Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2025 Conferred on Dr. Nirmalesh Kar for Scholarly Study on Kamala Das

The prestigious Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2025, presented by the Veyil Foundation, has been awarded to eminent scholar Dr. Nirmalesh Kar in recognition of his outstanding research work titled “The Impact of Upanishadic Values on Kamala Das's Select Poems: A Critical Study.” This distinguished honor celebrates Dr. Kar’s significant contribution to English literary studies and his nuanced exploration of Indian philosophical thought as reflected in modern poetry. The award underscores the growing appreciation for interdisciplinary scholarship that bridges classical Indian philosophy with contemporary literary criticism.

Dr. Kar’s award-winning study offers a profound and original reading of the poetry of Kamala Das, one of India’s most influential and confessional poets. By examining the deep-rooted influence of Upanishadic philosophy on Das’s poetic imagination, Dr. Kar brings to light the subtle yet powerful ways in which ancient spiritual concepts shape her expressions of selfhood, desire, alienation, and transcendence. His research demonstrates how the metaphysical inquiries of the Upanishads—particularly ideas concerning the nature of the self, consciousness, and existential longing—resonate within Das’s intensely personal and emotionally charged verses.

In his critical analysis, Dr. Kar meticulously traces how Kamala Das negotiates the mortal sense of the “I,” a recurring motif in her poetry, through a lens that echoes Upanishadic teachings. He highlights how her poetic voice oscillates between the material and the spiritual, revealing a continuous tension between worldly attachment and the yearning for inner liberation. The study carefully unpacks the thematic dualities in Das’s work, such as intimacy versus isolation, conformity versus rebellion, and corporeal desire versus spiritual awakening. Through this approach, Dr. Kar enables readers to perceive Das’s poetry not merely as confessional narratives but as philosophical meditations deeply embedded in India’s intellectual tradition.

The significance of this research extends well beyond textual interpretation. By situating Kamala Das within a broader philosophical framework, Dr. Kar recontextualizes her literary legacy and affirms her relevance in contemporary literary discourse. His work challenges reductive readings of Das’s poetry and instead positions her as a thinker-poet whose creative expression engages with timeless existential questions. This perspective enriches the understanding of Indian English poetry and opens new avenues for critical engagement with other modern writers influenced by classical thought.

The Veyil Foundation, through the Rabindra Ratna Puraskar, aims to honor scholars whose work fosters cultural dialogue and intellectual depth. By awarding Dr. Nirmalesh Kar, the foundation recognizes not only his academic rigor but also his role in bridging tradition and modernity. This accolade marks a significant milestone in literary scholarship and reaffirms the enduring relevance of philosophical inquiry in the study of literature.