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Voyage into a New Horizon

-- A Birds' Eyeview of his life

Voyage into a New Horizon

Courtesy his friend and brother-in-law Biswambhar, Manoj had been introduced to Sri Aurobindo. The concept that man is an evolving being and though submerged in ignorance, the cause of all his suffering as well as misdeed, had the potential to transcend his present state and transform himself once he aspired to do so, answered most of his questions. But he had no plan for breaking away from his activities. It was the Darshan of the Mother on the 21stof February 1963 and the overwhelming subtle experience that followed, inspired him and Pratijna to live in close proximity to her. He resigned his teaching job, handed over the charge of the Diganta to the celebrated poet Sochi Routroy at the latter’s request and came over to Pondicherry. Both were admitted to the Ashram. While Manoj takes classes on English literature and the works of Sri Aurobindo, Pratijna teaches psychology at the Sri Aurobindo International Centre of Education. Nearly half a century has passed. The work, given to him by the Mother has been an important part of his routine. There is no retirement in Sadhana!

Once in a while he travels abroad and also visits institutions and universities at their request. He is in genuine demand for talks, though he is a reluctant speaker. It was with him that the Annual UNESCO series of talks began in New Delhi under the auspices of the Ministry of Education. He delivered Sahitya Akademi’s prestigious Annual Samvatsar lecture – among so many more. He was the leader of the Indian delegation of writers to China in 1999.


About Manoj Das

For thousands of men, women and children of the past two or three generations, Manoj Das has been the very synonym of light and delight, whose writings in Odia and English inspire in his countless readers faith in the purpose of life and also open up concealed horizons of confidence and compassion in humanity a dire need today.