Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2025 Honours Dr. Nirmalesh Kar for Groundbreaking Study on Upanishadic Philosophy in Kamala Das’s Poetry

The Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2025, conferred by the Veyil Foundation, has been awarded to distinguished scholar Dr. Nirmalesh Kar for his remarkable research work titled “The Impact of Upanishadic Values on Kamala Das's Select Poems: A Critical Study.” This prestigious recognition celebrates Dr. Kar’s significant contribution to English literary scholarship and his profound engagement with the poetic universe of one of India’s most influential modern poets, Kamala Das.

Dr. Kar’s award-winning study stands out for its original and insightful exploration of the philosophical dimensions embedded within Kamala Das’s poetry. By drawing meaningful connections between the ancient spiritual wisdom of the Upanishads and Das’s deeply personal and emotive poetic expressions, the research offers a fresh and intellectually enriching perspective on her work. The study underscores how classical Indian philosophical thought continues to shape and inform modern literary expression.

In his analysis, Dr. Kar meticulously examines how Upanishadic concepts such as selfhood, consciousness, existential inquiry, and the search for ultimate truth resonate throughout Kamala Das’s poetry. Central to his argument is the idea that Das’s recurring exploration of the mortal sense of “I” mirrors the Upanishadic quest for understanding the self beyond physical and social identities. Through this lens, Dr. Kar highlights the poet’s ongoing struggle between individuality and universality, desire and detachment, intimacy and isolation.

The study further delves into the emotional and thematic dualities that characterize Kamala Das’s oeuvre. Dr. Kar illustrates how her poetry reflects a persistent tension between longing for emotional connection and the pain of solitude, as well as the conflict between personal identity and societal expectations. By situating these struggles within a philosophical framework rooted in the Upanishads, the research reveals the deeper spiritual undertones that elevate Das’s poetic voice beyond confessional writing into a realm of profound existential reflection.

The significance of Dr. Kar’s work extends beyond conventional literary criticism. His research recontextualizes Kamala Das’s contributions to Indian English literature by aligning her poetic vision with timeless philosophical values. This approach not only enhances scholarly understanding of her work but also broadens its relevance for contemporary readers seeking meaning in an increasingly complex world. By bridging ancient philosophy and modern poetry, Dr. Kar demonstrates the enduring power of Indian intellectual traditions in shaping literary discourse.

The Rabindra Ratna Puraskar is awarded to individuals whose work exemplifies intellectual excellence and cultural depth, and Dr. Nirmalesh Kar’s study fully embodies these ideals. His research marks an important milestone in Kamala Das scholarship and invites renewed engagement with her poetry through a philosophical and introspective lens. The honour affirms Dr. Kar’s role in enriching literary studies and preserving the dialogue between tradition and modernity in Indian literature.