Shankhnaad

Dr. Madhav Baswante’s poetry collection Shankhnaad is being released. His poetry, known for its declarative style, brings into sharp focus the harsh realities of today’s social and political system. This poetic mind, which hopes to eradicate the evils of casteism and religious fanaticism that have infected humanity, finds effortless expression at both conscious and subconscious levels.

When the goddess of justice herself becomes disloyal in the temple of knowledge, the very framework of the institution of justice stands completely transformed. This searing reality finds powerful expression in these poems. When the fourth pillar of democracy, dressed in the false uniform of patriotism, is effortlessly tethered to the political establishment, while statues of revered Mahatmas in the city sit on hunger strikes in the middle of public squares—these are striking and deeply evocative symbols.

The present realities surrounding justice, ethics, politics, culture, social issues, feminism, superstition, and other concerns form the central preoccupation of these poems. Paying tribute to those rare and ideal figures who uphold the sanctity of justice, this poetry moves forward, speaking in a language that declares: I am a teacher; I am the creator of culture and the festival of light; I myself am Ambedkar.

It is precisely for this reason that this poetry has a future.

— Devidas Phulari