CONVERSE: Contemporary English Poetry by Indians

Converse is authoritative, intellectually rigorous, judiciously representative ? a wide-ranging anthology ? an updated, international map of the best of English-language poetry by Indians. Commissioned to celebrate the 75th anniversary of India?s independence, Converse showcases the best of the varied, vibrant, rich, and exciting ‘living’ poets from India and from the Indian diaspora who write in English.

Within this definitive anthology, you will find long-established writers as well as younger writers in a large room without walls, where both individual and collective echoes are equally eloquent and important. Converse erases hierarchies, making boundaries seamless and transparent, with the unifying factor being integrity of thought and language.

Diversity and multicultural perspectives allow the poets here to have an internal dialogue between themselves on one hand and, on the other hand, with the varied topographical and cultural spaces of their origin or influence. Bringing such a variety of poems together creates an inherent syntactical and historical tension, one that ultimately celebrates humanity, imagination, artistry, intellect, and the written word ? the result is in an original wordscape of the vastly multilingual, historic, and artistic terrain of India and the Indian diaspora.

Meant equally for serious and lay readers of poetry and contemporary literature, this collection of work shares language that is poised, expansive, experimental, and centrifugal ? while the thought is stringent and cogent, maintaining a fine balance between emotion, ideas, and expression.

Just as Holi?s gulal-smeared leaf (on the front cover) from a 75-year-old bargad tree radiates colour, celebration, and conviviality against a dark geopolitical and climate reality ? so is this anthology itself a Keatsian ?Bright Star?, creatively voicing affirmation and optimism.