April 29:
In reverence and remembrance of one of India’s greatest literary minds, Manoj Das, the Thinkers’ Club held its 117th web-based session in collaboration with Delhi Utkal Asmita, a cultural forum of Odia intellectuals based in the capital. The event, held on the solemn occasion of the 5th Śrāddha ceremony of the literary icon, brought together eminent scholars, academicians, writers, and admirers from across the country.
The memorial gathering was not merely an exercise in nostalgia, but a heartfelt intellectual pilgrimage into the spiritual, emotional, and ideological dimensions of Manoj Das’s literary life—a journey that spanned more than six decades and two languages, yet remained deeply rooted in Indian ethos.
A Multifaceted Literary Genius
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Manindra Meher, a celebrated scholar and expert on Manoj Das’s works, portrayed the writer as a rare combination of literary genius and spiritual thinker. “His writing moved effortlessly between realism and mysticism,” Prof. Meher said. “In every genre he touched—be it short stories, novels, poetry, essays, or travelogues—there was always a profound layer of philosophical introspection.”
Prof. Meher underscored how Manoj Das’s stories carried a universal appeal despite being set in the rural, coastal landscapes of Odisha. Through characters that reflected deep psychological nuance and situations that bordered the magical, Das brought the unseen and unheard corners of Indian life to the global literary stage. “His storytelling was vivid, sometimes surreal, always human,” he remarked, citing stories like Shesha Basantar Chithi, which captures the gentle sorrow and sympathetic instincts of a teenage girl—illustrating Das’s incredible insight into feminine psychology.
He concluded his speech by reminding the audience that Das’s works are not only literary masterpieces but also living documents of India’s cultural continuity.
From Revolutionary to Seeker
Prof. Chhayakanta Sadhangi, Principal and speaker, provided critical insight into the ideological evolution of Manoj Das. He described how Das began his life as a leftist thinker, active in student politics, influenced by the revolutionary currents sweeping India in the post-independence era. “His early works bore the imprint of rebellion and reform. But as he delved deeper into the questions of existence, suffering, and the human soul, he transitioned to a more spiritual worldview,” Prof. Sadhangi noted.
Das’s association with the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Puducherry was more than professional—it was transformational. He immersed himself in the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, which in turn gave his later writings a deeper metaphysical quality. “His stories now began to reflect not just society, but samsara, the existential play of life, birth, death, and transcendence,” he said.
A Man of Grace and Wit
The personal dimension of Manoj Das’s character was brought to light by Professor Bijayini Singhdeo, who shared heartfelt anecdotes from her long association with the writer. “To truly know Manoj Das, one had to experience his presence,” she began. “He was not only a writer of rare sensitivity but also a gentle host, a noble soul, and a man of refined humour.”
She recalled the warmth with which he received guests, the affectionate jokes he cracked in intimate gatherings, and his subtle understanding of interpersonal relationships. “There are few people in this world who communicate not with words alone but with soul-touching warmth. Manoj Babu was one such person. I feel a deep void today remembering his light-hearted quips that now echo only in memory,” she said, her voice laden with emotion.
A National Voice with Global Reach
Mr. Barada Das, who moderated the session, traced Manoj Das’s journey from a small coastal village in Odisha to global literary circles. “He did not chase international fame. Fame found him—through the depth of his insight, the elegance of his prose, and the universality of his themes,” he said.
Das was a recipient of numerous national and international accolades including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and the Saraswati Samman, yet remained deeply humble. His stories, published in The Illustrated Weekly of India, The Statesman, and international journals, were a window into Indian life and thought for the world.
Cultural Celebrations and Closing Reflections
The session featured recitations of select poems by Manoj Das, capturing the lyrical and meditative tones that characterized his poetic expressions. These renditions brought moments of silence, reflection, and even tears to many participants.
The event concluded with Prof. Dr. Nibedita Giri delivering a warm vote of thanks. She praised both the Thinkers’ Club and Delhi Utkal Asmita for hosting such an intellectually rich and emotionally charged evening, and emphasized the need to institutionalize the memory of Manoj Das through annual lectures, literary awards, and translations of his lesser-known works.
As the virtual gathering drew to a close, a sense of quiet inspiration lingered—affirming that while Manoj Das may no longer walk among us, his thoughts, words, and ideals remain eternal, guiding new generations toward light, wisdom, and literary truth.
