream narratives.
Her involvement with the United Nations HeforShe campaign is another testament to her influence in global conversations around gender justice and empowerment.
Recognition and Influence
Jaspreet’s work has not gone unnoticed. She has won the prestigious Asian Women of Achievement Award and the “We Are The City” Rising Star Award in Education. She was a finalist for the National Diversity Award as a Positive Role Model and was voted as one of the Top 10 Inspirational Sikh Women in the UK. These accolades, while impressive, are merely reflections of the real impact she’s had on countless lives.
In 2018 and 2019, Jaspreet was selected as a Senior Judge for the Queen’s Essay Competition—an honour that highlighted her commitment to education and youth development. Her dedication to guiding and mentoring the next generation is a thread that runs deeply through her work, both on and off stage.
“Brown Girl Like Me”: Redefining Representation
Currently, Jaspreet is working on her first book titled “Brown Girl Like Me”—a narrative non-fiction that explores the modern-day experience of being a brown, British feminist. This book, set to be published soon, promises to be a ground-breaking exploration of identity, feminism, and resilience. With it, Jaspreet hopes to offer representation that she herself once longed for, giving voice to stories that have too often been overlooked or underrepresented in mainstream literature.
The book is not just for brown girls. It’s a call for understanding, unity, and change—for allies, educators, parents, and communities at large who want to understand what it means to exist at the intersection of race, gender, and culture in today’s Britain.
More Than a Poet—A Movement
What sets Jaspreet apart is not just her talent or the accolades she has earned, but the community she has built. Her performances are more than shows; they are safe spaces where stories are shared and identities validated. Her words continue to echo across classrooms, stages, and homes—reminding people that their stories matter, their voices deserve to be heard, and healing is possible.
Whether she’s mentoring young girls through The Girls’ Network, addressing taboos in the Asian community, or standing on stage reciting a piece about postcolonial identity, Jaspreet does it with grace, power, and authenticity.
Final Thoughts
Jaspreet Kaur, aka Behind The Netra, is not just a poet. She is a change-maker, a beacon for those lost in silence, and a cultural icon in the making. Her journey from a bullied teenager grappling with mental health issues to an internationally recognized artist, activist, and author is nothing short of inspirational.
She reminds us that even the most painful stories, when shared with courage and honesty, have the power to inspire, to connect, and to heal. And through her words, Jaspreet continues to do just that—one poem, one speech, and one soul at a time.
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