Famous Indian Non-Fiction Writers

Ruskin Bond is a distinguished Indian author and a fellow of the Sahitya Akademi. His literary career took off with the publication of his debut novel, The Room on the Roof, which won the prestigious John Llewellyn Rhys Prize. With over 500 works to his name, including novels, short stories, and essays, Bond has left an indelible mark on Indian literature. His significant awards include the Sahitya Akademi Award, Padma Shri, and Padma Bhushan, recognizing his immense contribution to the literary world. Bond currently resides in Landour, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand.

Justice V. R. Krishna Iyer was an Indian judge known for pioneering judicial activism and the legal-aid movement in the country. He also served as a state minister and politician. As an activist lawyer, he faced jail time for advocating for his poor and underprivileged clients, showcasing his commitment to human rights. He actively campaigned for social justice and environmental causes. Recognized as a sports enthusiast and prolific author, he was honored with the Padma Vibhushan in 1999. His impactful judgements remain influential in the higher judiciary.

Nitin Nohria is an Indian-American academic known for his notable contributions in the field of business administration. Serving as the tenth dean of Harvard Business School, he has made significant impact in shaping the institution's academic direction. As the George F. Baker Professor of Administration, Nohria has demonstrated expertise and leadership in the educational realm. Additionally, his experience as a former non-executive director of Tata Sons showcases his involvement in the corporate sector, further solidifying his diverse and accomplished professional background.

Palagummi Sainath is an Indian columnist and author known for his acclaimed book Everybody Loves a Good Drought. He has extensively written on rural India, focusing on poverty, structural inequities, caste discrimination, and farmers' protests. In 2014, he founded the People's Archive of Rural India (PARI), an online platform addressing social and economic inequality, rural affairs, poverty, and globalization's impact in India. Sainath has received numerous awards for his journalism and is recognized as a leading expert on famine and hunger. His work, including field reports, sheds light on rural deprivation in India.

Amitav Ghosh is an accomplished Indian writer known for his ambitious novels that explore themes of national and personal identity in the context of India and South Asia. He has written both historical fiction and non-fiction works, delving into topics such as colonialism and climate change. Ghosh holds a doctorate in social anthropology and has worked in various capacities, including at the Indian Express newspaper and academic institutions. He has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Jnanpith award, Padma Shri, and Dan David prize, recognizing his significant contributions to literature and global discourse.

Ramchandra Gandhi was an Indian philosopher known for his contributions to academia. He earned his doctoral degree in philosophy from Oxford under the guidance of Peter Strawson. He founded the philosophy department at the University of Hyderabad and taught at various prestigious institutions including Visva-Bharati University, Panjab University, and California Institute of Integral Studies. He was also associated with Bangalore University. Gandhi passed away at the India International Centre in 2007, leaving behind a legacy of philosophical teachings and insights.

Vishnu Prabhakar was a renowned Hindi writer known for his prolific contributions to literature, including short stories, novels, plays, and travelogues. His works often reflected themes of patriotism, nationalism, and social upliftment. Notable accolades in his professional life include being the First Sahitya Academy Award winner from Haryana, receiving the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1993, Mahapandit Rahul Sankrityayan Award in 1995, and the prestigious Padma Bhushan in 2004 from the Government of India.

Raghubir Singh was a prominent Indian photographer known for his landscapes and documentary-style photographs capturing the essence of Indian culture. Self-taught, he worked with prestigious publications such as National Geographic Magazine and The New York Times. Singh was a pioneer in utilizing color photography during the early 1970s, drawing inspiration from Indian aesthetics and modernist influences. His work reflected the beauty, humanism, and spirituality of Indian culture. He published several acclaimed books and his art is exhibited in renowned museums worldwide.