Vision of India in Manas Bakshi’s Dream India Dream

Abstract

This paper presents an in-depth analysis of the poetry of Manas Bakshi, a notable modern English poet known for his twelve collections that touch upon various universal concerns and human experiences. Through an examination of select poems from his works, including "Dream India Dream," "In the Offing," "A Poem for the Common People," "Break Dance of Democracy," "NEWS’N’VIEWS," "The Uprooted Rohingya," "CONFRONTING COVID-19," "O MOTHER INDIA," "PULWAMA," "DREAM INDIA, DREAM," and "SOUL OF INDIA SURVIVES," the study explores Bakshi's diverse perspectives on contemporary India. Bakshi's poetry delves into themes such as environmental degradation, socioeconomic issues, political disillusionment, societal decay, terrorism, and the impact of global crises. The poet's critique extends to capitalism, corruption, religious extremism, and the exploitation of marginalized populations. Through vivid imagery and thought-provoking criticism, Bakshi's poetry urges introspection and advocates for positive societal change. His outlook on India oscillates between hope and skepticism, emphasizing the need for a collective vision to transcend existing societal structures and work towards a more compassionate, just, and peaceful India. Overall, Manas Bakshi emerges as a visionary poet who skillfully captures the complexities of Indian culture and calls for societal transformation.