Bhubaneswar: The life and contributions of Odisha’s eminent litterateur Jayanta Mahapatra were deliberated at a talk in RD Women’s University in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday.
Mahapatra, a luminary in the realm of contemporary Indian poetry, is celebrated for his evocative and introspective literary creations. Born on October 22, 1928 in Cuttack, he became the first Indian to win the Sahitya Akademi Award for English poetry in 1981. His poetry, written in English, delves into the complexities of human existence, exploring themes such as love, loss, spirituality, and the tapestry of life.
The event started with Manisha Mishra, Head of Department of English in the university delivering an introductory speech about Mahapatra. She provided an overview of Mahapatra’s background, achievements and significance in the literary world, setting the stage for the discussion that followed. The session was anchored by Payal Swain, a post-graduate student.
Following this, Sabahat Tabriz introduced chief speaker of the event, Gopa Ranjan Mishra, and his notable works including “The Sun and The Candle” and a collection of translated poems of Jayanta Mahapatra titled “Birds Of Water”. Tabriz elaborated on the themes and impact of his works, offering insights into the author’s perspective and contribution to the world of poetry.
Mishra shared insights and experiences of his close association with Mahapatra with students. He emphasised studying with passion and pleasure for the subject, highlighting the importance of genuine interest beyond exam-oriented learning.
The main focus was on the achievements of Mahapatra and his contributions to literature. Mishra highlighted Mahapatra’s humble and down-to-earth nature, emphasising his love for poetry despite facing personal losses.
Mahapatra’s two memorable poems including ‘Khara’ were discussed, shedding light on the poet’s deep connection with his roots and personal experiences. The talk also touched upon the challenges and struggles faced by the poet, underscoring the need to understand the man behind the poetry to truly appreciate his work.
At the end, the talk provided an insight into Mahapatra’s life, his poetic journey and the importance of understanding the person behind the artist to grasp the true essence of his poetry. Itishri Sarangi, seminar secretary, offered vote of thanks.
