Which Indian English poet’s first poetry collection titled 'The Striders', published in 1966, received a Poetry Book recommendation?

The correct answer is AK Ramanujan.

Key Points

• AK Ramanujan's first poetry collection, "The Striders," was published in 1966 and received critical acclaim, including a Poetry Book recommendation.
• He is widely regarded as one of the most influential modern Indian poets writing in English.
• His poetry often reflects themes of cultural identity, memory, and the juxtaposition of Indian and Western traditions.
• Ramanujan was a bilingual writer, proficient in both English and Kannada, and his works often bridged traditional Indian poetic forms with modernist sensibilities.
• Beyond poetry, Ramanujan contributed significantly as a translator, folklorist, and scholar of Indian literature and linguistics.

Additional Information

• Indian English Poetry:
  • It refers to poetry written in English by Indian poets and is a significant part of Indian literature.
  • Notable poets include Nissim Ezekiel, Kamala Das, Dom Moraes, and Jayanta Mahapatra.
  • It often explores themes like identity, cultural heritage, modernization, and post-colonialism.
• AK Ramanujan's Contributions:
  • He was a scholar of Indian literature and folklore, making significant contributions to the study of Tamil, Kannada, and Sanskrit works.
  • His famous translations include "Speaking of Siva" and "The Interior Landscape."
  • He won several awards, including the Sahitya Akademi Award and the MacArthur Fellowship.
• Modernist Poetry:
  • Modernist poetry emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, emphasizing experimentation with form and expression.
  • It often challenges traditional narrative structures and focuses on themes like alienation and fragmentation.
• Poetry Book Recommendation:
  • A designation given to significant poetry collections recognized for their literary merit.
  • It helps bring attention to emerging poets and serves as a mark of critical acclaim.