Arindam mourns the profound loss of Raj Babu Gandham, a trilingual poet, cherished friend, and guiding light whose kindness touched many hearts, exclusively for Different Truths.

The passing of Raj Babu Gandham has carved a deep void in the hearts of many, a loss that strikes me with profound sorrow. Raj Babu was more than a friend; he was a philosopher, a guide, and a luminous soul whose words and kindness touched countless lives. His departure feels like a theft of unwritten poems, shared laughter, and the warmth of his presence.

Raj Babu was a trilingual poet of extraordinary gifts, crafting verses in English, Hindi, and  Telugu with equal finesse. His mastery of micro-poetry, particularly love poems, was breathtaking. Each crisp, concise line was a spark of emotion, distilling the complexities of love into delicate, potent gems. The poems, brief yet brimming with passion and tenderness, captured hearts with their universal resonance. As a key member of the editorial board for our micro-poem anthology, ‘Echoes Within’, Raj Babu’s poetic brilliance and editorial insight elevated the work of others, his encouragement a testament to his belief in poetry’s power to connect and transcend.

I will forever cherish his endearing address of “Dada”, a term that held the tenderness of our familial bond. Raj Babu was always a ping or phone call away, ready to listen, advise, or share a laugh. His accessibility was a gift; no matter the hour, he made you feel seen and valued. His sonorous voice, whether over a call or in person, carried a soothing warmth that calmed doubts and kindled inspiration.

Our few meetings in Bangalore were moments of pure joy, etched vividly in memory. The clink of our glasses, toasts woven with stories and dreams, still echoes. Those gatherings were celebrations of life, poetry, and the passion that united us. Raj Babu’s smile was infectious, his anecdotes laced with humour and wisdom. He had a rare ability to make every moment feel eternal, as if time paused to honour our connection.

His poetry was a masterclass in brevity and depth. His love poems were exquisite—each micro verse a heartbeat, pulsing with longing, devotion, or bittersweet ache. Whether in English, Hindi, or Telugu, his words bridged cultures with authenticity. He poured his Telugu roots into his work, their cadence enriching his verses, while his fluency in Hindi and English made his poetry a global treasure. His love poems spoke to souls across borders, proving that love’s language is universal.

Beyond his literary genius, Raj Babu was a humanitarian and mentor. Dr Molly Joseph shared a moving story from last year’s Santiniketan Literature Festival (SLF), where he quietly helped a humble worker in a resort secure a better job, transforming a life with his compassion. This was Raj Babu—always uplifting others. At the SLF, he was my pillar, giving me the strength and courage to forge ahead with the festival. His belief in its vision was a driving force; without his and a few others’ steadfast support, the SLF might not have flourished.

His guidance was never prescriptive but always illuminating, offered with humility. He saw potential where others saw doubt, nurturing creativity and confidence. For me, he was a confidant in uncertainty, a sounding board for ideas, and a cheerleader for every triumph. His encouragement was a lighthouse, guiding me through self-doubt.

His passing is a silence that speaks louder than words, a reminder to cherish those we hold dear. Raj Babu has crossed to the other side, leaving a legacy of love poems, kindness, and connections that will endure. His absence urges us to honour his memory by living as he did—with generosity, creativity, and heart.

As I bid farewell to my dear friend, I envision him in a realm where love poems bloom like stars, each verse celebrating the life he lived so fully. Raj Babu, you were a gift to this world, a poet whose crisp, concise lines and boundless compassion will echo within us forever. Rest in peace, my friend. Until we clink glasses again on the other side, you will be missed, but your light, radiant as your love poems, will never fade.

Photos from the SLF archives

Arindam Roy

Arindam Roy has over four decades of experience in various newsrooms of renowned media houses. He is the Founder, Publishing Director, Editor-in-Chief of Different Truths, and Kavya Kumbh Publishing Consultant (KKPC). He has co-authored ten chapters in six Coffee Table Books (CTBs) of national and international repute and is the sole author of four forthcoming CTBs (Times Group). He has also published four international poetry anthologies as the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, participated in several poetry and literary festivals, and won awards and accolades. Arindam co-authored the novel Rivers Run Back with an American writer. He stays in Bangalore and Prayagraj.

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