Israeli poet Diti Ronen hails Jayanta Mahapatra’s poetry for transcending borders at the Jayanta Mahapatra Memorial Lecture in Bhubaneswar
OdishaPlus Bureau
The timeless voice of Jayanta Mahapatra once again captivated poetry lovers as the second edition of the Jayanta Mahapatra Memorial Lecture was held at Gita Govinda Sadan, Bhubaneswar. Hosted by the Ketaki Foundation Trust (KFT), the event marked a touching tribute to one of India’s most revered poets — a celebrated visionary whose words bridge cultures and generations.
Distinguished writers, poets, critics, and literature enthusiasts graced the gathering, showering admiration for Mahapatra’s enduring contribution to Indian English literature.
The unveiling of two major publications – Chandrabhaga, a magazine of Indian writings edited by Rabindra Kumar Swain, and Asurakhita Chera, a poetry collection by Israeli poet Diti Ronen, translated into Odia by Basudev Sunani, further enhanced the literary spirit of the occasion. Jyotiranjan Swain, Managing Trustee of KFT, and Chief Guest Soubhagya Kumar Misra, an eminent literary figure were among the esteemed dignitaries during the release of the new reads.
Diti Ronen, illustrious poet and critic from Israel, described Mahapatra’s poetry as one that “transcends borders yet remains rooted in his soil” while delivering the Jayanta Mahapatra Memorial Lecture. She shed light on how Hebrew poetry played a significant role in defining war and peace in her country, tracing the long history of the Jews struggling for their survival. She reminisced about the contributions of Hebrew poets like Paul Celan, Primo Levi, and Nelly Sachs. Ronen praised the Ketaki Foundation Trust for keeping Mahapatra’s legacy alive through this thoughtful and inclusive initiative.
Continuing Mahapatra’s vision of nurturing diverse literary voices across India, Rabindra K. Swain, poet and Trustee of KFT, announced that Chandrabhaga will now be published every year to honour Mahapatra’s immense contribution to enrich contemporary Indian poetry.