I am still a votary of communism in its sublime sense

A bilingual author who has received wide recognition, Manoj Das is perhaps the most influential writer in post-independence Orissa. Born in 1934 in a remote coastal village, Manoj Das has to his credit about 40 books in English and an equal number in his mother tongue. A critic, columnist, educationist and a devoted student of mysticism and Integral Yoga, he lives in Pondicherry and is a Professor of English Literature at the Sri Aurobindo International Centre of Education. He has received numerous literary awards including the Central and Orissa State Sahitya Akademi Awards. Excerpts from an interview... The Hindu Literary Review Sunday, Jan 07, 2007

In the 20th Congress of the Soviet Communist Party, Khrushchev described the horrors perpetrated by Stalin who, for us, was the very symbol of justice. The report shocked and bewildered me. Had I died before the 20th Congress, I would have rested with the trust that Stalin could do no wrong. Can we know the truth from the events on the surface? The questions broadened the scope of my quest...

From radical Marxism to revolutionary spirituality of the Sri Aurobindonean kind seems to represent a big leap in faith. How did it happen?

I do not consider it to be a leap, only a progression. I am still a votary of communism in its sublime sense — a state when one's Swadharma or true inner freedom has no conflict with the collective life. Only a transformation of human consciousness can bring about that state.

How does your belief in creative evolution shape your artistic imagination?

It gives me a faith in the purpose of creation that no cynicism can obliterate. This faith helps me to view things in a light that is not transitory...The spirit of globalisation is indefatigable, but its process and speed must be piloted imaginatively. Our indigenous art forms can find appreciation in pastures new around the world. Similarly, Indian literature, to whatever region it might belong, must remain Indian. With the knowledge about India growing in the world, it should find wider appreciation. The best of Indian literature is to be found in regional languages. Unfortunately we do not have first class translators, barring a few. Sachidananda Mohanty is Professor of English at the University of Hyderabad.