Literary India grieves as Kamala Das passes away

Jagdeep Worah
01 June 2009

Iconoclastic poet and writer Kamala Surayya, better known by her earlier name of Kamala Das died in the early hours of Sunday. She was 75.

Das was brought to Pune from Kerala six weeks ago by her youngest of thre sons Jayasuriya and admitted to the Jehangir Hospital. Doctors said she had diabetes and was suffering from pulmonary infection and a respiratory disorder.

Known for her unconventional poems celebrating teenage rebellion and frank exploration of female sexuality, Das is known as one of the pioneers of Indian English poetry. Intense, melancholic and sensuous by turns, in Das's memorable words, poetry was like "the April sun squeezed like an orange juice", as one critic put it.

Stalwarts of English and Malyalam literature on Sunday agreed that Kamla Surayya's contribution to literature was immense and duly recognised.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday expressed grief at the demise of Surayya, and praised her poems "focusing on womanhood and feminism" for sensitivity.

"Her achievements extended well beyond her verses of poetry. She made a mark in painting and fiction. As a syndicated columnist, her columns touched on everything from women's issues and child care to politics," the prime minister said in his condolence message.