When there is a will, there is a way. This can exactly illustrate the life of Kosali poet Haldhar Nag, who has recently been conferred with the Padma Shree award, the fourth civilian award of the country. Born in a poor family of Bargarh district in 1950, Nag lost his parents when he was only 10 years old. With financial instability, Nag had to discontinue his study from as early Class-III and started doing work only to survive. Since then, he had been through many difficulties in his life. But that did not stop his poetic ability to bloom. Beginning with Kosali folk literature, he started singing folk songs and wrote lokgeet, Samparda and Krushnaguru. After 1990, he started writing poems in Koshali language and went on fascinating his audience with his poetic works ever since.
In an interview with Ashadeep Mohanty from The Pioneer, the poet tells about his early struggling life, success, literature of today’s age and many more.
From a peanut seller to a Padma Shri awardee, how has your journey been so farIJ
Before peanut seller, I was washing cup and plates in a hotel. I was paid Rs2.50 for this per month. Then I was engaged as a cook at the Ghens High School’s hostel by the village Sarpanch with an initial salary of Rs4. I worked there for around 16 years and till then my salary was increased to Rs40. Then I happened to meet a branch manager of the Gramya Bank and narrated my plight before him. He assured me to provide me Rs1,000 loan for a new business. With the money, I opened a small cabin in front of a UP school and sold items like peanuts, chocolates, biscuits, pens, etc.
Since then I started writing poems. Two students of the GM College, Sambalpur used to visit our village every month and ask villagers to sing song, tell stories and proverbs, etc. by arranging a meeting under the banner of the Abhimanyu Sahitya Sansad. I sang folk songs in the meeting. They asked me to start writing poems. later, I came across a high school syllabus book Kabita Prabesh containing poems of many noted poets including Sarala Das. I was fascinated by a poem titled Grama Patha of Binod Nayak. Emulating that poem, I wrote Dhado Baragach, which was published in the Art and Artist English magazine in 1990. They asked me to continue contributing poems for the magazine and so did I. later, I was felicitated by the magazine. Eventually, with my every poem, I got to be recognised by several organisations and educational institutions. Many publishing houses came forward to publish my writings. So far, I have received around 400 awards. last year, I received the prestigious Odisha Sahitya Akademi Award for the year 2014.
How do you feel receiving the fourth highest civilian awardIJ Did you expect itIJ
Many literary outfits in western Odisha had been demanding for the award to be conferred upon me and had recommended my name to the State Government, following which the latter had suggested to the Centre. But, I don’t expect any award for my works. My job is to write and will be writing till my last breath. So I concentrate on that only.
Today’s youths are not taking interest in literature. Why such a trend is thereIJ
There may be various languages but literature is one. literature has transformed and enlightened the society. But in today’s digital world, people have become introverts. They are confined to TV and internet only. But we cannot blame only the readers here. Writers or poets should write in such a way that it does lure the youths of today’s generation. Readers would definitely come out if the good literatures are produced.
How today’s literature is different from that of 80s and 90sIJ
Now-a-days, there is so much vulgarity in most of the literary works. While composing, the poets or writers should use their words very carefully. There should be some sensibility. But these days, the language used in literature is made naked. Many writers are infusing English and Hindi words in their writings. This is disgraceful. These days, people are only running after awards and recognitions. A poet or a writer should be a Sadhak first. Dedicated practice and discipline for years can bring success to them.
Despite several campaigns, the Kosali language is yet to be included in the 8th schedule of the Indian Constitution. What the reason youthink behind itIJ
Yes, that’s true. Over the years, many organisations have been demanding Constitutionals status to the Kosali language, the mother tongue of around 8 million people in 10 western Odisha districts. Even, I’m associated with a few such organisations and have appealed to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and a few Ministers for this. last year, the Chief Minister had urged the Modi Government to include the language in the 8th Schedule, but it is still not done. Though I can’t blame anyone particularly, I really hope the language gets Constitutional status very soon.
Tell us about your current workIJ
Currently, I’m writing a biography of Swabhaba Kabi Gangadhar Meher. He devoted his entire life in writing patriotic, devotional, satirical and reformative poems and essays giving a new meaning to the Odia literature. He had faced many troubles in his life but never expressed those in his writings. I have tried my hand to illustrate his sufferings in my poem.
You have been compared with the great poet Gangadhar Meher. How does that feelIJ
I don’t know why people keep comparing me with the legendary poet. But personally, I don’t like to be known as the second Gangadhar as I stand nowhere to him. I find it very ugly.
What message would you like to give to the young massIJ
Keep doing Sadhana. Whatever you do, do it with full devotion and continuous practice. Only then you can achieve your dreams.