Time that is intolerant
Of the brave and the innocent
And indifferent in a week
To a beautiful physique
Worships language and forgives
Everyone by whom it lives…
These opening lines from W.H. Auden’s poem ‘In Memory of W.B. Yeats’ resonate deeply when reflecting upon the literary contributions of Keki N. Daruwalla. A titan in the world of Indian literature, Daruwalla’s work stands as a testament to the potency and enduring nature of words. His legacy spans an impressive 15 collections of poetry and 10 works of short and long fiction, encapsulating both depth and breadth in his literary endeavors.
Namita Gokhale, writer and co-director of the Jaipur Literature Festival, recently paid tribute to her friend of 40 years, recalling Daruwalla’s precision and consistency with language. Their friendship, intertwined with shared histories and mutual respect, began long before her celebrated debut novel “Paro” hit the shelves in 1984. Gokhale recalls how Daruwalla stood by her during the volatile reception of “Paro,” particularly through his thoughtful and fair-minded review published in “The Indian Express.” This act of solidarity fortified their friendship, creating a bond that would last decades.
Daruwalla’s literary journey began with his first collection of poems, “Under Orion,” published in 1970. Over the following decades, he released 14 more collections, the latest being “Landfall,” published in 2022 by Speaking Tiger. Each collection showcased his exceptional range and clarity of vision, grounded in a robust yet deeply philosophical worldview.
In addition to poetry, Daruwalla excelled in the realm of short stories. His oeuvre includes seven notable collections, with the most recent, “Going,” released in 2022. The opening narrative in this collection, “The Brahmaputra Trilogy,” delves into the complexities of race, identity, and the remnants of the British Raj with tender yet savage precision.
Daruwalla’s accomplishments were recognized on a national scale when he received the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award, from President Pranab Mukherjee in 2014. This accolade underscored his significant contributions to Indian literature and his mastery of the written word.
His prowess extended to the novel format as well, with three standout works: “For Pepper and Christ” (2009), “Ancestral Affairs” (2015), and “Swerving to Solitude” (2018). Gokhale emphasizes that Daruwalla’s prose was as crucial to his literary identity as his poetry.
. His novels, characterized by a deceptively simple style and profound societal insights, document the recent history of India and its surrounding regions with vast scope and meticulous detail.
In 2022, Daruwalla shared an ambitious manuscript with Gokhale for what would possibly be his final novel, “Alexandria and The Fallen Priest.” The manuscript was vibrant and commanding, embodying his never-ending quest for narrative perfection. Though unpublished, Gokhale hopes it will one day see the light and receive the recognition it deserves.
Even in his later years, Daruwalla remained remarkably prolific. He began work on another novel set in ancient India and continued to produce poetry enriched with contemporary observations, often sharing his work on social media. His dedication to writing was relentless, always pacing himself to contemplate and comment on the world around him.
Daruwalla’s engagement with the younger generation of poets kept him young at heart. He was generous with his time, providing introductions and blurbs for emerging writers’ publications, and fostering a legacy of kindness, affection, and encouragement. The memories Gokhale shares reflect the joy and generosity he brought into people’s lives. She recalls a particularly memorable evening spent in his Delhi home, where old photographs and fading memories were revived with laughter and fine cognac.
Rooted in his Zoroastrian faith, Daruwalla’s deep understanding of India and the world made him a cosmopolitan figure. He had a distinguished career with the police and intelligence services, served on the National Commission for Minorities, and faced personal tragedies with resilience. His life was a confluence of integrity, gentleness, and idealism—a rare combination that those who knew him admired and cherished.
While sorting through old emails and correspondence for this tribute, Gokhale revisited an unpublished poem Daruwalla had sent her titled “Prayer.” The verses are a poignant reflection of his times and a testament to his enduring literary voice.
Let not the harsh winds of our times
blow love away.
Let not the harsh winds of our times
blow our perceptions into a wall
behind which people are sharpening knives.
…
Gokhale’s tribute to Keki N. Daruwalla captures the essence of a man whose literary and personal legacy left an indelible mark. His passing is felt profoundly by those who knew him and by the literary world at large, for there are fewer and fewer of his mettle left. His words, however, remain a timeless beacon, guiding and inspiring future generations.
