Minu Bakshi

Minu Bakshi is an Urdu poet, a teacher of Spanish language at Jawaharlal Nehru University, and a vocalist of Hindustani classical music. Her first poetry collection Tishnagi: The Thirst won her several awards, including Jameel Mazhari Award and Aamir Khusro Award. Her Uffuq ke Paar was declared the best book of Urdu poetry by Delhi Urdu Academy in 2018. Mauj-e-Saraab, Justaju, Abr-e-Karam, Barish-e-Rehmat, and Fariyaad – a plea! are some of her notable works. She has recited her poetry in various important Mushairas in various parts of the country and abroad. She was honoured with Fakhr-e-Hind (Pride of the Nation) award for her contribution to Urdu Language & Literature by the Indian Heritage Centre. Being a Spanish interpreter for the President and the Prime Minister of India for decades, she was conferred the Order of Isabella la Catolica, the second highest civil order given to a foreigner by the King of Spain. Also a versatile singer of folk, ghazal, pop and Sufi, Bakshi’s forte is ghazal. She has had many concerts in India and abroad. She was honoured with Begham Akhtar Award in 2024 for her music, poetry and social work. Main Hun, I Can, a documentary film on her, was premiered at United Kingdom Asian Film Festival.