Jayanta Mahapatra
- Born:
- September 22, 1928, Cuttack, Odisha, India
- Died:
- August 27, 2023, Cuttack, Odisha, India
- Nationality:
- Indian
- Profession(s):
- Poet, Physicist
Early Life and Education
- Born to a Christian family in Odisha.
- Studied Physics at Ravenshaw College, Cuttack.
- Master's degree in Physics from Patna University.
Career and Major Achievements
- Taught Physics at various colleges in Odisha for nearly three decades.
- Began writing poetry relatively late in life, achieving international recognition.
- Recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1981 for his collection Relationship.
- First Indian poet to win a Jacob Glatstein Memorial Award.
- Published over 27 books of poetry.
Notable Works
- Relationship (1980)
- Bare Face (1978)
- Waiting (2004)
- Shadow Space (1997)
- His work often explores themes of identity, place, and the human condition, and his consideration of the nuances within his "life signs poem by jayanta mahapatra biography" is clear through these themes.
Legacy and Impact
Jayanta Mahapatra is considered a major figure in Indian English poetry. His work brought Odia culture and the landscapes of Odisha to a global audience, influencing a generation of poets and readers. His commitment to exploring complex themes with a unique voice established him as a vital voice in contemporary literature.