Postmodernism in Odia Poetry

Manas Ranjan Mahapatra

This year marks the centenary of modern Odia poetry. Beginning with Radhanath Ray's Chilika, Odia poetry has travelled a long way. Nutan Kabita introduced a new flavour to Odia poetry. Coinciding with this centenary, we also celebrate the birth centenary of Guruprasad Mohanty, the pioneer of Nutan Kabita, which succeeded the era of modern progressive poetry led by Sachidanand Routray. Our poets have continuously shaped poetry through various innovations and have responded to postmodern poetic practices.

Postmodernism began influencing the literary world in the West in the late 20th century, and it also affected poetry in Odisha. Postmodernity in Odisha arose from various emotions stemming from social issues such as poverty, racism, displacement, migration, violence against women, inequality, exploitation, and unemployment. Consequently, the themes and substance of Odia literature began to reflect and affirm feminist, Marxist, and cultural theories. Writers sought freedom from the oppression of patriarchy, hegemonic power, and colonial mindsets, adopting new modes of expression and moving away from romantic, metaphysical traditions. As a vibrant segment of literature, poetry began to reflect new visions with an emphasis on social justice.

*Product Name* - *Kesh Art Bhringraj & Neem Hair Cleanser for Controlling Hair fall & Dandruff* *Product link* -

*Product Name* - *myUpchar 2% Salicylic Acid Serum For Acne, Pimples, Blackheads & Open Pores for both Women & Men - 50ml* *Product Link* -

Prominent voices like Sachidanand Routray, Ramakant Rath, Sitakanta Mohapatra, Pratibha Satpathy, Guru Prasad Mohanty, Bhanuji Rao, Shakuntala Devi, Brahmotri Mohanty, Soubhagya Kumar Mishra, Harihar Mishra, Harprasad Das, Rajendra Kishore Panda, and Haraprasad Parichha Pattnaik emerged as pioneers of postmodern Odia poetry. They are well-known poets who experimented with new ideas and structures in the early 1980s. Their works incorporate Western concepts, images, idioms, and styles, often connecting with common people.

Kalapurusha, the masterwork of Guru Prasad Mohanty, is regarded as the most prestigious creation of the decade from 1960 to 1970. This elegant work is a transcreation of T. S. Eliot's The Waste Land, reflecting a modern sensibility and sense of alienation in the unique style of Guru Prasad Mohanty.

Writers from the post-1980 era express pain, misery, loss, and displacement in their notable works. Feminist poetry has also made a significant impact in this experimental phase of Odia literature. Issues like violence against women, discrimination, sexual exploitation, and oppression have become staple topics for women poets in Odisha.

Additionally, a sense of longing for one’s motherland and village can be easily traced in the sensitive creations of some poets. Most postmodern poems address the challenges of modernization and urbanization. The modern sensibility inherited from past masters has undergone significant transformations. Poetry has become more self-reflexive, intertextual, and postmodern in its approach.

So, the poems of this time embody various emotions driven by a spirit of rebellion against patriarchal mindsets, nostalgia for the village, loss of innocence, and dilemmas. Loss of morality, values, existential- angst, and the fear of losing group-centric values. 

In summary, Odia poetry has transformed into a new form by moving away from ancient meter structures to explore personal and intense life experiences, blending rhythm with free verse.

Manas Ranjan Mohapatra and Sudipta Mishra

Manas Ranjan Mahapatra
Former Director, Government of India
Plot No 10,Dakshinkali Lane
Samagara Nuasahi
Near Gopalpur Pharmacy College
P. O. Baliguali
Puri-752002
Odisha 
Mob 9891946178