Reflection on the Present Time: Avadhut Kapalikon Ka Marg and Other Poems

Abstract

If literature is a mirror of society, it should reflect its image, depicting the realities, struggles, and values of its time. Dr. Kaushal Tiwari, a distinguished scholar of Sanskrit literature, has significantly contributed to the literary world through his songs, ghazals, modern poems, critiques, and translations. Recently, he published a collection of translated free-verse Sanskrit poems titled Avadhut Kapalikon Ka Marg and Other Poems, featuring 73 poems by 17 contemporary poets. This anthology encompasses a wide spectrum of themes, including philosophical reflections on life, societal decay, women’s perspectives, devotional expressions, love, urban experiences, psychological insights, political critique, and discourses on caste, tribal, and marginalized communities. The poems vividly portray modern social issues such as neglect of the elderly, corruption, gender violence, and the erosion of traditional values, while also highlighting emotional and spiritual dimensions of human experience. The poets select their thematic ground thoughtfully, addressing family, community, nation, and rapidly changing social contexts with depth and awareness. This anthology offers readers not only accessible and engaging poetry but also a nuanced understanding of contemporary Indian society through the lens of Sanskrit poetic expression.