Heartiest congratulations to Shri Abhay Kumar, IFS, on his appointment as the Ambassador of India to the Republic of Azerbaijan. This prestigious responsibility is a fitting recognition of his distinguished diplomatic career and his outstanding contributions to India’s global engagement. I had the opportunity to share the platform with him and other distinguished scholars like Prof Karam Tej S. Sarao, Prof Ramesh Chandra Gaur, Prof Hira Paul Gangnegi during the launch of his Book titled NALANDA: HOW IT CHANGE THE WORLD at Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts and wrote a review of his book as well.
Nalanda: How It Changed the World by Shri Abhay Kumar has gained wide popularity for its lucid narration and global perspective on India’s ancient seat of learning. The book compellingly highlights Nalanda’s far-reaching influence on education, philosophy, science, and cross-cultural exchanges across Asia. Praised by scholars, diplomats, and general readers alike, it has been widely discussed in academic forums, literary festivals, and cultural diplomacy platforms. Its accessibility and intellectual depth have made it an important contemporary work in reviving global awareness of Nalanda’s civilizational legacy.
A 2003-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, Shri Abhay Kumar (Abhay K.) has served the nation with distinction in several key diplomatic roles, including as Ambassador of India to Madagascar and the Union of Comoros, and as Deputy Ambassador to Brazil. Currently deputed as Deputy Director General, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), New Delhi, he has played a significant role in strengthening India’s cultural diplomacy and people-to-people ties worldwide.
Beyond diplomacy, Shri Abhay Kumar is an accomplished poet, translator, and artist, whose creative work has added a unique dimension to India’s cultural outreach. His numerous poetry collections and translations have earned him wide acclaim, including the SAARC Literary Award (2013), the Kalinga Literature Festival Award (2022), and the Bharat Shiksha Samman (2025). His recent publication, Hanuman Chalisa in English, stands as a notable contribution in making India’s spiritual and literary heritage accessible to a global readership.
I am confident that his rare combination of diplomatic acumen, literary sensibility, and cultural vision will further deepen India-Azerbaijan relations and enhance mutual understanding between the two nations.
Wishing Shri Abhay Kumar every success in his new assignment and continued excellence in the service of the nation. Many many congratulations Abhay K. Jee!!!
