Keki N. Daruwalla: A Legendary Poet and Former Intelligence Officer Passes Away at 87
A Life of Literary and Professional Excellence
Keki N. Daruwalla, a celebrated English poet, former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, and a distinguished figure in India's intelligence community, passed away on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at the age of 87. His death was due to pneumonia, following a prolonged illness and complications from a stroke he suffered a year ago.
Early Life and Education
Born in Lahore in 1937, Daruwalla studied at the Government College in Ludhiana. He joined the Indian Police Services (Uttar Pradesh cadre) in 1958, marking the beginning of a distinguished career in law enforcement and intelligence.
Career in Law Enforcement and Intelligence
Daruwalla rose through the ranks of the IPS, serving in various capacities, including as Area Organiser in Chamoli and later as Special Assistant on International Affairs to former Prime Minister Charan Singh from 1979 to 1980. He subsequently joined the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), where he was promoted to the rank of Special Secretary and later served as Chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee until his retirement in 1995.
Literary Achievements
Despite his illustrious career in the police and intelligence services, Daruwalla is perhaps best known for his literary contributions. His first book of poetry, *Under Orion*, was published in 1970, followed by *Apparition in April* in 1971, for which he received the Uttar Pradesh State Award in 1972.
Daruwalla's most notable literary achievement came in 1984 when he was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award for his poetry collection *The Keeper of the Dead*. However, in a gesture of protest against the Sahitya Akademi's failure to condemn physical violence against authors, he returned the award in October 2015.
Other Notable Works and Awards
In addition to his poetry, Daruwalla was also recognized for his short stories and novels. His novel *For Pepper & Christ* was published in 2009, and he received the Commonwealth Poetry Prize for Asia in 1987 for his collection *Landscape*.
Daruwalla's literary legacy extends beyond his awards and publications. He was praised by fellow writers and critics for his unique voice and the depth of his work. Author Neelum Saran Gour described him as "the last of the great poets," highlighting his kindness, integrity, and philosophical vision.
Personal Life and Legacy
Daruwalla is survived by his two daughters, Anaheita and Rookvain, their husbands, and four grandchildren. His last rites were performed on Friday, September 27, 2024, at the Parsi Aramgah near Khan Market in Delhi.
Tributes and Remembrance
The literary community has come together to pay tribute to Daruwalla's life and work. Namita Gokhale, writer, publisher, and festival director at the Jaipur Literature Festival, remembered him for his "capacious life" and his role in making the English language a part of Indian literature. Nilanjana Roy noted that Daruwalla "taught us that the world is ours, to explore, not own".
The Sahitya Akademi also paid its respects, stating that "his poetry was like a mirror, and he lifted that mirror to our faces whenever one visited his poems... He leaves behind an impressive body of work that will remain with us forever".
Keki N. Daruwalla's passing leaves a significant void in the literary and intelligence communities, but his work and legacy will continue to inspire and influence generations to come.