Upanishad-Inspired Poetry Collection ‘Agyani: Agyaat Ke Geet’ Released at Kalinga Literary Festival

The 12th edition of the Kalinga Literary Festival, a premier national forum for literary and cultural discourse, hosted the launch of the contemplative poetry collection Agyani: Agyaat Ke Geet.

Authored by Kamalakanta Dash under his spiritual pen name Krishnakripa Dasa “Agyani,” the work was unveiled by a distinguished panel. The release was led by eminent poet, former IAS officer, and former Vice-Chancellor of Ravenshaw University, Devdas Chhotray. He was joined by Manoj Parida, IAS (Retd.) and State Chief Information Commissioner; award-winning singer Susmita Das; noted poet and artist Lipi Parida; and distinguished poet Shubhashree Lenka.

‘Agyani: Agyaat Ke Geet’ is a compilation of 54 poems deeply rooted in India’s wisdom traditions. Drawing inspiration from the Upanishads, the Srimad Bhagavatam of the Bhakti movement, and the philosophy of Odisha’s Pancha Sakha saints, the collection mirrors the Upanishadic path of inquiry—where the act of questioning leads to understanding.

Crafted in a reflective and minimalist style, the poems avoid prescriptive answers. Instead, they invite readers into spaces of silence, contemplation, and inner dialogue. Literary voices at the festival observed that the collection carries the essence of Indian philosophical poetry into the contemporary era, balancing accessibility with profound depth.

During the ceremony, Krishnakripa Dasa “Agyani” presented select poems, offering the audience an immersion into a poetic realm defined by humility, deep listening, and self-inquiry. The event also honoured scholar Goswami Anam Charan Dash for his lifelong dedication to spiritual literature and Indian knowledge systems.

Attendees, including prominent writers, artists, and cultural thinkers, acclaimed the collection for revitalizing interest in contemplative poetry anchored in timeless traditions, while resonating powerfully with modern readers across generations.

The book, published in Hindi, Odia, and English by Aditya Bharat Publications, has been widely appreciated in literary and academic circles for its philosophical insight, linguistic simplicity, and spiritual nuance.

With this launch, the Kalinga Literary Festival reaffirmed its commitment as a vital national platform that celebrates India’s living intellectual and spiritual heritage—where poetry serves as a medium for shared reflection, inquiry, and inner discovery.