The Toshali Literature Festival , hosted in Bhubaneshwar on Feb 1 and Feb 2, 2025 , was a vibrant celebration of literature and arts with engaging panel discussions , poetry sessions and cultural events bringing together authors , thinkers and creative minds from across India .
Noted author Anish Kanjilal, known for his works “Fateless 13” and “11 Oracles”, delivered a thought-provoking speech at the event. He explored the intricate relationship between history and literature, highlighting how literary works can breathe new life into historical characters and events. Kanjilal praised American feminist authors like Kate Chopin, Margaret Atwood, and Charlotte Gilman, who have shed light on the struggles of women throughout history. He emphasized on the significant role literature plays in shaping our understanding of the past and its ongoing impact on society.
Author Anish Kanjilal stressed on the importance of balance in literature, highlighting the coexistence of opposites like sorrow and joy, darkness and illumination. He accentuated on the need for balance between history and literature, particularly in the portrayal of men and women. Kanjilal noted that society often overlooks men’s emotions and experiences, encouraging fellow writers to adopt a more balanced approach that values both male and female perspectives. He drew an analogy between history and poetry, likening history to caffeine and poetry to sugar, which together create a rich understanding of the past and its relevance to the present. Kanjilal cited iconic works like Ozymandias and the Ramayan, demonstrating how poetry infuses history with enduring emotional resonance.
Anish Kanjilal raised an important theme titled ‘ Daddy History , Mama Literature , the Good, Bad and the Ugly Cinema ‘ – how skilled translators , film directors can contribute fruitfully by transforming the pages of history into remarkable pictorial graphics . Kanjilal quoted Tarashankar “Abhijan” ,Ruth Jhabvala’s “Heat and Dust”, Spielberg ‘s “Schindler’s List” , Attenborough’s “Gandhi” etc serving as a milestone of well – researched documents into knowledgeable motion pictures . Present day historical documentaries are full of unnecessary dramas, action, framed up characters and made up chronicles that distort the very essence of history . The discussion conclusively ended with deliberations on symbiosis between history , literature and mythology.
Anish Kanjilal: The Masterful Storyteller Captivating Audiences .@Kolkata Literary Carnival 2025
The “ 3rd Kolkata Literary Carnival 2025’ took place at the navel of Kolkata on 12th January 2025 at Jodhpur Park .
The core panelists were Mr. Anish Kanjilal , Dr. Aurobindo Ghosh and Debanjali Nag . The elemental leitmotif of the discussion was on cross – cultural storytelling : How Globalisation Impacts Literature.
Globalization has profoundly impacted literature, facilitating cross-cultural storytelling and enabling authors to draw inspiration from diverse global experiences. This has led to a richer literary landscape, with a wider range of themes, narratives, and voices. However, it also raises important questions about cultural identity and the potential for cultural homogenization. Furthermore, translation has played a vital role in bridging cultural divides, allowing literary works to reach a global audience, expanding readers’ perspectives, and fostering cross-cultural understanding. Ultimately, cross-cultural storytelling has enriched literature, enabling people to access and appreciate works from diverse languages and backgrounds.
As confabulated by Anish Kanjilal, on the question of how ambassadors belonging from different cultures contribute to cross cultural storytelling , he quoted illustrative examples from Indian and western literature .
Anish Kanjilal highlighted the importance of caution in translation, noting that while translated works can be rich in content, they can also diverge from the original material. He cited examples of successful translations, including Daisy Rockwell’s translation of Geetanjali Shree’s Booker Prize-winning novel “Tomb of Sand”. Kanjilal also referenced the cultural exchange between Indian and Western literature, such as Tagore’s inspiration from Scottish folk songs. The panellists acknowledged the benefits of globalization in providing a platform for authors from diverse backgrounds to share their stories and traditions with a global audience. They emphasized the value of cross-cultural encounters in broadening perspectives, fostering compassion and tolerance, and promoting inclusivity and equality. The session was well-received by the audience, with Kanjilal’s engaging oratory skills earning him a standout reputation.
https://authoranishkanjilal.com/anish-kanjilal/
Professional Contributions
Anish Kanjilal is a Director and Senior Lecturer at Educare The Institute (E.T.I) in Kolkata. He shares his deep knowledge with students and scholars, inspiring them with his passion for literature. Kanjilal’s commitment to education and literature was acknowledged with an award from Rajasthan Patrika in 2009. By combining his love of literature with teaching, he creates a rich learning environment at E.T.I.
Notable Literary Works
“Fateless 13”: An Exploration of Human Existence
“Fateless 13” is a collection of 13 poems written by Anish Kanjilal and published in 2015. These poems explore life’s complexities, death, and the meaning of existence. They combine historical and personal thoughts, taking readers on a thoughtful journey that blends fantasy and reality. People praise this collection for its ability to connect with readers on a deep level.
“11 Oracles” Philosophical Reflections and Revelations
Anish Kanjilal’s new book, “11 Oracles”, is a collection of 11 poems that explore the meaning of life and the balance between order and chaos. The poems are divided into five sections and invite readers to think deeply about their everyday experiences and discover hidden truths about life.
The Philosophy Behind the Pen
Anish Kanjilal’s approach to writing is characterized by his belief in the transformative power of poetry. He views poetry as a medium to bridge the gap between the mundane and the divine, expressing what is often inexpressible. His work Is noted for its simplicity and authenticity, aimed at creating a strong emotional and intellectual connection with readers. Influenced by poets such as Robert Frost and Sylvia Plath, Kanjilal’s writing reflects a deep engagement with philosophical and existential themes.
Interviews and Perspectives
In interviews, Anish Kanjilal shares his inspiration for writing, saying he wants to capture and share life’s important lessons through poetry. He sees each poem as a reflection of his own experiences and universal truths. Kanjilal aims to stay original and true to himself, despite the challenges of the literary world. He likens his growth as a poet to the changing seasons, symbolizing new beginnings, growth, reflection, and introspection. This comparison shows his ongoing development and passion as a writer.
Awards and Recognition
Anish Kanjilal’s literary contributions have earned him notable accolades. In 2009, he received the Rajasthan Patrika Literary Award, and in 2024, he was honoured as the Best Poet of the Year at the Kolkata Literary Carnival organized by Ukiyoto. His works have also been featured prominently at the Café Poésie hosted by Alliance Française du Bengale. In 2024 he was awarded the Shiksha Sagar Samman award by National education forum (G.O.I).He had been the lead speaker in New Delhi World Book Fair 2025, Toshali literature festival Bhuvaneswar 2025 and Kolkata Literary Carnival 2025
Upcoming Projects
Kanjilal is currently working on his third volume of poetry, tentatively titled Herculean 12, which promises to explore themes of resilience and strength. This new collection is anticipated to continue his tradition of blending philosophical insights with lyrical expression.
