He is a teacher of psychology, but poetry is his passion. For Professor Pramod Kumar Mohanty, writing poetry remains a way of life, a medium of self-expression. He has authored 10 anthologies in Odia and most of his compositions are about life and society. He has been conferred with the Kendra Sahitya Akademi award for his contribution to Odia literature. In a tete-a-tete with Sunday POST, the 77-year-old poet, who has struggled hard to reach where he is today, looks back at life and talks about his love for poetry.
A native of Bagalpur, Cuttack, Pramod began writing poetry at an early age. He spent his childhood at Jamshedpur as his father was posted there. Writing small poems was a hobby for him at that time. He studied at the Alaka High School, Bagalpur and passed matriculation with good grades. After that, however, he went through a tough phase due to the poor financial condition of his family. Yet, he managed to get a seat in Ravenshaw College (now a varsity) and was popular among his teachers for his good academic record. But it was his poetry writing skill that endeared him to his friends and teachers.
“I started giving tuition to meet my college expenses. Despite the financial struggle, I continued writing poems. Because of my writing skill, I was selected as the secretary of the editorial team of the college souvenir. My cover page designs were also appreciated. My poems were published in the annual souvenir. After that, many of my poems started appearing in other magazines as well making me a known name in the literary circuit of Cuttack,” says Pramod, recalling his college days.
Though he wanted to go for higher studies, his family couldn’t afford it and he had to return to his village. There, he got an opportunity to work as a teacher in the school, Chintamani Vidyapitha.
“Though I was doing my duty as a teacher with all sincerity, my heart was somewhere else. I am not born to die as a teacher, I said to myself then. So, I didn’t hesitate to join as a laboratory assistant at Bhadrak College when the opportunity came. It was a sort of liberation for me. At that time, the college published two magazines Palli Bharat and Arghya. I was happy that I had got one more opportunity to be involved in literary activities,” Pramod says.
At first, he was happy to work as a laboratory assistant. However, an incident changed the course of his life and he decided to become a teacher of psychology. He did his MA in psychology and joined as a lecturer in Banki College.
“At that time Jhankara, a monthly magazine published by the Odia daily Prajatantra, was one of the most read and sought-after literary magazines. Many of my poems were published in Jhankara. My first book Kramasha was published in 1967 and was well received by readers. It was followed by Devipada, Akatakata, Asaranti Anasara, Shyahi Chhita (Essay book), Akshyara Seba, and Chitra Chitraka Chitrapedi. I owe my success to the legendary Odia short story writer the late Mahapatra Nilamani Sahoo who stood by me like a rock during my days of struggle. He lent me financial support when I was struggling for survival. I gave tuition to his three kids and I am happy that all of them are now doing well in life,” says Pramod.
Apart from poetry collections, Pramod has penned a textbook in psychology and a guidebook, Pilanku Kipari Manisha Kariba (How to raise kids well). He has also written a book named Sigmund Freud, Jibani O Manasamikshya Tatwa, a biography of the founder of psychoanalysis Sigmund Freud. Apart from that, a book on Konark Temple and a compilation of 200 poems by 200 poets are among his works. Pramod acknowledges the contribution of his friend and poet Kamalakanta Panda (Kalpanta) for helping him publish his books.
In most of Pramod’s poems, the language is simple while the words used often touch the hearts of the readers.
The poet says, “Since I spent my childhood in the village, the river, ponds, flowers, farmland and birds of my village find their way into my poems naturally. The sights of the village and the simplicity of the villagers come to my mind first when I sit down to write. I still remember village festivals like Raja, Kumar Purnima, the full moon night, blooming lilies and several stories about princes, princesses and demons that I heard from my grandma. They feature in my poems.”
Pramod was conferred with the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award in 2008 for his book Asaranti Anasara. The book has been translated into English by Mary Mohanty titled Endless Adornment. He was conferred the 63rd Annual Bishuba Samman, an award instituted by former Odisha Chief Minister Harekrushna Mahatab and Prajatantra Prachar Samiti, Cuttack. This apart, he has been felicitated by many organisations for his contribution to Odia literature.
Pramod feels that Odia poetry is getting popular but there are many things to be done to improve the quality of the poems. “A lot of young poets are doing well, and I am optimistic about the future,” he says.
BRATATI BARAL, OP