An academician, essayist-novelist-poet, Dr Santosh Bakaya is the author of three mystery novels for young adults, and a book of essays titled Flights From My Terrace. Her highly-rated poetic biography of Mahatma Gandhi, Ballad Of Bapu was published by Vitasta Publishers, Delhi, India in May 2015. Although a Political theorist, with a doctorate in political theory, it is literature that has been Dr Bakayas first love. Many of her poems have figured in the highly commended category in Destiny Poets, a UK based website and many are part of international anthologies. She was awarded the Reuel international award for language and literature 2014 for her long poem Oh Hark!