Kamala Das was an influential Indian poet and author, born on March 31, 1934, in Malabar, Kerala. She is best known for her candid and confessional style of writing, which often explored themes of love, identity, and the struggles of women in a patriarchal society. Her notable works include the poetry collection Summer in Calcutta and her autobiography, My Story. Das wrote in both English and Malayalam, making her a significant figure in Indian literature. She received several awards for her contributions, including the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award and the Asian Poetry Prize. Her work continues to inspire readers and writers, particularly in discussions about gender and personal freedom.