Vandana Kumar, a luminary based in New Delhi, has left an indelible mark on the literary world with her debut poetry collection, ‘Mannequin of Our Times’, which was launched a year ago. A versatile professional, Kumar's journey is a testament to her diverse talents as an author, poet, French teacher, translator, cinephile, indie-film producer, recruitment consultant, and career guidance expert in the realm of poetry.
Born in New Delhi and raised in Kolkata, Kumar's upbringing was enriched by her father, the late Mr. Romesh Chandra Kumar, whose influence shaped her interests in literature, cinema, and music from around the world. Her educational path traversed Kolkata, Gurugram, and New Delhi, culminating in a graduation and post-graduation in History from Lady Shri Ram College, New Delhi, alongside a B.Ed and French studies at the Alliance Française de Delhi. Kumar's career trajectory exemplifies her fearlessness in exploring creative avenues. Starting as a History teacher, she transitioned seamlessly into an acclaimed French teacher, garnering international recognition for her expertise. Over the past eight years, she has not only excelled in teaching but also established herself as an internationally acclaimed, award-winning poet and author. Kumar's poetry has graced over 50 websites and numerous journals and anthologies worldwide, including prestigious platforms like ‘Madras Courier’, ‘Outlook’, ‘POSTMODERN VOICES – Volume 4’ and ‘The Kali Project’. "Mannequin of Our Times," published in February 2023, garnered widespread acclaim, earning accolades such as ‘The Panorama International Book Award’ 2023 and ‘The Mighty Pens Awards’2023. She is a Pushcart Prize-nominated author- poet for the year 2023.
She has also received the Asian Literary Society’s 2024 certificate for excellence awards in the category of best poetry book and women achievers award for literature.
Through this collection, Kumar invites readers to contemplate the contemporary human condition against the backdrop of a civilization grappling with the aftermath of a global pandemic. Her poignant verses delve into the universality of grief, highlighting the timeless nature of human suffering. Beyond her literary achievements, Kumar has actively participated in festivals and conferences, including the ‘Yercaud Poetry Festival’, ‘World Poetry Conference’ and the ‘Inđija Pro Poet 2023’ festival in Serbia. She continues to inspire as a judge, editor and has been a special Guest of Honor at events like the ‘Panorama International Literature Festival’ in January 2024.
‘Mannequin of Our Times’ offers a glimpse into Kumar's profound insights into the human experience, inviting readers to contemplate the complexities of contemporary existence. Through her meticulous observations and lyrical prowess, Kumar bridges the gap between the personal and the universal, weaving a tapestry of emotions that resonate across cultures and generations.
As we reflect on Kumar's literary journey over a decade, it becomes evident that her contributions transcend boundaries, enriching the global literary landscape with her unique voice and perspective. With each poem, she invites readers on a transformative journey, challenging them to confront the complexities of the modern world with empathy and understanding. In Vandana Kumar, we find not just a poet, but a visionary whose words illuminate the darkest corners of the human soul, offering solace and hope in uncertain times.
