The 1st Jayanta Mahapatra Memorial Lecture, organized by the Ketaki Foundation Trust (KFT), took place on the evening of 22nd October 2024 at Geeta Govinda Sadan in Bhubaneswar. It was a packed house, filled with dignitaries, writers, literature lovers, and media persons, all gathered to honor the life and legacy of one of India’s most celebrated poets, Jayanta Mahapatra. As someone who had the privilege of attending this event, it was a deeply moving and inspiring occasion, not just for me, but for everyone present.
The evening began with Rachita Swain welcoming the guests and introducing them to the eager audience. The atmosphere in the room was electric, a sense of reverence and excitement floating in the air. It was clear that Jayanta Mahapatra’s influence as a poet and his contribution to Indian English poetry had left a profound impact on all of us, and the night was a fitting tribute to his towering legacy.
Rabindra K Swain, the noted poet and Trustee of KFT, presided over the event. His words about Jayanta Mahapatra’s association with the Trust, spanning two decades, felt personal and poignant. He announced that this memorial lecture would become an annual event, a gesture that will ensure that Mahapatra’s contributions to the literary world continue to inspire future generations. Listening to him, I was reminded of the many hours I had spent with Jayanta Mahapatra’s poems during my English Honors courses, his words becoming a part of my own literary journey.
The highlight of the evening was the keynote address by Padma Shri and Sahitya Akademi Awardee, Mamang Dai, a renowned poet, novelist, and journalist from Arunachal Pradesh. Her reflections on Jayanta Mahapatra’s enduring legacy touched everyone in the room. She spoke not only of his profound poetry but also of the personal bond she shared with him. Her description of Mahapatra as a poet with a warm heart and self-effacing modesty resonated deeply with me, as I too had been captivated by the quiet strength in his words during my studies.
What stood out in her speech was the acknowledgment of the close connection Jayanta Mahapatra had with poets from the North-East. Mamang Dai beautifully expressed how his poem, The Captive Air of Chandipur-on-Sea, found its way into textbooks, yet it was the man behind the poetry, with his humility and kindness, that captured the hearts of many. Her words made me reflect on how literature often transcends geographical boundaries, weaving together diverse voices through shared human experiences.
The evening was made even more memorable by the presence of Devdas Chhotray, a distinguished figure in the literary world, who graced the event as the Guest of Honour. His reminiscences about his association with Mahapatra were heartfelt, shedding light on the poet’s dedication to his craft and the profound influence he had on younger Odia poets.
To further honor Mahapatra, several eminent poets, including Manua Dash, Kedar Mishra, Basudev Sunani, Pratikshya Jena, and Probal Majumdar, read out selected poems of Jayanta Mahapatra in Odia and English. Each reading brought out the richness of his poetry, and hearing his words in both languages made me realize anew the depth of his work. The live broadcast of the event on Facebook ensured that Mahapatra’s voice reached an even wider audience, beyond the hall where we sat, enveloped by his poetic legacy.
The event was not just a tribute to Jayanta Mahapatra but also a celebration of the work KFT has been doing in preserving and promoting art, culture, and literature in Odisha. Their initiatives in raising awareness for students with disabilities, providing art therapy for elders, and sponsoring education for tribal students are commendable and reflect the true spirit of philanthropy.
For me, the evening was a personal journey, a return to the days of reading Mahapatra’s poems in my English honors courses, where his words had first ignited my love for Indian poetry. His ability to capture the delicate nuances of life and nature with such simplicity yet depth had always fascinated me, and this event was a beautiful reminder of the power of his work.
As I left the hall, I couldn’t help but feel grateful to have been part of this moment, where the poetry of Jayanta Mahapatra lived on, touching hearts and minds, just as it had touched mine all those years ago.
Jayanta Mahapatra (22 October 1928 – 27 August 2023) born in Cuttack, Odisha, was one of India’s most revered English-language poets. He was the first Indian poet to win the Sahitya Akademi Award for English poetry, marking a significant milestone in Indian literary history. His work often revolved around themes of isolation, nature, and the cultural and spiritual landscape of Odisha. Mahapatra’s poetry was deeply introspective, blending personal experiences with larger philosophical questions about life and existence. Apart from his literary contributions, he was also a distinguished academic, teaching physics for several years. His poetry collections, including Relationship and A Rain of Rites, have left an indelible mark on Indian English literature. Known for his simplicity and humility, Mahapatra’s legacy continues to inspire poets and readers across generations. His life, like his poetry, was a reflection of a deep understanding of human emotions and the beauty of the world around him.
