Bishnupada Sethi’s Beyond Here and Other Poems is an anthology that delves into the profound and introspective dimensions of human existence. Through his poetic musings, Sethi bridges the tangible and intangible realms of life, exploring the complexities of the natural world, social environment, and human consciousness. The poems are a journey into themes of love, nature, spirituality, loss, and resilience, painting a vivid tapestry of life’s intricacies.
“Beyond Here” sets the tone for the anthology, symbolising the poet’s quest for understanding and fulfilment. It reflects his philosophical journey beyond the visible world, delving into the unexplored dimensions of existence.
Nature plays a pivotal role throughout the anthology, serving as both a muse and a metaphor. In many poems, the natural world inspires joy, introspection, and hope. Consider the serene imagery in “On Daughter’s Day”, where the poet writes:
It was music,
Soft and subtle,
The early morning rains sang
To the tunes of a gentle breeze,
While humming bees added rhymes.
The poet weaves nature into moments of personal reflection, as seen in his tender ode to his daughter, where she is described as a blessing that enriches life with cheer and purpose.
In “Give Me a Bicycle”, the poet captures the longing of a child for a bicycle—a simple object imbued with dreams of adventure and progress. The bicycle becomes a metaphor for life’s journeys, aspirations, and the joy of discovery.
The anthology also explores familial bonds with deep reverence. In “For a Bereaved Mother”, the poet pays homage to the creator’s role, celebrating motherhood as a symbol of continuity and sacrifice. Similarly, in “He Exists”, the poet reflects on the unwavering strength of a father. A father, likened to a divine figure, shields his family from adversities and inspires hope:
There is nothing to worry, my son,
He has His hands upon you.
Like I held your hand once,
Trust me, He exists.
The anthology delves into societal themes, particularly the plight of women in a patriarchal world. “Fire Ordeal” reimagines the myth of Sita, and her agony becomes a universal cry against societal oppression, culminating in her symbolic return to Mother Earth. The poem resonates with the struggles of countless women who face their own “fire ordeals” in everyday life.
Sethi also examines the metaphysical and spiritual dimensions of existence. In “Fire Within”, he explores inner transformation, while “From Inside a Room of Life” delves into consciousness. Poems like “Lord Jagannath” reflect on divine consciousness and its impact on devotees, highlighting the spiritual connection between humans and the divine.
The anthology does not shy away from contemporary issues. In “Beyond the Lock”, the poet captures the anguish of the COVID-19 pandemic. He portrays the resilience of migrant labourers, and the poignant imagery of a man carrying his deceased wife’s body echoes the myth of Shiva and Parvati, symbolising eternal love and devotion amidst despair.
The awareness of mortality pervades Sethi’s work, urging readers to find meaning beyond the physical world. In one poem, he describes a village graveyard where human ego dissolves into ashes:
The charred firewood and burnt sand,
With moisture in the air,
A few pieces of charcoal,
With no names, scattered around.
In “Ahimsa”, the poet pays tribute to Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence, advocating for a world of compassion and harmony. The poems also emphasise the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and nature, as seen in the depiction of a family mourning the loss of a calf—a symbol of shared grief and empathy.
Sethi’s poetic vision extends to the courage and resilience required to face life’s storms. In a touching vignette, he describes a little girl trying to protect a lamp from the wind, symbolising the indomitable human spirit:
Look at the little girl in the hut of a wise farmer,
Trying to save the lamp glowing,
Providing a hardcover in the house corner,
Dispelling darkness away.
Beyond Here and Other Poems is a celebration of life’s beauty, struggles, and mysteries. Bishnupada Sethi masterfully blends personal reflections with universal truths, inviting readers to journey beyond the visible world and embrace the deeper essence of existence.
Beyond Here and Other Poems
Book by Bishnupada Sethi (IAS | Odisha | 1995)
Bishnupada Sethi, an IAS officer of the 1995 Odisha cadre, was born on 21/03/1967. He holds a graduate degree and a post-graduate degree. Sethi serves as the Principal Secretary at the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. Proficient in English, Hindi, and Oriya, he has demonstrated expertise in his administrative roles.
Review by Mahendra Kumar Mishra
Har Anand Publications, 2021
Pp. 122, Rs. 540/-
