Ecological concerns in the poetry of A. K. Ramanujan

Abstract

Environmental Poetry, also known as ecopoetry, is a term related to a broader genre of poetry concerning nature. The concerns and perils that are very much evident due to the continuous abuse of the environment have brought the attention of literary writers to create a sense of responsibility towards nature and to aware people of the seriousness of the matter. It gave rise to a new branch of literary theory- ‘Ecocriticism.’ The term ‘Ecocriticism’ is the study and observation of the relation between literature and the physical environment. It is an interdisciplinary approach from the perspective of the analysis of literary works of researchers, writers, and poets, with a context of issues related to nature. This study aims to provide a better understanding of the ecological relations and to create awareness to do the needful in order to improve the nexus between people and nature. We have always seen nature from a pleasing and soothing perspective. This study is an effort to distinguish from this perspective through the portrayal of the environment as being exploited and degraded by man-made threats, which are also harmful to animals and other living organisms. The paper seeks to study and explore Attipate Krishnaswami Ramanujan's poetry in Indian English Literature and his select works- A River and Ecology from an ecocritical and spiritual point of view. His works are considered of great significance and can be studied from a perspective of eco-criticism.