Abhay Kumar (IFS): Age, Profession, Career, Wife, Family, Caste, Biography & More

Imran Khan

Abhay Kumar (IFS) Quick Info

Age	Education	Hometown	Profession
44 Years	M. Phil	Nalanda, Bihar	Diplomat / Poet

Biography – Wiki

Pen name	Abhay K
Profession(s)	Indian Poet-Diplomat, Editor, Translator and Anthologist
Known For	Penned anthem for Earth, Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3, and all other planets of the solar system
Physical Stats – Height – Weight & More
Height (approx.)	In Centimeters- 170 Cm In Meters- 1.7 M In Feet & Inches- 5’7”
Eye Colour	Black
Hair Colour	Bald
Exploring the Personal Life of Abhay Kumar
Date of Birth	Abhay Kumar was born in 1980.
Age	As of 2024, Abhay Kumar is 44 years old.
Birthplace	He hails from Bhattu Bigha village near Rajgir in the Nalanda district.
Nationality	Abhay Kumar is Indian by nationality.
Hometown	His hometown is Nalanda, Bihar.
School	He attended R.D.H. School in Rajgir, Bihar.
College/University	Abhay Kumar pursued his higher education from various institutions including Kirori Mal College and Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Elliot School of International Affairs at George Washington University, Tribhuvan University, and Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in the USA.
Educational Qualifications	He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography, a Master of Arts degree in Geography and Population Studies, an M.Phil, completed the Civil Service Foundation Course in Administration, completed a first-level Russian language course at Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU), studied U.S. Foreign Policy at Elliot School of International Affairs, George Washington University, learned Nepali language from Tribhuvan University Nepal, and completed a Diplomacy Module from Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in the USA.
Hobbies	Abhay Kumar enjoys photography, traveling, and cooking as his hobbies.
Exploring the Family Tree: An Insight into Family Details
Family	Father - Rajendra Singh, Abhay’s father was a school teacher. Mother - Dayawanti his mom is a homemaker. Siblings: Brother- Ajay, his brother works in the IT sector.
Career Timeline of Abhay Kumar
Diplomat
2010	Abhay Kumar set up the official Twitter account of the Ministry of External Affairs of India and sent its first tweet. He served as Under Secretary Digital Diplomacy at MEA headquarters in New Delhi.
2012-2015	Abhay Kumar served as the spokesperson of the Embassy of India in Kathmandu.
Mar-15	He was appointed as the Director of the Nehru Centre, London, however, he could not take up the assignment.
Indian Foreign Service	Abhay Kumar is an Indian Foreign Service officer and has held various positions at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of the Government of India, and at Indian missions and posts abroad including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kathmandu, Brasilia, and Antananarivo.
2010	Abhay Kumar initiated the celebration of Indian Foreign Service Day on October 9.
Aug-15	He was appointed as India's Deputy High Commissioner to Australia, although he could not take up the assignment.
2016-2019	Abhay Kumar served as India's Deputy Chief of Mission to Brazil during this period.
2019-2022	He served as India's 21st Ambassador to the Indian Ocean islands of Madagascar and Comoros.
December 2022 - November 2023	Abhay Kumar served as the Deputy Director General of the Indian Council of Cultural Relations, responsible for cultural events during India's presidency of G-20.
24-Oct-17	He proposed the celebration of the International Day of Diplomats on United Nations Day, which was first celebrated in Brasilia.
2-Oct-20	During his tenure as Ambassador of India to Madagascar, the Embassy of India in Antananarivo became the first Indian Embassy to go solar and to have a Street Library.
24-Oct-17	Abhay Kumar proposed the celebration of the International Day of Diplomats on United Nations Day, which was first celebrated in Brasilia.
Subsequent Years	The second International Day of Diplomats was celebrated in Brasilia, while the third was celebrated in Madagascar. The fourth International Day of Diplomats was celebrated globally.
Career as a Writer
2007	Abhay Kumar published his first book titled "River Valley to Silicon Valley," which was a memoir containing his debut poem, 'Soul Song'.
Recent years	Abhay Kumar has continued the tradition of writer-diplomats, as highlighted by Robert Fay in his piece "In Search of the Writer-Diplomat Tradition." He served as the Indian Ambassador to Madagascar and Comoros.
As a Poet
Throughout	Abhay Kumar has published eight collections of poetry. His poems have been featured in numerous magazines and literary journals.
Anthologies	His works have been included in various anthologies such as "A Poem A Day" edited by Gulzar (Harper Collins, 2020), "The Younger Indian Poets" edited by Sudeep Sen (Sahitya Akademi, 2019), "100 Great Indian Poems" (Bloomsbury, 2018), and "The Himalayan Arc" edited by Namita Gokhale (Harper Collins, 2018).
List of books written by Abhay Kumar
Enigmatic Love (2009): In his first collection of poems written during his stay in Moscow, Abhay K. explores various shades of love and the mysteries associated with this universal emotion. Love poems from Moscow (Bookwell, 2009): A collection of love poems. Fallen Leaves of Autumn (2010): Abhay K. turns to nature to seek solace and explores the relationship between humans and nature. Candling the Light (2011): In this collection, written during his stay in Russia, Abhay K. delves into philosophical themes and existential issues faced by humanity. Remains (2012): Engaging with various figures of Russia and life in St. Petersburg. The Seduction of Delhi (2014): Written during his stay in Delhi, Abhay K. takes the readers on a poetic journey across the seven cities of Delhi, introducing them to its people, monuments, and history. The Eight-Eyed Lord of Kathmandu (2017): A collection about the UNESCO World Heritage sites, festivals, historical personalities, landscapes, and prominent places of Nepal, written during his stay in the country from 2012 to 2015. The Prophecy of Brasilia (2018): A collection of haiku-like short poems capturing the essence of Brazil's capital city. The Alphabets of Latin America (2020): A collection praised by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Forrest Gander for its memorable imagery and manuscript structure. The Magic of Madagascar (2021): A bilingual collection of haiku written during Abhay K.'s stay in Madagascar, introducing readers to the island's flora, fauna, people, and monuments. Monsoon (2022): A poem consisting of 150 stanzas written during his time in Madagascar, following the path of the monsoon from Madagascar to the Himalayas. Stray Poems (2022): His 11th collection of poems written between 2010-2020, featuring poems on various themes such as The Partitioned Land, Diplomacy, and Cosmic Anthems. Celestial (2023): A love poem of 100 rhyming couplets illustrated with drawings by the 10th-century Persian astronomer Abd al-Rahman al-Sufi, taking the reader on a poetic journey across all 88 constellations visible from Earth. Non-fiction River Valley to Silicon Valley (Bookwell, 2007), republished as Becoming A Civil Servant (Kalinjar, 2015) 10 Questions of the Soul (2010) Colours of Soul (Cvet Dushi) (2011)
Abhay’s poems in poetry journals and anthologies
Abhay Kumar's poems have been featured in various magazines and literary journals, including Poetry Salzburg Review, The Asia Literary Review, Gargoyle, and The Caravan. Additionally, his work has been included in several anthologies, such as:
Greening the Earth edited by K. Satchidanandan and Nishi Chawla (Penguin Random House, India\|2023) Voices Now: World Poetry Today edited by Braja K. Sorkar and Binay Laha (Tristoop Books, India\| 2022) The Yearbook of Indian Poetry 2022 edited by Sukrita Paul Kumar and Vinita Agrawal (Hawakal Publishers, 2022) Converse, Contemporary English Poetry by Indians edited by Sudeep Sen (Pippa Rann Books, UK\| 2022) The Yearbook of Indian Poetry 2021 edited by Sukrita Paul Kumar and Vinita Agrawal (Hawakal Publishers, 2022) Collegiality and Other Ballads edited by Shamayita Sen (Hawakal Publishers, 2021) The Yearbook of Indian Poetry 2020-21 edited by Sukrita Paul Kumar and Vinita Agrawal (Hawakal Publishers, 2021) A Poem A Day edited by Gulzar (HarperCollins\|2020) The Younger Indian Poets edited by Sudeep Sen (Sahitya Akademi\|2019) 100 Great Indian Poems (Bloomsbury\|2018) The Himalayan Arc edited by Namita Gokhale (HarperCollins\|2018).
Present Career Timeline
2022	Abhay Kumar appeared on the podcast "The Literary City with Ramjee Chandran" to discuss his career as a poet diplomat.
Ongoing	He has presented his poems at significant poetry and literature festivals worldwide.
Career as an Editor
2017	Released CAPITALS, an anthology of poems on the capital cities of the world, edited by Abhay K., featuring contributions from poets worldwide including Derek Walcott, Vijay Seshadri, George Szirtes, and Ruth Padel.
2018	Edited "100 Great Indian Poems," an anthology covering over 3000 years of Indian poetry and 28 Indian languages. Translated and published into several languages including Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Malagasy, and Arabic. Also translated into French, Russian, and Nepali.
Ongoing	Selected, edited, and translated "New Brazilian Poems," featuring works of 60 contemporary Brazilian poets.
2019	Published "100 More Great Indian Poems," a sequel to "100 Great Indian Poems."
2020	Edited "The Bloomsbury Anthology of Great Indian Poems," a collection of 200 great Indian poems.
Ongoing	Edited "The Bloomsbury Book of Great Indian Love Poems," encompassing three millennia and over two dozen Indian languages.
2022	Edited "The Book of Bihari Literature," the first anthology of its kind bringing together poems and short stories from ten languages of Bihar spanning over 3000 years into English translation. Published by HarperCollins India.
Edited Works
Anthology of Contemporary Indian English Poetry (Enchanting Verses Literary Review, 2016) CAPITALS (Bloomsbury, 2017) 100 Great Indian Poems (Bloomsbury, 2017) 100 More Great Indian Poems (Bloomsbury India, 2019) The Bloomsbury Anthology of Great Indian Poems (Bloomsbury India, 2020) New Brazilian Poems (Ibis Libris, 2019) The Bloomsbury Book of Great Indian Love Poems (Bloomsbury, 2020) The Book of Bihari Literature (HarperCollins, 2022)
Translator Extraordinaire
Ongoing	Abhay Kumar has translated poems of 60 Brazilian poets from Portuguese and rendered Kālidāsa's Meghadūta and Ritusamhara from Sanskrit. His forthcoming work includes the translation of the first Magahi novel "Phool Bahadur" by Jayanath Pati, to be published by Penguin Random House.
Translated Works
Uttering Her Name by Gabriel Rosenstock (Salmon Ireland) into Hindi, 2015 Meghaduta by Kalidasa into English (Bloomsbury, 2021) Ritusamhara by Kalidasa into English (Bloomsbury, 2021) Fool Bahadur by Jayanath Pati, the first Magahi novel (Penguin Random House, 2024)
Versatile Lyricist
2013	In 2013, Abhay released "Earth Anthem," a song envisioned as an anthem for the planet Earth. He penned the lyrics, which were subsequently translated into eight languages, including six official UN languages - Arabic, Chinese, French, English, Russian, and Spanish - as well as Hindi and Nepali. The anthem was set to music by Sapan Ghimire and sung by Shreya Sotang from Nepal.
Ongoing	The anthem has garnered widespread recognition and has been translated into over 150 languages, illustrating its global impact.
2017	On World Environment Day 2017, Abhay K's "Earth Anthem," composed by L. Subramaniam and sung by Kavita Krishnamurthy, was officially released in Brasilia, further solidifying its international presence.
2020	A new video of "Earth Anthem" was unveiled on 22 April 2020 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, reaffirming its relevance and significance.
2021	To mark the 51st anniversary of Earth Day on 22 April 2021, over 100 eminent artists from around the world joined forces to recite "Earth Anthem," highlighting its enduring impact and universal appeal.
Ongoing	Abhay also penned an anthem for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), aiming to foster South Asian consciousness and unity among member states. This initiative has sparked discussions regarding the need for an official SAARC Anthem.
	As the first Indian poet invited to record his poems at the Library of Congress, Abhay continues to leave an indelible mark on the global literary landscape.
	He wrote the "Moon Anthem" to commemorate the landing of Chandrayaan 2 on the Moon. The anthem, composed by Dr. L. Subramaniam and sung by Kavita Krishnamurthy, further demonstrates Abhay's ability to capture significant moments through his lyrical prowess.
	Abhay has also crafted anthems for all the planets in the solar system, showcasing his innovative approach to lyrical composition.
Creative Visionary: Abhay’s Artistry
Ongoing	Abhay's art pieces intricately weave geometric forms, centering on the evolution of planetary consciousness.
	He has showcased his solo exhibitions of paintings in esteemed cultural capitals worldwide, including St. Petersburg, Paris, New Delhi, Brasilia, and Antananarivo, accentuating his global artistic footprint.
	Renowned art critics have lauded Abhay's artistic endeavors, noting the fusion of Malevich's geometric precision and Matyushin's musical color vision with vibrant Indian hues, as well as folklore influences in his abstract and semi-abstract compositions.
	His art reflects an allegory of planetary consciousness, embodying emblems of unity among diverse peoples and depicting images of spiritual harmony.
	Collaborating with Italian artist Tarshito, Abhay's poetry-paintings were prominently exhibited at the National Academy of Art in New Delhi, offering a vivid portrayal of the city's illustrious heritage and cultural richness.
Research work on poetry of Abhay K.
A PhD titled "Cultural Construct of Self: A Critical Study of Abhay Kumar's Poetry" was conferred upon Amit Dhawan by Maharaja Ganga Singh University, Bikaner, Rajasthan, India in 2017. Academician Sapna Dogra has authored a research paper that compares 'A River' by A.K. Ramanujan with 'Yamuna' by Abhay K.
Quotes by Abhay K.:
"Whatever be our individual, social, or other interests, we should not forget that we have only one cosmic home, Earth." "We are humans, Earth is our home." "I was never born, I didn't die." "United we stand as flora and fauna, united we stand as species of one Earth." "There is no greater joy in life than the joy of creating something." "Poetry is an intrinsic need of our species." "All the people and all the nations, one for all and all for one."
Awards received by Abhay Kumar
2012: Awarded 1st Prize by the Amity School of Business, Noida, India for the case study "Digital Revolution and Business" at the 8th Renvoi, an International Management Case Study Competition. 2012: Nominated for the Pushcart Prize. 2013: Received the SAARC Literary Award from the Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature. 2014: Honored with the Asia-Pacific Excellence Award. 2015: Shortlisted for the Muse India-Satish Verma Young Writer Award 2015. 2017: Recognized as 'World Poet' by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Vijay Seshadri. 2022: Awarded the Kalinga Literature Festival Award for the Best Poetry Book of the Year 2021 for the translation of Kalidasa's "Meghaduta" and "Ritusamhara" from Sanskrit. 2022: Elected as an Associate Foreign Corresponding Member of the Malagasy Academy. 2022: Included in the anthology, "Converse: Contemporary English Poetry by Indians," edited by Sudeep Sen and published by Pippa Rann Books, London. 2023: Received the KLF Book Award 2022 for "The Book of Bihari Literature."
Abhay’s Favorites
Food	Abhay's favorite foods include Litti-Chokha and Corncob.
Musician	He admires Ustad Bismillah Khan for his musical genius.
Writer(s)	Among Indian writers, Abhay holds Ruskin Bond, Kalidasa, Kabir, Rabindranath Tagore, Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, and Munshi Premchand in high esteem. Additionally, he appreciates the works of American poet Robert Frost and British poet T.S. Eliot.
Personal Life and Family
Marital Status	Not Known
Marriage Date	Not Known
Wife/Spouse	Not Known
Children	Not Known
Net Worth, Assets & Properties
Net worth	Rs. 295.2 Cr
Salary (Monthly)	INR 2.40 lakhs
Assets/Properties	Not Known

Unveiling the lesser-known facets of Abhay Kumar’s life

Early Life and Education

Abhay was born and raised near Rajgir in Nalanda district of Bihar.
When he was two years old, his family relocated to the village of Chhabilapur in the Nalanda district of Bihar.
Abhay’s grandfather, a wrestler, frequently participated in local wrestling championships.
He pursued his higher education at Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University.
In 1998, he represented India in the 19th World Universities Debating Championship held in Manila, Philippines, while studying at Kirorimal College in Delhi.
In 2003, he joined the Indian Foreign Service.
He furthered his studies by delving into Russian language, history, and literature at Moscow State University.
Additionally, he explored U.S. foreign policy at George Washington University.
Abhay holds a Certificate in Poetry Writing from the International Writing Program, University of Iowa.
He also studied Nepali at Tribhuvan University and completed a diplomacy module at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.
Abhay is proficient in several languages including Magahi, Hindi, English, Russian, Nepali, Portuguese, and has knowledge of French and Sanskrit.

Career Beginnings and Achievements

Before clearing the UPSC CSE, he taught Geography at a coaching institute in Delhi at the age of 22.
Achieved the 71st rank in the UPSC CSE 2003 and was assigned to the Indian Foreign Service.
Completed his foundation course at LBSNAA in 2003, followed by additional training at FSI in New Delhi in 2004.
Started the celebration of Indian Foreign Service Day on 9 October 2011.
Served as spokesperson for the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu from 2012 to 2015 and as Deputy Chief of Mission to Brazil from 2016 to 2019.

Literary and Artistic Contributions

Renowned poet referred to as a ‘World Poet’ by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Vijay Seshadri.
Received a nomination for the Pushcart Prize for his contribution to South Asian poetry in 2013.
Proposed and initiated the celebration of the International Day of Diplomats on UN Day.
Translated classical Sanskrit poet Kalidas’ works ‘Meghaduta’ and ‘Ritusamhara’ into English in 2021.
His poem ‘The Partitioned Land’ became part of Cornell University’s curriculum in Fall 2021.
Showcased artwork on planetary consciousness in major cities worldwide.
Displayed poetry paintings alongside Italian artist Tarshito at the National Academy of Art in New Delhi.

Recognition and Personal Achievements

First Indian poet invited to record poems at the Library of Congress in 2018-19.
Fluent in multiple languages including Magahi, Hindi, English, Russian, Nepali, and Portuguese, with knowledge of French and Sanskrit.
Book-length poem ‘Monsoon’ chosen for a book project on Climate and Literature by Harvard University assistant professor Sarah Dimick.
Maintains physical and mental health through regular exercise and meditation routines.

Abhay Kumar – A Portrait of Success

In recounting the journey of Abhay Kumar, it becomes evident that he is not merely a diplomat or a poet but a remarkable individual whose life is characterized by dedication, passion, and an insatiable thirst for knowledge and creativity. From humble beginnings in Bihar to scaling the heights of literary and diplomatic circles, Abhay has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence in every endeavor. His contributions to poetry, diplomacy, and cultural exchange have left an indelible mark on the global stage, earning him accolades, recognition, and admiration from peers and admirers worldwide. As a polyglot, poet, diplomat, and artist, Abhay embodies the spirit of innovation, resilience, and intellectual curiosity, inspiring others to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination. His journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, talent, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, making him a true symbol of success and inspiration for generations to come.

Abhay Kumar – Presence and Activity on Social Media.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Abhay Kumar?

Abhay Kumar is an accomplished Indian diplomat, poet, translator, and artist known for his contributions to literature, diplomacy, and cultural exchange.

What are some of Abhay Kumar's notable achievements?

Abhay Kumar has received numerous awards and accolades for his literary works, including the SAARC Literary Award and the Kalinga Literature Festival Award.

How many languages does Abhay Kumar speak?

Abhay Kumar is fluent in multiple languages, including Magahi, Hindi, English, Russian, Nepali, and Portuguese, with knowledge of French and Sanskrit.

What is Abhay Kumar's educational background?

Abhay Kumar studied at Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University before joining the Indian Foreign Service in 2003.

Has Abhay Kumar published any books?

Yes, Abhay Kumar has published several poetry collections, translations, and edited anthologies, showcasing his diverse literary talents.

Which prestigious institutions has Abhay Kumar been associated with?

Abhay Kumar has been associated with institutions such as Moscow State University, Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy Of Administration, and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.

What inspired Abhay Kumar to become a poet?

Abhay Kumar's love for literature and poetry, coupled with his experiences as a diplomat and traveler, inspired him to explore the art of poetry.

What themes does Abhay Kumar's poetry often explore?

Abhay Kumar's poetry often delves into themes of nature, culture, identity, and the interconnectedness of humanity.

How has Abhay Kumar contributed to diplomatic initiatives?

Abhay Kumar has played a key role in initiating cultural exchange programs, celebrating diplomatic events such as the International Day of Diplomats, and promoting global cooperation through his diplomatic service.

What are some of the international platforms where Abhay Kumar's poetry has been showcased?

Abhay Kumar's poetry has been featured in prestigious literary journals, festivals, and anthologies worldwide, garnering international acclaim.

How does Abhay Kumar balance his diplomatic career with his artistic pursuits?

Abhay Kumar effectively balances his diplomatic responsibilities with his passion for poetry and art, leveraging his diverse talents to foster cross-cultural understanding and dialogue.

What impact has Abhay Kumar's poetry had on global audiences?

Abhay Kumar's poetry has touched the hearts of readers around the world, inspiring reflection, empathy, and appreciation for the beauty of language and culture.

How does Abhay Kumar use his art to address social and environmental issues?

Through his poetry and artwork, Abhay Kumar raises awareness about pressing social and environmental issues, advocating for positive change and sustainable living.

Has Abhay Kumar received recognition for his contributions to literature?

Yes, Abhay Kumar has been recognized with awards, nominations, and invitations to prestigious literary events for his significant contributions to literature.

What motivates Abhay Kumar to continue his creative pursuits?

Abhay Kumar's passion for storytelling, cultural exchange, and the transformative power of art motivates him to continue exploring new avenues of expression and creativity.

How does Abhay Kumar engage with his audience?

Abhay Kumar actively engages with his audience through poetry readings, literary events, social media, and collaborations with other artists and writers.

What advice does Abhay Kumar have for aspiring poets and artists?

Abhay Kumar encourages aspiring poets and artists to embrace their unique voice, stay curious, and persevere in their creative journey despite challenges.

What role does Abhay Kumar believe art plays in society?

Abhay Kumar believes that art has the power to inspire, heal, and unite people across borders, fostering empathy, understanding, and positive social change.

How does Abhay Kumar stay inspired and motivated in his artistic endeavors?

Abhay Kumar draws inspiration from his experiences, travels, interactions with diverse cultures, and the beauty of the natural world to fuel his creative process.

What future projects is Abhay Kumar working on?

Abhay Kumar continues to work on new poetry collections, translations, and artistic projects that explore themes of identity, heritage, and global interconnectedness.

How does Abhay Kumar envision the role of poetry in the digital age?

Abhay Kumar sees poetry as a timeless art form that transcends technological advancements, connecting people through the universal language of emotion and imagination.

What legacy does Abhay Kumar hope to leave through his artistic and diplomatic endeavors?

Abhay Kumar hopes to leave a legacy of cultural exchange, dialogue, and mutual understanding, inspiring future generations to embrace diversity and celebrate the richness of human experience.

What impact has Abhay Kumar's poetry had on diplomatic relations?

Abhay Kumar's poetry has served as a bridge between cultures, fostering goodwill and enhancing diplomatic relations through its ability to evoke empathy and shared human experiences.

How does Abhay Kumar advocate for environmental sustainability through his art?

Abhay Kumar uses his art to raise awareness about environmental issues, urging individuals and communities to take action towards a more sustainable and equitable future.

What message does Abhay Kumar hope to convey through his artistic and diplomatic endeavors?

Through his art and diplomacy, Abhay Kumar seeks to promote peace, understanding, and solidarity among people of diverse backgrounds, fostering a more harmonious and interconnected world.