Greatest Poet of English Literature in India, Jayanta Mahapatra Critical: Admitted to ICU in SCBMCH

Bhubaneswar, August 23: The greatest poet of English literature in India, a proud Odia, who was the first Central Sahitya Akademi Award winner (1981) and became a Fellow, in English Poetry in India (2019)_ Jayanta Mahapatra (95) _is admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) in SCB Medical College and Hospital, sources said.

Mahapatra, who was also recently got admitted to SCBMCH and returned after a short stay, was in fact, infected with COVID-19 during June 2021 and perhaps that had affected his body as till date post-COVID complications are yet to be fully understood across the globe. Well-wishers across his home city Cuttack, Odisha, India and his fans all over the world are wishing his speedy recovery.

A loved poet for his proven craftsmanship both in English and Odia poetry, Jayanta Mahapatra is also well-known for his literary periodical ``Chandrabhaga’’ which publishes English poetry.

"Just like a man cannot live without poetry, we also cannot survive without poetry." --- He said during his appearance here at Odisha Press Club for the release of his book ``Noon’’ in April last and narrated how he loved his wife, and later became a photographer after a stint of capturing her images, but never forgot her words to remain grounded even if after reaching the pinnacle of success in poetry.

He, also admitted, how common characters in everyday life have influenced his poetry and awards never could lure him. The session in the Capital City was a great occasion indeed to listen to, relate, interact, and get his autograph on the new book and see the energy and positivity of the great poet from Cuttack even at the age of 95. Hundreds of Jayanata Mahapatra fans queued up that day to get their books signed by the great bilingual poet from the Millennium City, Cuttack.

A friend of the poet once told him that he is, in fact, is a king (Raja). "I have received so much of love from people that I thought that this might have helped me live like a king. I do not have any affinity for wealth. Love from my readers and well-wishers are everything for me," said the poet from Tinikonia Bagicha, area, who has a special love for Mahanadi and Cuttack.