India, March 6 -- I found a kindred spirit in Emily Dickinson quite early in life. A letter the reclusive author wrote at the age of 23, declining an invitation from a friend, revealed to me that it was possible to be an introvert in this extroverted world. "Should I ever leave home, which is improbable, I will with much delight, accept your invitation; till then, my dear Abiah, my warmest thanks are yours, but don't expect me. I'm so old fashioned, Darling, that all your friends would stare. I should have to bring my work bag, and my big spectacles.," wrote Dickinson, slowly creating the legend that surrounded her.

Barely 10 of her 1,800 poems were published before she died, but Dickinson is now celebrated as one of the most important f...