GODDESS SARASWATI 'S SON : THE GREAT MANOJ DAS

Sanjay Bhatt 

In the literary cosmos of India, few names shine as luminously as Manoj Das. A writer, philosopher, and storyteller, he was not just a chronicler of life but a seeker of truth—navigating between the seen and the unseen, the real and the surreal. His writings, spanning Odia and English, weave together folklore, mythology, human psychology, and mysticism, making him one of the finest fiction writers of modern times.

Born in 1934 in the coastal town of Balasore, Odisha, Das's childhood was colored by the rhythmic waves of the Bay of Bengal, the whispers of ancient legends, and the struggles of a nation on the brink of independence. These elements found a lasting home in his literary works, where history, mythology, and the enigma of human existence coalesced seamlessly.

The Alchemy of Words

Manoj Das’s stories often appear simple on the surface—village tales, childhood reminiscences, or fables with a moral core. Yet, underneath their simplicity lies profound philosophical depth. His ability to transform everyday experiences into something magical and thought-provoking earned him the admiration of literary greats like Graham Greene and Ruskin Bond.

One of his finest abilities was blending humor with pathos, ensuring that his narratives were both entertaining and thought-provoking. His short stories, such as "The Submerged Valley" and "The Crocodile’s Lady", showcase his mastery in creating an ethereal yet deeply human world.

A Visionary Beyond Fiction

Beyond his stories, Das was a thinker deeply influenced by Sri Aurobindo’s philosophy. His spiritual quest led him to Pondicherry, where he became a lifelong devotee of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. This mystical influence reflects in his later works, where the boundaries between the material and the spiritual dissolve.

His novels, such as "The Tiger at Twilight" and "Cyclones", reflect an existential quest—where destiny, choice, and the cosmic play of forces determine human fate. His narratives did not just tell stories; they invited readers to ponder the mysteries of life itself.

Legacy and Recognition

For his immense contributions to literature, Manoj Das received numerous awards, including the Padma Bhushan, Sahitya Akademi Award, and the Saraswati Samman. His ability to write with equal flair in Odia and English made him a rare gem in Indian literature, comparable to luminaries like R.K. Narayan and Rabindranath Tagore.

Even after his passing in 2021, Das remains alive in the pages of his books, in the hearts of his readers, and in the timeless wisdom of his words. A storyteller, a mystic, a philosopher—Manoj Das was more than a writer; he was a bridge between the past and the future, the earthly and the divine.

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As a child, I read Manoj Das's stories and narratives, The Story of Golden Valley, serialized in the Jahnnamamu magazine. Since then, I have grown fond of Manoj Das. However, I got the rare opportunity to see him up close and converse with him in New Delhi.

In later times, Padmabhusan Manoj Das became an inspiration, a guru, and a guide for me.