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Meena KandasamyIndian poet, writer, translator and activist
Date of Birth: 12.10.1984
Country:  India |
Content:
Mina: A Literary and Activist Voice from India
Early Life and EducationBorn in 1984 to Tamil academic parents, Meena Kandasamy early on developed an affinity for poetry and adopted the pen name "Mina." After pursuing a doctorate in sociolinguistics from Anna University, Chennai, she began writing poetry at the age of 17 and translating Dalit literature from Tamil to English.
Literary Career
As a writer, Mina's focus revolves around caste annihilation, feminism, and linguistic identity. Utilizing poetry as an activist tool, she finds the form allows her to "explore ideas without being captured by larger structures." Her debut collection, "Touch" (2006), explores complex themes and uses an anti-caste, feminist lens to narrate Hindu and Tamil myths.
Mina's second collection, "Ms. Militancy" (2010), garnered criticism for its challenging language, while being praised for its themes. Despite critiques, scholars argue that her work "creates a poetic discourse that not only critiques prevalent modes of subjugation but also resolutely looks towards a future yet to be birthed."
Activism
Mina actively engages with issues of caste and gender, challenging societal stereotypes and oppression. Despite threats and online harassment, she remains outspoken in her activism. In 2012, she attended a beef-eating festival to support protesting Dalit students and faced backlash from right-wing groups. The Women in Media Network India (WMNI) condemned the attacks against her.
Translation
As a translator, Mina bridges the gap between Tamil and English literature. She has translated works by Periyar E. V. Ramasamy, Thol. Thirumavalavan, and Tamil Eelam writers such as Cheran and VIS Jayapalan. Her approach to translation is fluid and experimental, believing it allows her to find her own artistic language.
Other Endeavors
Mina has contributed to anthologies and journals, and has been a guest poet at various literary events. In 2009, she participated in the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa and was a Charles Wallace India Trust Fellow at the University of Kent, Canterbury. She has also co-authored a biography on the Dalit leader Ayyankali. Her novel "The Gypsy Goddess," influenced by the figure of Kurathi Amman, explores the Kilvenmani massacre. Mina also made her acting debut in the Malayalam film "Oraalppokkam."
