Vyomesh Shukla

Vyomesh Shukla, born on June 25, 1980, in the historic city of Banaras, is a celebrated poet, essayist, critic, translator, director, and cultural theorist. He began his literary journey in 2004, focusing on the life, history, and culture of Banaras, and quickly established himself as a prominent figure in contemporary Indian literature. In 2005, he gained widespread recognition for translating Elliot Weinberger's What I Heard About Iraq into Hindi, published by the esteemed magazine Pahal. His translations include works by globally renowned intellectuals such as Noam Chomsky, Howard Zinn, and Edward Said, as well as celebrated Indian writers like Mahasweta Devi.

Vyomesh’s accolades include the Bharat Bhushan Aggarwal Smriti Samman (2009) for poetry, the Raza Foundation Fellowship (2011) for criticism, and the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar from the Sangeet Natak Akademi for his contributions to theater direction. His poetry collections Phir Bhi Kuch Log (2009) and Kajal Lagana Bhulna (2020) highlight his creative brilliance, while his nonfiction works, including Aag Aur Pani (2023) and the bestselling autobiographical book Garjianta, have made significant contributions to contemporary Indian literature.

As a playwright and director, Vyomesh has directed over 125 plays, including notable works such as Ram Ki Shakti Pooja, Rashmirathi, and Macbeth, which have been performed both in India and internationally, including a European tour supported by the ICCR. Vyomesh currently serves as the elected Pradhanmantri of the esteemed Hindi organization Nagari Pracharini Sabha. Recognized by India Today as one of the most influential voices in India’s socio-cultural sphere and by The Indian Express as one of the most promising poets, Vyomesh continues to shape contemporary thought through his essays, translations, and artistic endeavors.