Kokkare Hosahalli Shekh Haider (K. S.) Nisar Ahmed (1936–2020) was a celebrated Kannada poet and writer known for his lyrical and deeply humanistic works. Best known for “Nityotsava,” his iconic poem celebrating Karnataka, he authored numerous poems, translations, and children’s books over his prolific career. His contributions to Kannada literature earned him prestigious honors, including the Padma Shri. Roopa Pai is a Bangalore-based children’s author and journalist with over twenty published books. She is the creator of Taranauts, India’s first fantasy-adventure series for children, and the author of the national bestseller The Gita for Children.

• Translator’s Introduction: The Rich Harvest of an Unbounded Mind: The Life and Work of K. S. Nisar AhmedHow To Read This BookPadyanjali—An Offering of Poems (1956)Manasu Gandhi Bazaar-U—The Mind Is Gandhi Bazaar (1960)Nenedavara Manadalli—In The Minds of the Faithful (1964)Sumuhurtha—Auspicious Time (1967)Sanje Aidara Male—The 5 p.m. Rain (1970)Naanemba Parakeeya—The Alien That Is Me (1972) Nityotsava—Every Day a Celebration (1976)Swayamseveya Giligalu—The Volunteer ParrotsAnaamika Aanglaru—The Unknown Englishmen (1982)Bahirantara—Exteriority (1990)Navollasa—A New Elation (1994)Aakaashakke Sarahaddugalilla—The Sky Has No Borders (1998)Aravattaidara Aisiri—The Abundance of 65 (2001)Minchikegalu—Lightning Bolts (2010)