Mahadev Saha Words of passion

Mahadev Saha

"I think, a poet is different from others in his way of thinking, yearning and functioning in everyday life. A poet tends to contemplate his surroundings and the people next to him/her. Joys, woes, and others experiences affect him/her in a distinct and unparalleled way. A poet is quick to reach a human heart. (S)he is also a magician of language," says Mahadev Saha, one of the leading romantic poets in contemporary Bengali literature. He is also a poet of mystery and muted ambiance. Since he took to poetry, he has carefully removed himself from any disquiet and unsteadiness.
His love for beauty and nature comes through in a very animated and intimate manner in his canvas of poetry. "I use the imagery of the moon, sun, sky, lush greenery, clouds and other natural wonders in my poetry. I was born in a remote area of Sirajganj. In my early years I enjoyed rural beauty and the silent environment of pastoral areas. Raindrops on a tin roof, moonlit nights, the autumn skies, winter mornings and fishing at night -- these are vibrant episodes in my life. When I reminiscence on my childhood, I experience immense joy."
Mahadev Saha was born on August 5, 1944 in Dhanghara, Sirajganj. The only child of parents Godadhor Saha and Birajmohini, Mahadev completed his primary and high school education in his village. For higher education he went to Dhaka College, Bogra College and Rajshahi University. “In my student days, I enjoyed reading the great literary masters like Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam and Jibanananda Das," says the poet.
Mahadev is one of the foremost poets of the late '60s, an era marked with accomplishments and revolutionary ideas. He claims to be introverted and has no interest in personal relationships. Partly because right from his adolescent days, the poet has contemplated the eternal questions: Why are we born? Where will we go after death? “I observed the death of my relatives. Death can be peaceful when a life ends naturally.
"I started writing right from my school days. Nature, serenity and rivers encouraged me to delve into the art of poetry. It is a cathartic experience for me to write poems. Through this medium I experience a sense of fulfilment," says Mahadev.
The main elements in Saha's poetry are solitude, love, yearning, the Liberation War, scenic beauty, poverty, secularism and equal rights. The struggles and sorrows of the deprived spur him to write. The poet is deeply moved by the ravages of poverty. His style is unquestionably unique and evocative. His words and verses articulate the torments of a lonesome soul and a mourning heart.
Mahadev's first book "Ei Griha Ei Sannyas" was published in 1972. His second book "Chai Bish, Amorata" was published in 1975. He has published 55 books of poetry, three books for children, four books of essays, three compilations of poems and one volume of selected poems.
The 'magician of words' has won many prestigious awards like Ekushey Padak, Bangla Academy Award, Zebunnesa-Mahabubllah Award, Alaol Shahitya Award and Khalekdad Chowdhury Smriti Padak.