Date of Birth: March 17, 1963
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Biography
Amitava Kumar is an acclaimed Indian-American writer, journalist, and academic. Born in Ara, Bihar, India, he moved to the United States for higher education and has since become a prominent voice in contemporary literature, particularly known for his works on post-colonialism, migration, and identity. Kumar holds a Ph.D. in Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature from the University of Minnesota. He is currently a Professor of English at Vassar College in New York. Kumar’s literary works span multiple genres, including non-fiction, fiction, and poetry. His notable books include “Passport Photos,” “Bombay-London-New York,” “A Foreigner Carrying in the Crook of His Arm a Tiny Bomb,” and “Immigrant, Montana.” His writing often explores themes of displacement, cultural identity, and the political landscape, particularly focusing on the South Asian diaspora. In addition to his books, Kumar’s essays and articles have been widely published in esteemed journals and magazines such as The New Yorker, The New York Times, Granta, and Harper’s Magazine. Kumar has received numerous accolades for his contributions to literature, including fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation and Yaddo.
5 Interesting Facts about Amitava Kumar
1. Amitava Kumar’s book “A Foreigner Carrying in the Crook of His Arm a Tiny Bomb” was described by The New York Times as a “perceptive and soulful” exploration of the global war on terror.
2. He is a recipient of the Windham-Campbell Literature Prize, one of the most prestigious and lucrative awards in the literary world.
3. Kumar has served as a judge for several literary awards, including the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature.
4. He is also an accomplished artist, incorporating his own drawings into his books, particularly in “Every Day I Write the Book.”
5. Kumar’s novel “Immigrant, Montana” was named one of the Best Books of the Year by The New Yorker and NPR.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Amitava Kumar
1. “For me, writing is a way of thinking, a way of grappling with the world.”
2. “The stories we tell ourselves and others are essential to our identity.”
3. “In a world of increasing division, literature can serve as a bridge, connecting us through shared human experiences.”
4. “To write about the immigrant experience is to write about the essence of life itself—change, movement, and the search for belonging.”
5. “Art and literature are not just reflections of society, they are tools for creating change.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
$1 million
Children
Amitava Kumar has two children: a daughter, Ila Kumar, and a son, Rohan Kumar.
Relevant Links
1. [Official Website](https://www.amitavakumar.com
2. [Amitava Kumar’s Profile at Vassar College](https://www.vassar.edu/faculty/amikumar
4. [Amitava Kumar’s Articles on The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/contributors/amitava-kumar