Sonnet Mondal

Biography

Sonnet Mondal is a contemporary Indian English poet, editor, and literary organizer, known for his reflective and socially conscious poetry. He hails from Kolkata, West Bengal, and has emerged as one of the prominent voices of modern Indian poetry.

🌿 Early Life and Background

Sonnet Mondal was born and raised in Kolkata. From an early age, he showed a keen interest in literature and poetry, which later evolved into a professional pursuit. His multicultural and urban upbringing informs much of his writing, blending personal experience with broader social themes.

✍️ Literary Career

Mondal has published several poetry collections, including An Afternoon in My Mind (2022) and Karmic Chanting (2018). His work spans personal reflection, socio-political commentary, and explorations of human consciousness.

He is the founder-director of the Chair Poetry Evenings, an international poetry festival in Kolkata, and serves as the managing editor of the literary magazine VerseVille. His poems have been translated into several languages, including Italian, Turkish, Slovak, and Arabic, and he has represented India at multiple international poetry festivals across Europe and Asia.

🌺 Themes and Style

Sonnet Mondal’s poetry often explores modern existence, memory, solitude, socio-political realities, and inner landscapes. His style is accessible, contemplative, and internationally resonant, yet deeply rooted in Indian contexts. He uses lyrical language to bridge personal and universal experiences, often reflecting on contemporary challenges and human emotions.

🏅 Recognition

Recipient of the Gayatri Gamarsh Memorial Award (2016).

Shortlisted for the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Award (2024).

Represented India at international poetry festivals, including the Genoa International Poetry Festival.

🕊️ Legacy

Sonnet Mondal represents a new generation of Indian English poets who are both globally engaged and culturally rooted. Through his poetry, editorial work, and literary festivals, he continues to foster dialogue between Indian literature and the wider world, making contemporary poetry more inclusive and dynamic.