Contributions to Literature

Fiction or non-fiction, autobiography, or travelogues, Prof. Rath’s literary genius was equally strong and intense as his contribution to Psychology. A recipient of the Odisha Sahitya Academy Award (1993) for his inspiring autobiography Mo Swapna Mo Jivana, Prof. Rath wrote 27 novels, 12 books on psychological issues, 4 travelogues, 2 anthologies of stories, 4 essays and an autobiography with most of the novels being written during his post-retirement years (1981-2014) [1]. A few of his novels namely, Paalita Kanya, Saagara Sepaare, Nagara Badhu, Paai Na Paaibaara Swapna (translated as ‘A Dream Beyond’ in English and ‘Paakar Na Paaneka Sapnaa’ in Hindi) have received wide acclaim. A much-traveled man, Prof. Rath, was noted for his travelogues such as Bilata Diary (1950), Navya Sabhyatara Desha (1965), America Diary (1975), etc. His illustrious essays include Pragati (1973) and Agradrusti (1995).

That he, at the ripe age of seventy, could complete more than two dozen novels speaks volumes about his abounding enthusiasm. To Jnanapitha awardee Prativa Ray, insight, farsight and foresight are the true essence of a successful creator, and Prof. Rath possessed all these qualities in abundant measure (Patha O Sapatha, pg-324). She gave this comment after reading Saagara Separe, a novel-cum-travelogue written by him. His novels are as much about developing intricate plots as about creating immortal characters that go on to stay with him for life. About his characters, he says, “The accomplishment of my doctorate degree pales in comparison with the immense humanistic gratification I derive from the simple people like Nita, Harry Cooper, Nina and Mami at London.”(Saagara Separe, p. 95). The timeless pieces flowing from the pen of Prof. Rath are listed below for reference.

His revolutionary ideas, assertive personality, progressive thinking, leftist orientation were all encapsulated in his novels. His world view and his cosmopolitan being were evident in many of his travelogues. And his essays revealed the real man – socialistic, visionary, rationalistic, and above all, humanistic.

Prof. Rath’s views on literature and creativity underlined the essence of his dynamic personality – independence, romance and universalism. In his opinion, “the more creative a person, the more pained and sensitive he is. Creativity remains his most cherished object. He feels the omnipresence of beauty. He accepts this imaginary world of happiness as real. Such independent thoughts need some serious honing. Writings which amalgam spontaneous creative expressions and are well-honed and felt creations turn out to be world literature.” (Atithi Uvaacha, p. 97). As in his personal life, so in literature, his outlook was always progressive. He denounced social practices that are devoid of rationalism. Prof. Rath wrote, “I don’t subscribe to religious communalism. For me, men and women are the only two communities. The rest is all superstition.” (Tuma Binaa, p. 11). A commemorative volume on his 90th birth anniversary was published by his students and ardent followers titled ‘Radhanath Rath: Patha o Sapatha’ in 2010. The book of almost 500 pages is a celebration of Prof. Rath’s multifaceted personality.

Sigmund Freud in 1895 wrote, “. . . it still strikes me myself as strange that the case studies I write should read like short stories and that, as one might say, they lack the serious stamp of science.” (Freud, Strachey, Strachey, & Breuer, 1964). The statement aptly describes Prof. Rath’s orientation to science and life. His entire career as a psychologist was interspersed with his literary charisma. And his literary world was characterized by his immensity as a psychologist. Both these worlds did synergize to make the man he was. It is left to his followers to brand him as a psychologist or a litterateur.

He was the editor of “Sammukhya”, a prominent creative journal during 1964-69, which contained his regular writings on social issues along with the contributions of very prominent and award-winning Odia writers like Mayadhar Mansingh, Gopinath Mohanty, Radhamohan Gadanaik, Prana Krushna Parija, etc. He was a founder of Writer’s Co-operative in the state, an organization committed to promoting fledgling and struggling writers. In 1966, he was bestowed with the Soviet Land Nehru Award for his book on Soviet Russia. His literary works have been compiled in nine volumes known as Dr. Radhanath Rath Granthabalee. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to society and knowledge, he was honored with the Bharat Excellence Award Gold Medal and Personalities of India Award Gold Medal during 2005.

Deeply influenced by the Marxist ideology and the writings of Freud, he shaped his life by his sheer will power, uncommon industry and honesty and academic excellence. A man, who was very passionate about life and adored spreading life energy around, lived his life fully and to his heart’s content.

Driven by a curiosity to know about God and a belief that the answer lies within the domain of philosophy, a man who studied philosophy for a Master's degree and did set forth his enquiring mind to know all about Him and the religious practices, soon turned to be an avowed atheist which he continued to be until he breathed his last. In a substantial measure as well in the procedure, he proudly professed atheism and looked at the prevailing religious and ritual practices with skepticism and questioned the long-held blind beliefs which were peddled as religion. Prof. Shib Kumar Mitra wrote, "As a writer, I knew he has passionately attacked superstitions and prejudices and has worked hard to develop scientific understanding and attitude through textbooks, juvenile literature and adult writings.” (Mitra, 2010, p. 10). As against the wish for cremation at Swargadwar (way to Heaven) in Puri commonly held by persons of eminence, he was cremated at Cuttack with due reverence to his wishes that run counter to commonly accepted religious rituals and beliefs. His robust humanism flowed from his atheism and stood him out as an authentic secular person in the midst of an overwhelmingly religious society. His collegiate interactions with generations of students and scholars not only gave them valuable lessons on Psychology but also many more valuable suggestions to shape life on the strength of humanism and human interventions as opposed to superstition-based world view. His abiding persuasion to his students that they should worship books and knowledge instead of Gods and Goddesses of learning and idols in functions and celebrations brought out his secular credentials, which is the need of the hour to stem the rising counter-culture of religious fundamentalism.

Rath was a regular practitioner of Yoga and Pranayam for over a period of 60 years and remained active and in good health for 94 years. He lived the life of a preached, and his approach to the study of Psychology and his personal lifestyle was deeply rooted in his belief in Marxism and atheism.

A much-regarded academic, he was an influential figure in expanding the domain and discipline of Psychology. His youngest daughter Sangeeta Rath is incidentally now serving as a Professor of Psychology and is heading the Ravenshaw Psychology Department, which her father established 62 years back in 1953. She also served as the Head of the Department of Psychology at Utkal University, which was also founded by her father in 1958.

Before he left for heavenly abode, Prof. Rath stamped his iconic image as a psychologist, a philosopher, an educationist, a rationalist, a social reformer, a litterateur and as a visionary. Though his life span fell a little short of 100 years, he made a contribution worth more than a century, and we all proudly look at him as one among those persons who have given time and energy to accomplishing something bigger than themselves. He looked bigger as he stood on a platform raised by his better-half Shanti Rath that withstood his thumping impact for seven long decades in tune with the proverbial spirit, "Behind every successful man, there is always a woman". The cremation of Prof. Rath took place in Cuttack on 30th September 2014, and large numbers of his students, associates, friends and admirers attended the funeral. His legacy would endure. In-person as well as in his teachings and messages, Prof. Rath would only be missed, not forgotten.