In the vibrant world of contemporary Indian poetry, 2023 has brought forth a constellation of luminous talents whose verses resonate with power, passion, and profound insights. These poets, armed with a quiver of words, have been making waves not only in India but on the global literary stage. As we step into the realm of their poetic worlds, we introduce you to the top 3 impactful Indian poets of 2023—Tushar Kiran Moodgal, Usha Kiran Moodgal, and Mayaa SH. These literary maestros have left an indelible mark with their poetic expressions, earning recognition, awards, and a dedicated following that eagerly awaits their every word.
TUSHAR KIRAN MOODGAL
Award-winning poet and writer Tushar Kiran Moodgal hails from Shahdara, East Delhi. His literary prowess is characterized by a unique writing style that artfully melds various influences, seamlessly blending elements of romanticism, gothic themes, and profound philosophical reflections with a refreshingly candid and unvarnished approach to his craft. Moodgal acknowledges his father, Ashok Moodgal, as a significant influence, alongside literary luminaries such as William Wordsworth, John Keats, Edgar Albert Guest, and Edgar Allan Poe.
While Moodgal’s journey as a wordsmith began during his formative teenage years, his foray into the world of published literature is relatively recent. Over time, his poetry has undergone a remarkable transformation. His early work was marked by themes of angst and a nihilistic perspective, delving deep into subjects like heartache, anxiety, and depression. In contrast, his more recent poetic creations delve into the realm of philosophy, reflecting his profound embrace of the teachings found in the Geeta and his steadfast advocacy of Stoic philosophy.
The crowning jewel in Moodgal’s literary achievements is his debut poetry book, “Lamentations,” released through Evincepub Publications, which boasts a collection of award-winning poems. Additionally, he has lent his poetic prowess to over 25 poetry anthologies, thereby showcasing his versatility and range within the art form.
Moodgal’s contributions to contemporary literature have earned him a slew of prestigious awards and accolades, particularly in recognition of his philosophical poetry. His poem “Rhapsody Of Twilight” has secured multiple world records, and he has been prominently featured in esteemed publications such as Inkzoid Book of Records and the Glorious Book of Records. Notably, he received the esteemed “Bharat Vibhushan” award, the “Maharishi Valmiki Bhartiya Gaurav Samman 2023,” and the highly coveted “Tagore Ratna Samman 2023.” A recipient of various other awards, including “The Best Poet” and “Poet of the Year,” Moodgal’s poetry has graced the pages of numerous newspapers and digital media platforms. He was also recognized as one of the “Outstanding Poets” for his contributions to the “Mysterious Fantasy” anthology by Instant Publications.
Beyond his passion for poetry, Tushar Kiran Moodgal possesses a profound interest in philosophy, history, and the intricate interplay between political behavior in societies and its profound impact on culture. To further his knowledge and pursuits, he pursued a master’s degree in Political Science and International Relations, in addition to studying the Japanese language at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University and has been the recipient of the International Ikigai Award for his contribution towards Japanese studies.
USHA KIRAN MOODGAL
Usha Kiran Moodgal is a renowned Hindi scholor, poetess, researcher, and dancer. She has earned recognition both nationally and internationally. Usha currently serves as the International Ambassador at Dawn Research and Development Council.
Her poetry compilation, “Kavya Tulika,” has garnered widespread acclaim, and she has contributed to various collaborative anthologies. After completing her undergraduate studies, she pursued post-graduate degrees in Hindi and History. In 1987, she embarked on her marital journey with Ashok Moodgal.
Moodgal’s life has been enriched by her contributions to literature and dance. She has received the “Bharat Shree National Award” and the “Honorary Gold Medal Award by DRDC Global” for her unwavering commitment to literature. Notably, her book “Kavya Tulika” received the “Sahitya Sthambh Puraskar 2023” and the “Sahika India International Award” for “Best Poetry Book of the Year.”
Usha Kiran has achieved multiple world records with her poem “शक्ति” (“Shakti,” meaning power) and has been recognized by the Inkzoid and Glorious book of records. Her numerous accolades include the “Maharshi Valmiki Bharatiya Gaurav Samman 2023,” “Tagore Ratna Samman,” “Nazrul Sahitya Samman Laureate Award,” and the “Ishwar Chand Vidya Sagar Iconic Achievers Award.” Her poetry, including “निर्णय” and “ख़ामोशी,” published in collaborative editions, continues to receive acclaim. Her international honors encompass the “Asian Excellence Award 2023,” Jane Austen Platinum Book Award, and the “MBR Global Excellence Award.”
Moodgal shares her literary creations on Instagram, under the handle @ushakirankavyanjali. Her works are featured in newspapers, digital media platforms, and even on magazine covers, including Lidue and the Eagle Eye.
MAYAA SH
Mayaa SH also known as Mayaa Devi, Mayaa Tai, Mayaa Di,Mayaa Audio SH, Pushpa ‘The Fire’ , Padma Of The East, Lady Robin Hood , Female Chulbul Pandey,MS Dhoni Of Writing and Lady Gandhi is a known name in Contemporary Literature. She is a Multi-National Award Winner , a ten times a World Record Holder, An Artist, a Podcaster, a Record Chart Topping International Fastest Anthology Co-Authoress and has been chosen as number 1 The Modern Literary Stars Of India, 2022 by Cherry Book Awards for making valuable contribution to Contemporary Indian Literature. She has Won In Memorable Performance in the category termed as ‘Other than English write ups “ for her appreciation of hard work , creativity and dedication in Grand Christmas Competition 2.0 which has been a world record event of the largest creative event hosted online with more than 1000+participants.
Mayaa SH is a Women Empowerment Culturist and a gender equality exponent to position and contextualize her work within the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. She has depicted gender inclusivity and equality through her certifications from the United Nations and powerful writings on Feminism, Gender Equality, Transforming Vision Into Action: Transmogrification on Transgender Community and Mental Health Awareness Topics. Her work depicts the identity, economic and social freedom of many.
She has co-authored more than hundred and fifty plus anthologies with nine solo books and has been aligned with more than 86 publication houses.She has been featured in several magazines and women oriented like Tejaswi -The Imperishable on Women Power and Honour including few international magazines. Her first poem “The Candle In The Wind” made her win an Award at the National Level. She navigates many women through stress by deploying talking as a medium to combat stress and fear.
In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian poetry, the names of Tushar Kiran Moodgal, Usha Kiran Moodgal, and Mayaa SH will continue to shine brightly. Their contributions to literature, philosophy, and cultural discourse are not only impactful but also emblematic of the rich tapestry of voices that make up India’s poetic heritage. As we celebrate their achievements in 2023, we look forward to the continued brilliance of these poets and anticipate the new depths and heights their words will explore in the years to come. They serve as inspirations to aspiring poets and a testament to the enduring power of poetry in shaping our world.