Anish Kanjilal
Anish Kanjilal is a distinguished Indian poet and educator, best known for his influential poetry collections Fateless 13 and 11 Oracles. He holds a prominent position as Director and Senior Lecturer at Educare The Institute in Kolkata. Kanjilal’s writing delves into the complexities of human emotions and the philosophical aspects of existence. His literary contributions have been recognized with notable awards, including the Rajasthan Patrika Literary Award, highlighting his impact on contemporary literature.
Early Life and Education[edit]
Anish Kanjilal, born on June 23, 1976, in Kolkata, India, is a distinguished Indian author and poet. Raised in the culturally rich city of joy, Kanjilal's formative years were marked by a profound engagement with literature and philosophy. He pursued his early education at St. Mary's School and furthered his studies at Vidyasagar College, Calcutta University (C.U.), and Indira Gandhi National University (I.G.N.O.U), eventually earning a Postgraduate Diploma in Communication and programming from S.T.G.
Professional Life[edit]
Kanjilal currently serves as the Director and Senior Lecturer at Educare The Institute (E.T.I) in Kolkata. His contributions to education and literature were recognized when he was honoured by Rajasthan Patrika in 2009. His role as an educator has significantly influenced his literary voice, blending teaching with his poetic endeavors.
Literary Contributions[edit]
"Fateless 13": A Deep Dive into Life’s Extremes[edit]
Anish Kanjilal's seminal work, Fateless 13, published in 2015, is a collection of thirteen poems that explore the complexities of life, death, and existence. This book navigates through the spectrum of human emotions, from the sorrows of loss to the joys of creation. Kanjilal uses his poetry to juxtapose historical events with personal reflections, offering readers a contemplative journey from fantasy to realism.
"11 Oracles": A Philosophical Exploration[edit]
11 Oracles, his latest work, is a collection of eleven poems that delve into the philosophical and existential realms. This five-part series provides a profound exploration of the cycle of birth and rebirth, portraying the eternal struggle between chaos and order. The collection aims to illuminate the hidden truths behind life’s veils of ignorance and offers hope and enlightenment to its readers.
Writing Philosophy and Inspiration[edit]
Kanjilal's writing is deeply influenced by his belief in the transformative power of poetry. He views poetry as a bridge between the mundane and the divine, a way to articulate the inexpressible. His work reflects a commitment to simplicity and authenticity, aiming to connect with readers on an emotional and intellectual level. His poetic inspirations include Robert Frost and Sylvia Plath, whose works resonate with his own philosophical inquiries.
Interviews and Insights[edit]
In interviews, Kanjilal has shared that his motivation to write comes from a desire to capture and convey the profound lessons of life. He values the ability of poetry to express complex emotions and experiences, viewing each poem as a reflection of both personal and universal truths. Despite the challenges of maintaining originality and authenticity, Kanjilal remains dedicated to crafting poetry that resonates deeply with his audience. Kanjilal describes his evolution as a poet through the metaphor of the seasons: blooming in spring, shining in summer, shedding creations in autumn, and hibernating in winter. This cyclical process symbolizes his ongoing growth and transformation as a writer. He emphasizes on the importance of embracing both success and failure with courage and passion.
Awards and Recognition[edit]
Anish Kanjilal’s contributions to literature have been widely recognized. He received the Rajasthan Patrika Literary Award in 2009 and the Best Poet of the Year Award in 2024 at the Kolkata Literary Carnival organized by Ukiyoto. His works have also been featured in the Cafe Poésie at the Alliance Française du Bengale in 2024. Kanjilal has even received the Shiksha Sagar Samman award 2024 (National education forum, G.O.I).
Future Projects[edit]
Looking ahead, Kanjilal is working on a novel and his third volume of poetry, tentatively titled Herculean 12. This upcoming work is expected to explore themes of resilience and strength, continuing his tradition of blending philosophical insights with lyrical beauty.
Social Media and Online Presence[edit]
Anish Kanjilal maintains an active presence on social media, where he engages with readers and fellow writers. His profiles include :
- Facebook: Anish Kanjilal
- Twitter: @fateless13
- Instagram: @anish_kanjilal
Published Works and Availability[edit]
Translations[edit]
Available in French, German, and Spanish (@ Ukiyoto Publishing House.)
Audiobooks[edit]
- 11 Oracles on Storytel
- 11 Oracles on Kobo
- 11 Oracles on My Audiobits
- 11 Oracles on Audiobooks.com
- 11 Oracles on Bookmate
- 11 Oracles on Overdrive
Anish Kanjilal’s contributions to literature and education underscore his profound impact on the literary world. His work continues to resonate with readers, offering insights into the human condition and the eternal quest for meaning.