[ W.H. Auden’s poem ‘In Memory of W.B. Yeats’ begins thus:
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…
Time remains indifferent to many aspects of our lives, but it reveres and enshrines language. Such was the life and work of Keki N. Daruwalla, a formidable figure in Indian literature whose literary contributions span over numerous collections of poetry and fiction. His mastery over words ensured his place in literary history, with 15 collections of poetry and 10 works of short and long fiction that showcased an impressive range of themes and insights.
Keki was a man who valued words and wielded them with precision and care. This is evident in the kinship I shared with him for over 40 years, a friendship built not only on mutual respect but also on a shared intellectual and emotional plane. In the early 1980s, Keki and my father were colleagues in the Indian Police Service, both deeply entrenched in the country’s intelligence and analytical apparatus.
The year 1984 marked significant milestones for both of us. My debut novel, Paro, received international acclaim but also sparked disapproval within the Indian literary circles, while Keki was awarded the Sahitya Akademi award for his poetry collection, The Keeper of the Dead. Amidst this controversy, Keki’s voice was one of reason and support. He penned a thoughtful and comprehensive review in The Indian Express, showing immense generosity and fairness. This thoughtful gesture went on to solidify a friendship deeply cherished over the years.
Keki’s literary journey began with his first collection of poetry, Under Orion, published in 1970 by P. Lal. This was succeeded by 14 more collections, the latest being Landfall, which came out in 2022 through Speaking Tiger. His poetry was robust and philosophical, bringing a rare clarity of vision to complex issues. His mastery extended beyond poetry to short stories, with seven notable collections, including the 2022 publication titled Going. This collection begins with ‘The Brahmaputra Trilogy,’ a poignant exploration of race, identity, and colonial residue.
In recognition of his immense contributions to literature and public service, Keki was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award, in 2014 by President Pranab Mukherjee. His prose was equally impactful, with three standout novels: For Pepper and Christ (2009), Ancestral Affairs (2015), and Swerving to Solitude (2018). These works not only documented India’s recent history but also presented a vast scope of societal and political contexts, demonstrating his grasp of structure and style.
His latest unpublished work, Alexandria and The Fallen Priest, remains a testament to his ambitious and vibrant narrative voice. Even as he worked on revisions and aimed to rescue missing parts of the manuscript, it was clear that this could be one of his most magnificent contributions. Another project that intrigued him involved a novel set in ancient India, showing his relentless creativity and exploration of new thematic landscapes.
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Keki’s commitment to writing was evident till the very end. He actively engaged on social media, routinely sharing his often contemporary-laced poetry. His interaction with younger poets kept him youthful and vibrant, and his willingness to provide introductions or blurbs reflected his generous spirit. The human legacy Keki leaves behind includes the kindness, support, and encouragement he extended to emerging writers.
My recollections of Keki are filled with moments of laughter, joy, and deep conversation. One such evening, shared with author Devapriya Roy at Keki’s residence in Delhi’s Kailash Apartments, remains fondly in my memory. We discussed his book, Going, delved into old, yellowed photographs, and indulged in a bottle of fine cognac he had saved for a special occasion. That evening was emblematic of Keki’s ability to balance nostalgia with sharp, witty remarks, encapsulating his expressive and charismatic demeanor.
A deeply grounded individual in his Zoroastrian faith, Keki’s unparalleled knowledge of India and the world added to his cosmopolitan persona. His professional tenure within the police, intelligence agencies, and as a member of the National Commission for Minorities, coupled with enduring personal tragedies like the loss of his wife, only seemed to deepen his empathy and idealism. His quiet integrity was a hallmark, one that his friends and loved ones came to revere even more profoundly now that he is no longer with us.
In reviewing our correspondence, I came upon an unpublished poem Keki had sent me on October 2, 2021, titled simply ‘Prayer.’ This poignant piece, laced with hope and earnest appeal for harmony and light, serves as a fitting reflection of Keki N. Daruwalla’s enduring spirit and literary legacy.
Prayer:
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.
Let not the harsh dreams of our times
devour us, along with our appetites.
Lead us from this landscape of rubble
to water, but let the sound be real —
even traffic sounds like surf at night.
And let water remain water
and not turn to blood.
…Let the repressed be brought into light,
the hidden into knowledge.
Let there be harmony
between those who speak of shadows
and those who speak of the sun.
Let the unlit be lit.
Steer the light our way.
Let the forest leaf.
Let the lyric leaf.
In this profound poem, as in his life’s work, Keki’s voice continues to inspire and guide us, advocating for a world marked by love, understanding, and enlightenment. His legacy will remain an indelible part of literary history, one that time will continue to worship and forgive. ]
