Ihab Salloum[ad_1]
O P Bhatnagar, a prominent voice in Indian English poetry, has produced collections such as Thought Poems, Feeling Fossils, Angels of Retreat, The Audible Landscape, Oneric Visions, Shadows in Floodlight, and Cooling Flames of Darkness. These works reflect the poet’s political awareness and consciousness. It is a well-known fact that Indian English poetry cannot exist without addressing the socio-political atmosphere of India. Bhatnagar, like many other poets, engages with various issues prevalent in our society and politics. Dr. A.N. Dwivedi praises Bhatnagar’s poetry for encompassing a wide range of themes that arise from his extensive experiences and deep involvement in life’s affairs.
Bhatnagar’s exploration of political themes is more profound and extensive compared to other Indian English poets, as he delves into almost all aspects of the political landscape. Dr. V.K. Singh notes Bhatnagar’s frank analysis of contemporary life and his keen eye for the salient features of political issues. Bhatnagar fearlessly unravels many political enigmas and reflects the realities of political life today. He sheds light on themes such as elections, bribery, corruption, criminalization of politics, degradation of national leaders’ character, and the division of society along communal, caste, linguistic, and regional lines. Additionally, the loss of moral values in politics is a subject that Bhatnagar sensitively and sarcastically addresses, maintaining a level of excellence unmatched by any other Indian English poet. He firmly believes that Indian Poetry in English must inherently reflect its Indianness if we aim to promote Indian Literature. Simply imitating and appropriating English and English Literature is inadequate because Indian sensibility is rich in thoughts, emotions, and sensibility, and it possesses its own vitality and potential voice. Dr. R.C. Sharma asserts that Bhatnagar understands the conflicts and concerns associated with making Indian Poetry in English. Bhatnagar recognizes the milieu in which Indian poets in English live, as well as the duty they have to fulfill.
O.P. Bhatnagar explores a vast array of themes in his poetry, including social consciousness, political awareness, love, nature, philosophy, and Indianness. Dr. A.N. Dwivedi describes how Bhatnagar’s poetry encompasses a diverse range of themes that stem from his extensive experiences and his deep involvement in various aspects of life. Bhatnagar intricately weaves into his poetry the tempo and temperature of his times. His treatment of political themes is both diverse and authentic. He sheds light on the social problems that trouble the conscience of humanity, offering insight into each of these issues. S.C. Bose views Bhatnagar’s poetry as significant poetry of political consciousness, which contains many dimensions.
Bhatnagar’s poetry offers a frank analysis of contemporary life, accompanied by picturesque descriptions that make his work vibrant and engaging. According to Bhatnagar, the political atmosphere permeates most vital areas of life today, replacing religious practices. He asserts that we are becoming more concerned with a type of nationalism that defines our role and responsibilities in shaping the future of our nation. Bhatnagar believes that Indian poetry in English must primarily focus on the social and political lives of Indian people. It should democratize its concerns and its relationship with society, making it a source of shared expectations. Bhatnagar believes that Indian poetry in English must shed light on the degeneration, corruption, and loss of moral values plaguing the nation. This perspective is crucial for promoting a better socio-political life in India. To Bhatnagar, poetry is an ongoing search for better socio-political conditions. It is a self-conscious craft that is constantly refined through practice and vision. Bhatnagar’s poetry is influenced by his surroundings, the age in which he lives, and human predicaments.
Bhatnagar’s first collection, Thought Poems, contains several poems that reflect his political consciousness. Although these poems are rich in thought, they lack the emotional depth of romantic poetry. However, the first poem in the collection explores the process of poetic creation. Bhatnagar likens the meaning of poetry to a divine deity enshrined in words, only the artist can decipher and discover it. He suggests that one cannot find God by merely circling a temple, just as one cannot grasp a thought by going around and around an idea. Another poem in the collection predicts a gloomy future, comparing it to faded cactus blossoms that saints from various establishments like bars, brothels, and nightclubs taste, degrading morals, values, and virtues to mere ice cream consumed by carefree individuals.
In the poem ‘The New Scale,’ Bhatnagar attempts to find a balance between conflicting perspectives, illustrating that what may be good for one person can be harmful to another. The poem showcases a simple and honest man who measures life with value spoons, regarding dishonesty as the most despicable way of life. Bhatnagar illustrates the indifference of the wealthy and how they care little for their fellow beings, displaying no concern for morality or adherence to societal codes. In ‘A Woe of Wonder,’ the poet highlights the country’s diversity and disintegration, yearning for a sense of nationality, unity, and shared attitude. Similarly, in ‘The Bonds of Country Care,’ Bhatnagar critiques the loyalty and patriotism of Indian citizens who have relocated abroad, accumulating wealth, arrogance, and vanity. These so-called loyal citizens and tireless patriots only visit India for their personal gain, either to find a spouse or to purchase a piece of land, all the while considering it their empire.
In his second collection, Feeling Fossils, Bhatnagar again touches on political matters indirectly, uncovering various phenomena that often go unnoticed even by those well-versed in politics. The poem ‘Crossing The Bar’ criticizes modern politicians, describing their morals as dense as thick forests that allow no light in. Bhatnagar portrays politics as a weird game of hunting for loyalties and romance. In ‘The No Man’s Land,’ Bhatnagar suggests that freedom has not brought about any racial changes to people’s lives, particularly those who continue to live in the darkness of poverty, illiteracy, and injustice. The poem questions the efficacy of the liberation movement.
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