The Indian-American poet, scholar and writer Meena Alexander lived from 1951 to 2018. Her birthplace was Allahabad India yet she spent her childhood across India, Sudan before settling in the United States. She obtained her doctorate degree in British Romantic literature from the University of Nottingham. Her works about migration alongside identity and belonging establish her as a prominent writer who published the books Illiterate Heart (2002) and Fault Lines (1993).
She received the PEN Open Book Award while teaching at Hunter College in New York. Through her writing Alexander combines stories of her personal life with historical elements that stem from her multicultural background. Alexander’s achievements maintain their ability to motivate readers across the globe. Here we will share all the information about Meena Alexander’s life.
Meena Alexander Wiki/Biography
The writer Meena Alexander served as an Indian American poet along with being a scholar and author. The author was born in Allahabad, India yet her childhood years passed between India and Sudan before she immigrated to the United States. At Khartoum University Alexander finished her undergraduate studies before earning her Ph.D. from the University of Nottingham in British Romantic literature.
| Name | Meena Alexander |
| Nickname | Meena |
| Date of Birth | 17 February 1951 |
| Date of Death | 21 November 2018 |
| Age | 67 Year (at the time of death) |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Birth Place | Allahabad, India |
| Hometown | New York City, USA |
| Currently, Live In | New York City, USA |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Poet, Author, Scholar, Essayist, Professor |
| Parents | Father: George Alexander |
| Mother: Mary Alexander | |
| Siblings | Sister: Elizabeth Alexander |
| Brother: None | |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches |
| Weight | 65 kg |
| Education Qualification | Graduate |
| Marital Status | Married |
Meena Alexander Height and Weight
The graceful disposition and elegant appearance defined Meena Alexander as a person. Her black hair and dark eyes brought out a powerful appearance. The physical height of Meena Alexander reached 5 feet 6 inches corresponding to 167 centimeters. The approximate weight of Meena Alexander came in at 143 pounds (about 65 kg). She displayed composure and assurance in her behavior. People remembered her because of her Indian facial characteristics along with her warm smile.
Meena Alexander Age, Date of Birth, Date of Death and BirthPlace
Meena Alexander entered the world on February 17, 1951 in the Indian city of Allahabad. The beginning of her life occurred in India then she moved to Khartoum Sudan when her father accepted employment there.
On November 21, 2018 Meena Alexander died in New York City USA when she reached 67 years old. Through her writing Meena Alexander touches readers with her reflections about identity as well as migration experiences and immigrant lives.Meena Alexander Husband, Relationships, and Children
Meena Alexander was married to David Lelyveld who was a Jewish American historian. The Central Institute of English in Hyderabad became their meeting place when Meena Alexander taught there and David Lelyveld spent time there as a University of Minnesota academic. Their wedding took place in 1979 and afterwards they settled in New York City to begin their life together.
Adam Lelyveld and Svati Lelyveld emerged as the two children of Meena and David. Meena expressed deep affection for her children while she explained that her family continuously motivated and brought her happiness.
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Meena Alexander Parents, Siblings & Family
Meena Alexander entered the world on February 17, 1951 at Allahabad in India. His employment as a meteorologist in the Indian government supported her father George Alexander while his wife Mary Alexander maintained the household. The oldest among three children, Meena had a sister who went by Elizabeth Alexander.
The change in location from India to Khartoum, Sudan occurred when she was young because her father accepted employment there. Meena Alexander grew up under the guidance of K. K. Kuruvilla who remained a significant figure in Indian society by working alongside Mahatma Gandhi. Elizabeth Kuruvilla beat many other women to achieve her position as Travancore State’s first female legislature by breaking barriers in politics during that time.
During her early life Meena attended Indian and Sudanese schools which provided her with English language education before she finished high school at age 13. She completed high school before turning 13 years old then she decided to study British Romantic literature by obtaining her Ph.D. in the United Kingdom.
Meena Alexander Education and Career
The Indian writer Meena Alexander entered the world on February 17, 1951 in Allahabad. The first years of her life occurred in India and Sudan before she migrated to the United States. The different cultural backgrounds where she spent her early life shaped how she wrote and how she saw the world.
Alexander obtained his education at British institutions. After completing her education at Khartoum University she achieved her Ph.D. in British Romantic literature from the University of Nottingham. The education she acquired built a strong base which led her to become both a scholar and a poet in the future.
Alexander finished her Ph.D. studies before migrating to the United States where she gained fame within the literary community. She led her career in English teaching at multiple educational facilities including her position as a Distinguished Professor of English at Hunter College and the CUNY Graduate Center in New York City. The education position Alexander held gave her the chance to guide several students and instill inspiration in them.
Alexander authored many poetry collections together with essays and wrote a memoir throughout her professional career. Her two significant creations include “Fault Lines: A Memoir” and “Illiterate Heart” that earned her the PEN Open Book Award recognition. In every piece she wrote Alexander examined immigrant experiences and identity alongside themes of migration which drew fans from diverse global populations.
After her published works Alexander made further significant contributions to literature. Her presence was constant at literary events as well as conferences and workshops where she offered her understanding and firsthand experiences. Through her dedication to writing and her natural way of connecting with readers Alexander became a prominent leader in modern literature.
Meena Alexander’s lasting influence guides and influences today’s literary community. Throughout her poetry career Meena Alexander created complex investigations while providing an original perspective of human experience which forever shaped the field of poetry and scholarly research.
Final Word
As a poet and scholar Meena Alexander achieved widespread fame for her work as well as her writing career. In her writings she investigated themes of personal identity together with migration and how immigrants adapt to life in new places. She maintained the status of Distinguished Professor of English while delivering important contributions to the field of literature. Her life work motivates contemporary readers and writers throughout the world. Meena’s life continues to honor her outstanding work and powerful impact on the literary world.
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