78. Jafer Sadiq

Abstract 78
Jafer Sadiq                                                           

Gopinath Mohanthy as a sturdy promoter of dissent literature in India:
a study in the light of his ‘Paraja’ and ‘Dadi Budha’

Abstract

Gopinath Mohanthy (1914–1991) a renowned Oriya writer who is known for portraying and interpreting several dimensions of human existence especially within the context of Oriya life seems to be dealing with the asserting ways of dissent both in the plains and in the hills.  Depicting the divergent and distinct cultural identity which has been shaped by the tribal people, in particular with their various kinds of celebrating the vibrant life which has been beset with the hard-hitting miseries and adversities, Mohanthy has etched new annals in the history of dissent literature in India.

This paper focuses mainly upon the different ways of emphasizing the dissent, especially analyzing the major characters like Jili and Bili, Sukru etc who along with bitter experiences of life find ample time to make life enjoyable and pleasurable so that they can leave the imprint of their selves via their way of existence through tough exploitations afflicted by and modern systems of government. Mohanthy’s Dadi Budha, Paraja, are remarkable for their portrayal of two colourful and proud tribal communities living in tiny clusters of hamlets in the southern parts of Orissa who have been exploited by moneylenders and petty government officials for many years. Even though they have felt in their blood and bones that exploitation is as old as the hills and forests surrounding them, they celebrate the joys of life ; they drink and dance and sing ; they find joy in nature, in buds and flowers, in green leaves, in the chirping of birds, in the swift-flowing streams and in the mist-covered hills. They find life constantly renewing itself in the quick-fading flowers and slow-blooming buds of the forest.