Devansh Sampang Rana, a 32-year-old poet, songwriter, educator and musician from Sikkim, has achieved a significant literary milestone by becoming the first poet from the North East to be recognised at the Emily Dickinson International Award platform, bringing pride to the state and the region.
With an academic background in MA in English and a B.Ed degree, Rana has successfully bridged scholarship and creativity. He previously served as an English Post Graduate Teacher (PGT) at Chujachen Senior Secondary School, where his engagement with literature further strengthened his artistic foundation.
Rana’s debut poetry collection, Iridescent, earned him international recognition when it was nominated for the 21st Century Emily Dickinson International Award, securing a place among the top 10 entries out of nearly 1,000 submissions worldwide. The work was also nominated in the Best Upcoming Writer category.
“The journey with Iridescent was both humbling and affirming,” Rana said, adding that the recognition encouraged him to trust his voice and artistic instincts.
The 21st Century Emily Dickinson Award is a literary recognition programme managed by BookLeaf Publishing, primarily linked to its international short-term writing challenges. It is distinct from the traditional Emily Dickinson Award conferred by the Poetry Society of America.
Apart from literature, Rana is also a prolific singer and songwriter. He has written songs for several well-known artists and bands, including Tribal Rain, Arogya, G Force and Bikash Chamling, among others. “Songwriting and poetry are deeply interconnected,” he explained. “They share rhythm, emotion and a certain honesty that binds them together.”
Speaking about his creative evolution, Rana said the transition from his first book to his second occurred naturally. “It wasn’t a planned shift,” he said. “It was a smooth segue, and I found myself exploring different human emotions while keeping the romantic essence alive.”
He credited BookLeaf Publishing for providing a strong start to his literary journey. “Once you are associated with such a professional and internationally recognised publishing house, there is hardly any hindrance,” Rana said, praising the team’s efficiency in handling printing, promotion, distribution and marketing.
Although Rana had always intended to experiment with different genres, he admitted that the transition happening as early as his second book came as a surprise. “In retrospect, everything felt organic, and I’m quite content with what I was able to pull off,” he remarked.
Rana also spoke candidly about writer’s block, describing it as one of the most difficult phases of his creative life. “It is one of the darkest periods for any writer,” he said. “All you can do is be patient, believe in yourself and push through—it eventually breaks.”
On the impact of technology on literature, Rana believes authenticity remains paramount. “The most lasting work comes from personal experiences, vulnerability and honesty,” he said, adding that he strives to carry these values across his writing, songwriting and music.
Expressing pride in representing Sikkim on national and international platforms, Rana said the state is “criminally underrated” in terms of artistic talent. “We have so much potential here,” he said. “It’s only a matter of time before voices from even the smallest places make it big.”
Looking ahead, Rana is set to release his EP under the moniker ‘and beyond’ this August. He also plans to explore long-form writing, particularly novels, in the future. “For now, I want to focus on building a forum for young aspiring artists from the North East,” he said, emphasising the importance of mentorship, collaboration and creative support.
