Jayanta Mahapatra – A Journey and NOON
– New and Selected Poems by the renowned poet Jayanta Mahapatra
8 April, 2023
Press Club of Odisha, Bhubaneswar
The book launch for Jayanta Mahapatra – A Journey and NOON – New and Selected Poems by renowned poet Jayanta Mahapatra took place on April 8, 2023, at the Press Club of Odisha. The event was attended by dignitaries, writers, literature enthusiasts, and media personnel, with thousands joining via Facebook Live.
Eminent poet Dr. Jagannath Prasad Das served as Chief Guest, while Prof. Ashwani Kumar was the Chief Speaker. Rabindra Kumar Swain, a trustee of the Ketaki Foundation Trust, moderated the event, which also featured designer-artist Jyoti Ranjan Swain, who designed both books.
Jayanta Mahapatra, an influential English poet from Odisha, has recently focused on writing in Odia, producing about a dozen poetry collections in his native language alongside his ongoing English work. His autobiography, Bhor Motira Kanaphoola, is also published by the Ketaki Foundation Trust.
The event included a 35-minute short film celebrating Jayanta Mahapatra’s life and works, which received enthusiastic praise. The Coffee Table Book, Jayanta Mahapatra – A Journey, is notable for its unique presentation of the poet’s life through photographs and selected poems, showcasing the diversity of his creative process. NOON is a valuable addition to his collected works, providing readers with a portable essence of his poetry.
Dr. JP Das praised the quality of both publications, hoping for future projects from the Ketaki Foundation Trust. Prof. Ashwani Kumar emphasized the book’s significance for students and as a source of inspiration.
Jayanta Mahapatra introduces both his books to the audience, sharing the stories and inspiration behind his work.
The launch of the coffee table book Jayanta Mahapatra – A Journey, is a unique presentation of the poet’s life through photographs and selected poems, showcasing the diversity of his creative process.
With the launch of the book NOON, Jayanta Mahapatra offered readers a compact yet profound glimpse into the heart of his poetic journey.
Dignitaries, art lovers, and esteemed poets like Mamata Das, Rajendra Kishore Panda, and Sandeep Sahoo graced the audience, celebrating the book launch.