Jerry Pinto’s tribute to R. Parthasarathy and how this poet’s influential voice receded from literary memory

Tue Mar 24 03:59:34 UTC 2026: # Rajagopal Parthasarathy: A Post-Colonial Poet Remembered

The Story:
Rajagopal Parthasarathy, a notable Indian poet who passed away on March 7, 2026, in Saratoga Springs, New York, is remembered in a reflective piece published in The Hindu. The article explores his contributions to Indian poetry in English, particularly his book-length poem ‘Rough Passage’ (1977), and his anthology Ten Twentieth Century Indian Poets (1977). The author contemplates Parthasarathy’s relative obscurity compared to his contemporaries, attributing it potentially to his long tenure teaching in the United States and his limited published output. The piece also touches on the evolving landscape of Indian poetry anthologies and the changing perspectives on post-colonial themes in literature.

Key Points:

• Rajagopal Parthasarathy (1934-2026) is primarily known for his book-length poem ‘Rough Passage’ (1977) and his anthology Ten Twentieth Century Indian Poets (1977).
• He spent many years teaching at Skidmore College in the United States.
• His anthology was significant in shaping the canon of Indian poetry in English during the late 1970s.
• The article notes the shift in representation of women poets in Indian poetry anthologies, contrasting Parthasarathy’s inclusion of only Kamala Das with the more inclusive The Penguin Book of Indian Poets (2022) by Jeet Thayil.
• The piece includes anecdotes from friends, such as artist Jatin Das and poet Adil Jussawalla, offering personal glimpses into Parthasarathy’s life and character.

Key Takeaways:

• Rajagopal Parthasarathy played a crucial role in establishing Indian poetry in English as a distinct literary field.
• His work reflects post-colonial themes and the challenges of writing in English as an Indian poet.
• The article highlights the evolving nature of literary canons and the increasing inclusivity in contemporary anthologies.
• Parthasarathy’s legacy is viewed through the lens of personal choices and the impact of geographical displacement on literary recognition.
• The remembrance serves as a moment to reflect on the contributions of a poet who, despite his influence, has seemingly faded from contemporary literary consciousness.

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