Nabina Das, born and raised in Guwahati, Assam, is a distinguished Indian poet, novelist, translator, and educator whose work resonates with themes of identity, displacement, and resistance. Her literary journey is marked by a profound engagement with socio-political issues, linguistic diversity, and a commitment to amplifying marginalized voices.
Early Life and Educational Background
Growing up in a bilingual household in Assam, Nabina was immersed in a rich tapestry of Assamese and Bengali literary traditions. Her early exposure to storytelling, folklore, and classical music laid the foundation for her poetic sensibilities. She pursued a Master’s degree in Linguistics from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi, where the vibrant intellectual environment further honed her critical thinking and creative expression. Later, she earned an MFA in Poetry from Rutgers University, Camden, USA, which provided her with a global perspective on literature and writing.
Literary Contributions
Poetry
Nabina Das’s poetic oeuvre is characterized by its lyrical intensity and socio-political consciousness. Her debut collection, Blue Vessel (2012), was acclaimed for its exploration of personal and collective memory. In Into the Migrant City (2013), she delves into themes of urban alienation and the migrant experience. Her third collection, Sanskarnama (2017), received recognition as one of the best poetry books of 2018 by OPEN Magazine. Her latest work, Anima and the Narrative Limits (2022), continues her exploration of identity, language, and resistance, particularly from a feminist perspective.
Fiction
In addition to poetry, Nabina has made significant contributions to fiction. Her debut novel, Footprints in the Bajra (2010), was longlisted for the Vodafone Crossword Book Award and offers a poignant narrative set against the backdrop of rural Bihar. Her short story collection, The House of Twining Roses: Stories of the Mapped and the Unmapped (2014), presents 17 stories that traverse diverse geographies and delve into the complexities of identity, belonging, and displacement.
Translation and Editorial Work
Nabina’s commitment to literary diversity is evident in her translation and editorial projects. She edited Witness: The Red River Book of Poetry of Dissent (2021), an anthology that brings together voices of resistance from across India. Her translation work includes Arise out of the Lock: 50 Bangladeshi Women Poets in English (2022), which amplifies the voices of Bangladeshi women poets for a global audience.
Themes and Influences
Nabina’s writing is deeply influenced by her multilingual background and the socio-political landscape of Northeast India. Her poetry often addresses issues such as patriarchy, caste discrimination, environmental degradation, and the complexities of identity. She draws inspiration from literary figures like Rabindranath Tagore, Jibanananda Das, and Pablo Neruda, as well as from the rich oral traditions of Assam.
Teaching and Mentorship
Beyond her writing, Nabina is dedicated to nurturing emerging writers. She has taught creative writing in various academic settings and conducted workshops that encourage critical engagement with literature. Her mentorship has been instrumental in shaping the voices of new poets and writers in India.
Recognition and Fellowships
Nabina’s contributions to literature have been recognized through various fellowships and residencies. She was awarded the Charles Wallace Creative Writing Fellowship at the University of Stirling, Scotland, in 2012, and the Sangam House Lavanya Sankaran Fiction Fellowship the same year. In 2017, she received the Sahapedia-UNESCO Fellowship for her work in cultural documentation.
Conclusion
Nabina Das stands as a formidable voice in contemporary Indian literature. Her multifaceted body of work—spanning poetry, fiction, translation, and editorial projects—reflects a deep engagement with the cultural and political currents of her time. Through her writing and mentorship, she continues to inspire a generation of readers and writers to explore the transformative power of literature.
Note: This blog post is a synthesis of information available up to 2025 and aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Nabina Das’s literary contributions.
