‘Man of compassion’: Tributes pour in for Keki Daruwalla
Tributes poured in for celebrated English poet and former IPS officer Keki N Daruwalla, who passed away on Thursday night after a prolonged illness.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took to X to mourn his death. “He was a distinguished police officer and a well-known poet and fiction writer. Tremendously witty and always with a smile, he spoke truth to power at all times. A man of great compassion and empathy, he reflected all that is noble in our syncretic culture.”
Trinamool Congress MP Sagarika Ghose, expressing her grief, remembered Daruwalla as a close family friend. “He wrote the most intense, visually dramatic and fascinating poetry and was, at the same time, a policeman and a RAW officer! Who says cops don’t make great poets? Godspeed Keki Daruwalla. RIP,” she posted on social media.
In a formal statement, the Sahitya Akademi called him “one of the greatest poets of modern India”. “His poetry was like a mirror, reflecting the realities of society and the loss of moral and ethical values in contemporary life. Though he is no longer with us, Daruwalla leaves behind an impressive body of work that will remain forever,” the statement read.
Amitabh Mattoo, Dean of the School of International Affairs at Jawaharlal Nehru University, paid tributes, saying, “Daruwalla, brilliant poet, unremarkable spy and a wonderful human being moves on! RIP my friend!”
Publisher Harper Collins India shared its condolences on X, stating, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of exceptional writer and Padma Shri awardee Daruwalla. His literary legacy has inspired generations of poets and poetry enthusiasts alike.”
