- 30th Oct 2025
Nagpur has long been a city of crossroads — geographically, culturally, and intellectually. It lies at the heart of India, but equally, it sits at the crossroads of diverse languages, traditions, and literary currents. Over time, Nagpur has nurtured many writers and poets whose works reflect not just regional sensibilities, but national and even universal concerns.
Here are some of the Nagpur authors and poets whose lives and works deserve recognition and whose voices continue to inspire readers and writers today.
Manik Sitaram Godghate (Grace)
One of the most celebrated modern Marathi poets fromNagpur authors and poets Nagpur was Manik Godghate, better known by his pen name Grace. Born in Nagpur in 1937, Grace’s poetry is known for its deep emotional undercurrents, philosophical reflection, and lyrical intensity.
His anthology Vaaryane Halte Raan is among his best-known works, and in 2011 he was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award for it. Grace also contributed as a lyricist; one of his songs, “Bhaya Ithale Sampat Nahi,” became widely known when sung by Lata Mangeshkar.
His poetry often explores themes of isolation, longing, human frailty, and the search for meaning. Grace remains a towering figure among Marathi literary circles and is often invoked when people speak of Nagpur’s poetic heritage.
Neelam Saxena Chandra
Switching from Marathi to bilingual literary realms, Neelam Saxena Chandra is a contemporary writer from Nagpur who writes in English and Hindi, with a keen interest in children’s literature, poetry, fiction, and short stories.
Born in 1969, she has published a prolific body of work that includes multiple poetry collections, children’s books, novels, and short story anthologies. Over the years, she has been honoured with awards such as the Rabindranath Tagore International Award (2014).
Neelam Saxena Chandra especially bridges the worlds of education, administration, and writing: she has served in bureaucratic roles while maintaining a vibrant writing life. Her work is often praised for bringing everyday human experiences and emotional detail into accessible language.
Shahid Kabir
In the realm of Urdu poetry, Shahid Kabir is a name that resonates strongly among lovers of ghazal and Urdu verse. Born in Nagpur in 1932, Kabir made a lasting mark with his ghazals, nazms, and geets.
His prominent works include Kachchi Deewaren (1958), Charon Aour (1968), and Mitti Ka Makan (1979). His ghazals have been performed by famous singers, thus bringing Urdu poetry to broader audiences.
Kabir served on the board of Urdu studies in Nagpur University, promoting Urdu literature and teaching new generations.His poetry continues to be studied and remembered, especially for its musical quality and depth of feeling.
Sharchchandra Muktibodh
Though originally from elsewhere, Sharchchandra Muktibodh developed significant literary associations with Nagpur. He completed his MA from Nagpur University and later taught in Nagpur.
A writer of both poetry and prose, he was a Marathi poet, novelist, and literary critic. His works include Nawi Malawat, Yatrik, Satyachi Jat, Sarahadda, and more.
Muktibodh received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1979 for his critical work Srushti, Saundarya Ani Sahityamoolya (Creation, Beauty, and Literary Value).
Although his time in Nagpur may not have been from birth, his academic and creative ties to the city make him part of its literary story.
Khwaja Ghulamussyedain Rabbani
In a slightly different tradition, Khwaja Ghulamussyedain Rabbani stands out as a scholar, writer, poet, and epigrapher from Nagpur. He is particularly known for his works in Arabic and Persian studies.
He has authored over 41 books, spanning literature, history, Islamic architecture, calligraphy, and criticism. Rabbani has also contributed greatly to epigraphy and the preservation of manuscripts, as well as to documentation efforts of calligraphic specimens.
His position as a Tagore Research Scholar and his engagement with library and manuscript projects have made him a respected figure in academic as well as literary circles.
Asha Pande (“Asha Tai”)
Not every literary figure becomes widely known beyond local circles, but their presence and influence are deeply felt in their communities. Asha Pande, affectionately known as Asha Tai, is a revered poetess in Nagpur who has dedicated much of her life to nurturing literary culture in the city.
At over 78 years old (as of a 2016 report) she ran Sahitya Vihar, a local literary organisation, striving to support upcoming poets and literary enthusiasts in Nagpur.
Her own poems, such as “My Prayers” (from Resounding Bells, 2012), evoke sincerity and a deep connection to language and introspection.
Through her long tenure as an educator and organizer, Asha Tai has left an enduring legacy — she is a living bridge between generations of writers in Nagpur.
Other Noteworthy Names
- Purushottam Bhaskar Bhave (1910–1980): A Marathi writer from Nagpur, active in playwriting and literature.
- Raja Badhe (1912–1977): A Marathi poet whose life is associated with Nagpur.
- Suresh Bhat (1932–2003): A noted Marathi ghazal poet often associated with Vidarbha region and Nagpur’s literary heritage.
- Purushottam Darvhekar: Known for theatrical work and literary contributions.
Why These Names Matter
These Nagpur authors and poets represent a mosaic of languages (Marathi, Hindi, Urdu, English), genres (poetry, prose, criticism, epigraphy), and eras. Their voices offer insight into:
- Local identity and culture: Several wrote about life in Vidarbha, capturing its seasons, dialects, and emotional texture.
- Literary innovation: From Grace’s existential lyricism to Kabir’s ghazals, each introduced stylistic and thematic freshness.
- Bridging communities: Writers like Neelam Saxena Chandra work in multiple languages, helping connect readerships across Hindi and English.
- Academic and preservation work: Figures like Rabbani, and literary critic Muktibodh show that writers need not confine themselves only to poetry and fiction — they can also preserve heritage and build scholarship.
For literature festivals like OCLF, knowing and inviting these voices (or their works) adds rootedness and local resonance. It helps the city remember that it is not merely a venue for literature but also a birthplace of it.
Conclusion
Nagpur authors and poets have contributed richly to the tapestry of Indian literature — and their stories deserve wider recognition. From Grace’s haunting verses to Shahid Kabir’s musical ghazals, from Rabbani’s scholarly devotion to Chandra’s bilingual creativity, the city’s literary legacy is vibrant and diverse.
As literature festivals like OCLF grow, celebrating these local luminaries not only honors the past but also roots future conversations in meaningful soil. By recognizing them, we affirm that Nagpur is not merely a stage for culture, but also a cradle of it.