A poetic journey through five decades of Karnataka’s history, this collection brings K. S. Nisar Ahmed’s timeless verses to a new audience.
K. S. Nisar Ahmed captured the soul of Karnataka and the pulse of everyday life in verses that are as provocative as they are deeply lyrical. Every Day a Celebration gathers some of his finest poems, spanning over five decades, and introduces his voice to a wider audience through Roopa Pai’s sensitive translation. Steeped in both Romantic and Modernist traditions, his work fluidly interweaves Sanskrit and Urdu influences, blending intellectual rigor with heartfelt emotion.
Whether reflecting on the burdens of history or simply delighting in life’s fleeting joys, his words remain strikingly relevant across generations. With this landmark translation, English readers can now experience the brilliance of one of Kannada’s most beloved poets—a voice that continues to resonate with urgency and humanity.
K. S. Nisar Ahmed captured the soul of Karnataka and the pulse of everyday life in verses that are as provocative as they are deeply lyrical. Every Day a Celebration gathers some of his finest poems, spanning over five decades, and introduces his voice to a wider audience through Roopa Pai’s sensitive translation. Steeped in both Romantic and Modernist traditions, his work fluidly interweaves Sanskrit and Urdu influences, blending intellectual rigor with heartfelt emotion.
Whether reflecting on the burdens of history or simply delighting in life’s fleeting joys, his words remain strikingly relevant across generations. With this landmark translation, English readers can now experience the brilliance of one of Kannada’s most beloved poets—a voice that continues to resonate with urgency and humanity.
Table of Contents
Translator’s Introduction: The Rich Harvest of an Unbounded Mind: The Life and Work of K. S. Nisar Ahmed
How To Read This Book
Padyanjali—An Offering of Poems (1956)
Manasu Gandhi Bazaar-U—The Mind Is Gandhi Bazaar (1960)
Nenedavara Manadalli—In The Minds of the Faithful (1964)
Sumuhurtha—Auspicious Time (1967)
Sanje Aidara Male—The 5 p.m. Rain (1970)
Naanemba Parakeeya—The Alien That Is Me (1972)
Nityotsava—Every Day a Celebration (1976)
Swayamseveya Giligalu—The Volunteer Parrots
Anaamika Aanglaru—The Unknown Englishmen (1982)
Bahirantara—Exteriority (1990)
Navollasa—A New Elation (1994)
Aakaashakke Sarahaddugalilla—The Sky Has No Borders (1998)
Aravattaidara Aisiri—The Abundance of 65 (2001)
Minchikegalu—Lightning Bolts (2010)
How To Read This Book
Padyanjali—An Offering of Poems (1956)
Manasu Gandhi Bazaar-U—The Mind Is Gandhi Bazaar (1960)
Nenedavara Manadalli—In The Minds of the Faithful (1964)
Sumuhurtha—Auspicious Time (1967)
Sanje Aidara Male—The 5 p.m. Rain (1970)
Naanemba Parakeeya—The Alien That Is Me (1972)
Nityotsava—Every Day a Celebration (1976)
Swayamseveya Giligalu—The Volunteer Parrots
Anaamika Aanglaru—The Unknown Englishmen (1982)
Bahirantara—Exteriority (1990)
Navollasa—A New Elation (1994)
Aakaashakke Sarahaddugalilla—The Sky Has No Borders (1998)
Aravattaidara Aisiri—The Abundance of 65 (2001)
Minchikegalu—Lightning Bolts (2010)