Jayanta Mahapatra Memorial Lecture.2
22 October 2025
Geeta Govinda Sadan, Bhubaneswar
The Jayanta Mahapatra Memorial Lecture (Edition 2), organized by the Ketaki Foundation Trust (KFT), was held at Gita Govinda Sadan, Bhubaneswar. The evening witnessed the presence and active participation of distinguished guests, eminent writers, poetry enthusiasts, and members of the media, all of them had gathered to celebrate the enduring literary legacy of Jayanta Mahapatra, one of India’s foremost poets. The event was marked by the release of two major publications — Chandrabhāgā, a magazine of Indian writings edited by Rabindra Kumar Swain, and Asurakhita Chera, a poetry collection by Diti Ronen, translated into Odia by BasudevSunani in presence of Jyotiranjan Swain Managing Trustee, KFT. The release was graced by Chief Guest Soubhagyakumar Misra, a noted literary figure.
Presiding over the event, Rabindra K. Swain, poet and Trustee of KFT, reflected on Mahapatra’s multifaceted contribution to Indian English poetry and his close association with the Trust spanning over two decades. He also announced that Chandrabhāgā would henceforth be published at least once every year, ensuring a sustained platform for contemporary Indian writings.
Delivering the Memorial Lecture, Diti Ronen, a celebrated poet and critic from Israel, said that,Jayanta Mahapatra was deeply rooted in his soil. Speaking of war and peace, and the role Hebrew poetry played in it, she traced a long history of the Jews struggling for their survival. She talked about such major Hebrew poets like Paul Celan, Primo Levi and Nelly Sach. She lauded the Ketaki Foundation Trust for its thoughtful initiative in instituting the lecture series. Chief Guest Soubhagyakumar Misra reminisced about his personal association with Mahapatra and highlighted how his life and writings have deeply influenced generations of poets and readers.
The evening also featured poetry readings by prominent poets — Subhashree Lenka, Saqti Mohanty, Swapna Mishra, Suman Das, and Bharadwaj Mishra — who recited Mahapatra’s poems in both Odia and English, each bringing their unique voice and interpretation to his verse. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Rachita Swain. The entire program was broadcast live on Facebook, allowing a wider audience to partake in the celebration of poetry and remembrance of a great poet.
The Ketaki Foundation Trust is dedicated to publishing, preserving, and promoting the art, culture, and literature of Odisha. Through its sustained initiatives, KFT has made significant contributions to nurturing literary excellence and creative expression. The Trust also undertakes philanthropic projects, including awareness and training programs for students with disabilities, art therapy sessions for the elderly, and educational sponsorships for underprivileged tribal students.
All the esteemed poets, including speaker Diti Ronen and chief guest Soubhagyakumar Mishra with the members of the Ketaki Foundation Trust.
Rabindra K. Swain, poet and Trustee of KFT, reflected on Mahapatra’s multifaceted contribution to Indian English poetry on his introductory note.
Ramhari Jena felicitating the speaker, Diti Ronen with a beautiful memento and a traditional stoll.
Jyoti Ranjan Swain, Managing Trustee of Ketaki Foundation Trust, felicitating the chief guest, Soubhagyakumar Mishra.
Speaker, Diti Ronen, Poet and Editor from Israel delivering the Jayanta Mahapatra Memorial Lecture.
Poet and scholar Diti Ronen, the distinguished speaker, holds the Jayanta Mahapatra Memorial Lecture memento.
Release of Chandrabhāgā – A Magezine Of Indian Writing by Chief Guest Soubhagyakumar Mishra, Speaker Diti Ronen, Poet Rabindra K. Swain and Managing Trustee Jyotianjan Swain.
Release of Diti Ronen’s book translated by Basudev Sunani into Odia as Asurakhita Chera in presence of poet Rabindra K. Swain, speaker Diti Ronen, chief guest Sobhagyakumar Mishra and Jyotiranjan Swain.
Basudev Sunani Reading a poem from the book Asurakhita Chera.
Bharadwaj Mishra recited Jayanta Mahapatra’s poem, “All the Poetry There is”.
Saqti Mohanty was felicitated by the speaker Diti Ronen for reading out an Odia poem of Jayanta Mahaptra.
Suman Das was felicitated by the speaker Diti Ronen for reading out an Odia poem of Jayanta Mahaptra.
Swapna Mishra was felicitated by the speaker Diti Ronen for reading out an Odia poem of Jayanta Mahaptra.
Subhashree Lenka recited Jayanta Mahapatra’s Odia poem.
Dignitaries, art lovers, esteemed poets and the audience, honouring the legendary legacy of Jayanta Mahapatra.