Seshendra Jalam
Adhunika Maha Bharatam
( Na Desham – Na Prajalu , Mande Suryudu , Gorilla , Arustunna Aadmi , Neerai Paaripoyindi , Samudram Naa Peru , Prema Lekhalu , Sesha Jyotsna )
Author: Seshendra Sharma , pages : 400 , Price : Rs.400/-
Published by Gunturu Seshendra Sharma Memorial Trust,
Available at all popular book shops , eBook . kingie.com
--------
Seshendra Sharma, scholar – poet of contemporary literature is known for his progressive and fearless style of expression. He is credited by critics with bringing new trend of symbolism and imagery into modern Telugu poetry. Experts observe keenly that Sri Sri introduced the concept of Revolution but he followed the beaten track of traditional diction , mythological idioms and style of expression. It is Seshendra who brought in new poetic diction, revolutionary expression and innovative poetic conventions. That is why he is eulogised as “Viplawa bhaashaa Vidhaatha”( Founder of Revolutionary poetic diction ). Prof.Sikhamani and Prof.Nanumasa Swamy , popular poets and retired Telugu professors from Telugu and Osmania Universities whose memorial lectures are added as Introductions analyse and observe that the genre of Kavyethihaasa
( Epic poetry ) is founded by Seshendra Sharma in modern poetry .
Seshendra Sharma , in his preface to his poetry unveils mainly 3 new concepts hitherto unknown to Telugu Literature. 1. All poetry is autobiography of the poet. For, after passing through the crucible of poet’s soul , emotions and reflections on contemporary life and society assume poetic expression. 2. A poet writes only one Long Poem in his life time. He publishes various parts of it with different names at different stages of life, but eventually they become limbs of one Corpus of Poetic Work. 3. When a worthy poet writes his biography with integrity it becomes the story of his country and saga of the mankind.
This is a flag staff of Modern Telugu poetry. In Ancient Mahabharata by Vyasa, Seshendra says Rich Classes fought for land. In this Modern Mahabharata the tillers and the toiling masses fight for land for their life. Tiller is hero of this epic poetry and the poet says that the soul of his epic is to arouse class consciousness among these sections of our country.
“ I am a drop of sweat, I am the burning sun
rising from the mountains of human sinews “
“I may be a fistful of dust, but when I lift my pen
I have arrogance of a nation’s flag “
“Tiller is bearing plough like Christ bears the cross “
“ even an iota of iron is not left for laying railways ,
all the iron is exhausted to build prisons”
“I shall make time my paper
I shall engrave a dream on it I shall sign beneath it with my breath “
are a couple of startling poetic lines from this work.
Since the birth of Telugu Cinema most of the Telugu poets have been making a living by writing lyrics, story and dialogues for films. But Quite interestingly, here is a unique development that a celluloid hero popular as Gabbar Sigh , Pawan Kalyan reprints the 4th revised edition of this Magnum Opus of Telugu poetry with utmost admiration . He admits in his message at the very opening page of the book that he is inspired by Seshendra’s poems as they reflect contemporary social conditions of the country. Quite befittingly, keeping with the stature of the poet , the book has a classy look and a touch of elegance .
Metro – India : English Daily : Hyderabad
14th August 2016