Intelligent, kind, loyal, creative, and above all, passionate. This is how Sophomore Ben Ramakrishnan has been described. Whether it be niche video games, the Despicable Me franchise, or most importantly writing, Ramakrishnan brings passion everywhere he goes.
Ramakrishnan said he has been writing since before he can remember and comes from a family of storytellers; he said he grew up hearing experiences and stories from his parents and grandparents.
“In [my family’s] culture, storytelling and oral tradition is a big part of who we are,” he said.
Last April, Ramakrishnan said he channeled his passion for writing by creating Vellichor Literary Magazine on Instagram. The account has now amassed over 18,800 followers and has a staff of 40 people worldwide.
The magazine focuses on poetry and short stories, written mostly by staff contributors and Ramakrishnan himself.
Sophomore Meena Duzak-Forestier does cover art for the magazine.
“I’ve really been enjoying the graphic design work. [Ramakrishnan is] super communicative. He’s good at what he does,” Duzak-Forestier said.
Duzak-Forestier and Ramakrishnan have been friends since middle school, and Duzak-Forestier said she is very impressed and inspired by Ramakrishnan’s work.
“He’s very passionate. He’s really into the things he’s into, and he’s determined to pursue them. I may have an interest, but it would never cross my mind to be like, I’m going to pursue that, and I’m going to start a magazine. I think it’s very cool,” Duzak-Forestier said.
While most people know him as a writer of short stories and poems, Ramakrishnan said he wants people to know that’s not all he does.
Outside of Vellichor, Ramakrishnan said he loves to sing and act, and does personal writing projects; he is on the Berkeley Repertory Theater Teen Council and a member of the Piedmont Troubadours.
“I love Troubs, I joined last year when I was a freshman. It’s been such a cool experience, I love the community,” Ramakrishnan said.
In his free time Ramakrishnan said he has begun writing a novel.
“I’m really excited about [my novel], it’s going to be fiction and drama. I’ve sort of just started writing it, but I’ve been in the ideation process for a long time,” he said.
Despite his many interests and activities, Ramakrishnan said they all connect to his magazine.
“Doing creative things in my freetime has helped with trying to create something of my own. That’s definitely helped with my editing skills and writing my own stuff,” he said.
Ramakrishnan said he started growing his magazine and his following when he started posting short videos on the Vellichor Literary Magazine Instagram account. As of now, the magazine is fully online but Ramakrishnan said he hopes to move it to print eventually.
Ramakrishnan said the consistent support of his parents and friends have helped him in his journey regarding the magazine and writing as a whole.
“It took [my parents] a while to wrap their heads around the concept of a digital magazine. But they love it. They’re very supportive,” he said.
Sophomore Mina Shinoff said she has enjoyed watching Ramakrishnan grow over the past few years.
“He’s clearly advanced in maturity and intelligence, [Vellichor] is definitely a big part of that,” she said.
Overall, Ramakrishnan said Vellichor has helped him focus his passion, and allow other young creatives to have a space to grow and share their work.
“I’m very passionate about writing and poetry, and I wanted to give back in that way,” Ramakrishnan said.
