Rupi Kaur is a celebrated poet and artist whose work has made her a legend in the literary, arts, and creative circles. She hails from the city of Brampton in the province of Ontario, Canada. Kaur is an Indian-Canadian, having been a first-generation immigrant of Indian descent. She was born in Punjab, India in 1992, before migrating to Canada in 1994. Kaur was raised and educated in Canadian culture and values, which can be seen in her works. She has spoken extensively about how her Indian and Canadian heritage have profoundly influenced her growth as an artist.
Kaur has been passionate about writing ever since she was young. An avid reader, she started dabbling in poetry at the tender age of 14, before gradually making her way up in the publishing industry by the time she turned 18. With her profound lyrical and heartfelt poetry in her debut poetry collection, milk and honey, Kaur quickly rose to global stardom and literary fame.
This 26-year-old artist has become an international inspiration. Her loyal fanbase continues to grow with her latest work, Home Body, and her influential presence resonates throughout the world. With an unveiling of the beauty and pain of life, Kaur stands out as a creative pioneer of her generation. Today, her work is praised, featured, and celebrated by some of the most renowned publications, websites, and artists.
Kaur’s drive to empower herself and uplift her community in socio-economic, political, and emotional struggles is unparalleled. What makes her unique and powerful is her cornerstones: honesty, bravery and authenticity. No matter the space she’s in, Kaur has the courage to take on topics that matter to her and write about them for the world to see. She has become an influential, clear and brave voice in her industry, utilizing her work to create a platform for individuals, often silenced, and for causes she believes in.
Kaur has come a long way since her migration from India to Canada. With an ever-growing fan base, Rupi Kaur is today an internationally acclaimed poet, writer, artist, and voice for change. Thanks to her immense talent and the platforms she has established, her works continue to miraculously reach people both near and far.
Public Appearances and Lit Fests
Kaur is no stranger to the limelight and has made more than a few appearances at public events, book launches, readings, and literary festivals. She has been featured at many literary festivals both in the US and Canada. Some of the most well-known festivals at which she has made appearances include the Vancouver International Writers Festival, the WI9X9 Toronto Literary Festival, and the LA Times Festival of Books. Kaur has also attended countless other readings and book launch events.
Kaur’s works have captivated the masses, from fellow writers and journalists to the younger generation and beyond. Her presence at lit fests has been incredibly well-received and acclaimed, and her events have always been jam-packed with eager fans. She has been lauded for her candour and power during her readings, and her vibrant personality has left a lasting impression on many earnest readers.
At various locations around the globe, Kaur confronts her skeptics and haters head-on with her creativity and courage. She has been quoted as one who believes that meaningful change in the literary world and its communities begins with embracing difference and hope, two concepts she strongly holds on to. Her presence brings solace, a reminder to her readers that they are not alone in the world.
Rupi Kaur’s Poetry Collections
Kaur’s most popular works include her two acclaimed poetry collections: milk and honey, and Home Body. Both of these collections have rearranged the contemporary literary scene in parallel ways and have revolutionized the genre of poetry. In her book, milk and honey, Kaur examines the journey of healing after experiencing hurt and reveals the transformative power of breaking down one’s walls and allowing oneself to feel and be vulnerable.
The book has sold millions of copies across the globe and has also become an international bestseller. In her 2016 poem, The Sun and Her Flowers, Kaur dives further into her powerful works, offering an expansive range of topics inspired by her journey of love, loss, nature, and the healing powers of self-expression. Kaur’s following book, Home Body, was released in 2020 and has since gained critical acclaim for its depth and complexity.
In this literary piece, Kaur pushes her works to entirely new heights as she delves into her personal mindful reflections of the human condition. Using themes of love, growth, and loss as a vehicle, Kaur conclusively pieces the seeds of vulnerability and growth together and offers the readers a rekindled sense of empathy and solidarity.
Her latest book is often said to be her most reflective and relatable book yet, and perhaps even more so than her debut works. Through the power of poetry, Kaur gracefully speaks to and encourages her readers, inspiring each individual to strive to do and be better.
Rupi Kaur’s International Influence
Kaur’s works have been featured in renowned publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Buzzfeed. She has also been asked to speak on some of the most prestigious stages, alongside other world leaders, entrepreneurs, and authors. Her works have been published in 23 different languages, and she stands as one of the few female poets to have her works translated into other languages.
She has also been featured on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Teen Vogue’s YouTube channel, and the TEDx Talks. Her immense reach has also allowed her to fullfill many charitable initiatives, such as her campaign #ShareTheMicNow, where she encouraged and provided a platform for overlooked voices to advocate on issues of their choosing. In the wake of the George Floyd protests, Kaur has been a steadfast advocate for social, racial and inequality justice.
In 2020, Kaur was honoured with a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Award, the Queen’s Young Leader Award, and the We Media Pitch Night Award for her international works and projects. Her works have even been featured in the artwork of the recently released film, Lego 2: The Second Part. Kaur continues to work arduously on her projects, striving to inspire herself, her readers, and the world.
Rupi Kaur’s Charitable Work
Kaur has engaged in various global initiatives and charity initiatives over the years. With many of her works, she sheds light on mental health and healing. She has utilized her platform to encourage and uplift her communities, and has partnered with some of the most noteworthy charity organizations such as One Million Kids, Children’s Education Fund, Create Change, and many more.
In 2018, Kaur was chosen as the recipient of UNICEF Canada’s Audrey Hepburn Society Humanitarian Award. This award demonstrates her noteworthy charitable works, and her skills in advocacy, partnership and empowerment. When Kaur is not writing or travelling, she is actively working to support communities in need and alter the lives of those who most require it.
Kaur also plays an active role in various environmental organizations. She has been a passionate advocate for environmental protection, conservation and sustainability, and has encouraged her readers to become conscious about their impact on the environment. Kaur has also co-organized various campaigns and projects to raise awareness and tackle climate change head-on.
Rupi Kaur’s Online Presence
Kaur is a pioneering figure in the social media scene, making her presence felt digitally over various online platforms. Kaur has a thriving online presence with over five million followers on Instagram, where she regularly posts about her works, personal views and projects. She has an electrifying influence as an Instagram poet, where she has been given the moniker as “Queen of Instagram Poetry.”
Kaur has also established her own website, where she features a range of exclusive contents, collaborations and powerful projects. Here, readers can explore Kaur’s entire works, take part in various initiatives, and browse through her other contents. Fans can also join her newsletter, know what’s coming up in her book launch or events, and build upon other experiences.
Kaur has also created a project called ‘Punjab Di Kudiyan’, which translates to ‘Daughters of Punjab’. The project’s mission is to create a platform to amplify the stories of young female leaders in India, and to ultimately create a global movement promoting gender equality and womens’ rights. Her website also features her own merchandise, where fans can purchase exclusive products inspired by her works.
With Kaur’s influence in both the literary world and the tech savvy minds of the generation, her works are forever revered as a way to evoke feelings, strive for truth and live with courage. Her works are lovingly adored by her fandoms, and with her artistic and humanitarian endeavours, Rupi Kaur has become a figure of courage, strength and progressiveness.
