I’ve failed as a poet: Ramakant
Ramakanta Rath, acclaimed for his poetry collection Sriradha, is a recipient of Moortidevi Award (1992), the Sahitya Akademi award (1977) and the Padma Bhushan (2006) among others felicitations. He has been nominated to bag ‘Atibadi Jagannath Das Samman, 2018 for his contribution to Odia literature by Odisha Sahitya Akademi. Orissa Post interacts with the poet at his residence. Excerpts:
Poetry being a difficult medium to reach common readers (unlike fiction), how did you reach the pinnacle of success?
It’s not true. I believe it conveys what other mediums can’t. Some of the greatest poets have reached the common man easily. However, I believe, I have failed as a poet as I couldn’t write what I wanted to communicate.
How would you describe your overall journey through Odia literature this far?
I began writing while I was in college. From that phase until now, life has been kind to me. Yet, when I stopped writing poetry, I was tormented deep inside. I felt, hollow inside despite all the accolades and adulation. Over all, my Journey is a mixed bag and I am a traveller.
Would you agree to the view that you are a Metaphysical or existential poet?
No, I don’t agree to these terms of being existential or being a Metaphysical poet. I am a poet who wants to convey his emotions to his readers that’s all.
How do you define spirituality in the context of Sriradha?
When I wrote Sriradha it was not my idea to give it a spiritual thought. All I wanted to convey is the intense love of Radha for Krishna: A love that gives meaning to life and when I try to write Sriradha in those long six years I personally felt that I being instructed or dictated by somebody to write. Therefore, I never claim to be the author of Sriradha.
Sriradha received rave reviews and was considered more popular than Sripalatak?
After writing Sriradha over a span of six years, I thought why not write something about Lord Krishna. That’s when I started writing Sripalatak and it took me eleven years to complete. As far as recognition is concerned it’s all in the hands of the readers who love what they want to love.
Atibadi is the highest literary award from Odisha Sahitya Akademi. You have bagged Saraswati Sanmman. Do you not aspire for Jnanapeeth?
No, I don’t aspire for Jnanapeeth award. For me writing poems has nothing to do with awards. Think how big our poets Jagannath Das and Bhima Bhoi were and what they have received?
You have translated some of your poems and published in Poetry hunter. Have all your poems been translated into English?
No, not all of my poems were translated. Yes, I don’t remember the number of poems being translated, but it could be very few. Sriradha is being translated into eight Indian languages, including English.
How do you rate yourself as a trendsetter or didactic poet?
I would rate myself as a failed poet and I am not didactic. I write poetry to appeal to the readers. One more thing, I am not a trendsetter.
How do you see love in your creations? Platonic, surreal or down-to-earth?
Love is love and you can’t classify it, as it’s a pure emotion. Love of Radha for Krishna is where she loses herself into the emotion.
T.S Eliot had produced a Wasteland? As a student of English literature have you visualised an end to this modern civilization?
For me Wasteland is not the best work of Eliot, rather I appreciate Love of J Alfred Prufrock and Four Quartets which were outstanding. As far as my visualisation is concerned, I have not thought about it.
Interview: Chaitali Shome,OP