GUWAHATI, July 1 � The bars of jail have restricted the life of Pradip Kakati, but not his imagination and creativity, that find expression in the spontaneous flow of verse from his pen. The third poetry book by Pradip, a life-term convict, was released at a function organised at the Guwahati Press Club on Monday.
Gunjan � his third collection of poetry � is reflective of the myriad thought processes triggered by the ills afflicting society, of love and frustration and a yearning for a change in the prevailing situation. It was released by noted poet Harekrishna Deka.
�My first love is poetry. Poetry makes me forget the loneliness behind the bars as well as inspires me to keep a positive attitude, no matter what the situation is,� said Pradip, adding that the struggles of the common man, the endless toil to make both ends meet, have been the motivational force behind his creativity.
His two earlier collections of poetry, Basantar Kuhi Pat and Saponar Sagarat � all penned within the walls of the jail � reflect the contemplative mood of the young writer and his observation of life and nature. Nature�s cyclical change and the human response towards it is a recurrent thematic option for Pradip, as he keeps exploring the close bond between man and nature.
�I love the change of seasons as I can relate to it,� mentioned Pradip, pointing out that spring, summer, autumn and winter are various stages in the life of an individual, who attempts to cope with the approach of autumn and the winter of life.
A fan of Ajit Baruah and Hiren Bhattacharya, Pradip also loves scripting plays. So far he has written four plays, and two of them have also been staged. He is keen to contribute towards the betterment of society despite his loss of freedom and is hopeful to do so through his writings.
It needs to be mentioned here that Pradip also takes time out to pour his feelings on the canvas through colours. He has had formal training in art in jail and even his art works highlight his concern for the degradation in the system and his ponderings on life.
