Subhechcha Ganguly 
Meet the prolific author, Kalamayee Smt. Alaka Daspatnaik, a distinguished 74-year-old female writer from India. With numerous solo books to her credit, including “Gala Dina” and “Shesha Pahacha,” Alaka Ji has left an indelible mark on Odiya literature. Her literary prowess extends beyond Odiya, as exemplified by the Hindi translation of “Amabasya ra Nayika.” Alongside her writing, she excels in diverse hobbies such as painting, singing, and playing harmonium and sitar. In this interview, we delve into her inspiration to write, explore the recurring themes in her works, and unravel her unique writing process. She has also been awarded with The Corona Yoddha award for contributing an odiya poetry on the corona theme. She has recently received the Inspiring India Author’s Award for her books .
Questions:
- What initially inspired you to embark on your three-decade-long writing journey, and how has your passion evolved over the years?
Ans: I never consciously thought of becoming an author. Once, while working in the kitchen, I was observing the flowers from the kitchen window including the birds who would visit me from time to time. This sparked my interest to express my love for nature. The verses would flash in front of my eyes. I would note these down in rough sheets of paper. These poems gradually grew in number to be part of my first collection of Odiya poems ‘Gala Dina’ (Of Days gone by) published in 1997. Since then, I never looked back and embarked on a literature journey of more than three decades.
- Your books often intertwine nature and spirituality. Can you share the significance of these themes in your writing and the messages you aim to convey?
Ans: My writing themes include both nature as well as spirituality. The message that I have been conveying to my readers through my nature poems is about loving and caring for nature. I sincerely believe that we as a society need to move ahead in our spiritual and scientific thought process and hence you would find both nature and spiritual flavours in my writing. Also, this gives me peace and tranquillity which I believe is my biggest treasure.
- With a diverse range of awards, which recognition holds a special place in your heart, and how have these accolades shaped your literary career?
Ans I received many awards in my 3 decades of writing. Some of the Key awards are: Kalamayee, Pallisheree, Kalinga Kavi, Kavi Surabhi, Kusuma Prabha, Kanta Kavi LaxmiKanta, Prakriti Kavi Kuntala Kumari Sabat. I recently received a state recognition award Rajastariya Bhanjakanya Samman in 2024, Top 6 Authors certificate and Inspiring Indian Authors Award from Koala Kraft 2023 and many more.Each award has its significance, however, I became well known for the first title award that i received ‘Kalamayee’. For me, every award is special. However, what gives my immense pleasure is the writing journey in itself.
- Could you walk us through your creative process? How do you approach the delicate balance between expressing spirituality and portraying the beauty of nature in your writings?
Ans. I am usually engaged in several daily chores throughout the day which includes my interest areas such as gardening, cooking, listening to music, reading spiritual books. I would usually have my evening hours for writing when there is no distraction. But then, usually this is not strictly followed by me, as I end up writing whenever some wonderful rhyming words for a specific theme flash in front of me.
- Aside from writing, your hobbies span painting, singing, and playing musical instruments. How do these artistic pursuits influence and complement your literary endeavours?
Ans. Though my focus has entirely been into writing, I believe creative breaks in between helps to get back to writing with a fresh perspective. At times, there are writing blocks. So instead of struggling, I take some rest and focus on my other hobbies such as painting, singing, and playing musical instruments like harmonium. Somehow, I feel it all connecting when one of these activities inspires me to get back to writing with fresh ideas and thoughts.
