Exploring 'Trikala Sandhya': A Poetic Resistance Against Emergency
The poetry collection 'Trikala Sandhya' by Bhawani Prasad Mishra stands as a powerful critique of the Emergency period in India. Esteemed literary figures gathered in New Delhi to discuss the book's profound insights into the struggles faced during this tumultuous time. Mishra's work not only expresses pain and anger but also serves as a beacon of hope and resistance. This article delves into the discussions held at the event, highlighting the voices of various literary personalities who reflect on the significance of Mishra's poetry in the context of India's history. Join us as we explore the impact of 'Trikala Sandhya' and its relevance today.
| Jun 28, 2026, 18:42 IST
A Historical Collection of Poetry
‘Trikala Sandhya’ is a significant poetry collection by Bhawani Prasad Mishra that critiques the brutality of the Emergency period. Rather than merely voicing complaints, Mishra transforms his poetry into a powerful medium of resistance, illuminating paths of hope and light even in the darkest times.
Insights from Renowned Literary Figures
These thoughts were shared by the esteemed writer Shakuntala Mittal during a discussion held on Saturday at the Pravasi Bhawan in New Delhi, organized by the Indraprastha Sahitya Bharati in association with the All India Literary Council.
Mittal emphasized that the poet articulates his pain, anger, and challenges regarding the circumstances imposed by Indira Gandhi's Emergency in 1975 with remarkable clarity and sharpness.
Reflections on the Impact of Emergency
Senior literary figure Surendra Kumar Arora remarked that during the Emergency, when arrests were rampant, press censorship was enforced, and democracy was under siege, Bhawani Prasad Mishra consistently penned poems at regular intervals (morning, noon, evening). This reflected the revolutionary spirit within him, which resonated with the public.
A Unique Voice Amidst Silence
Dr. Naveen Neeraj, another literary voice, pointed out that while many poets remained silent out of fear during the Emergency, Mishra actively resisted through his poetry in ‘Trikala Sandhya’. Young writer Gunjan Sharma noted that even in such a complex environment, Mishra maintained the simplicity of his literary style and conversational language, embodying resistance effortlessly.
Young journalist Vivek Vashistha described ‘Trikala Sandhya’ as a historical poetic resistance against the oppression of freedom.
Event Coordination and Participation
The discussion was moderated by Monica Jaiswal, an assistant professor at Delhi University. The event also saw participation from Sanjeev Sinha, the central office secretary of the All India Literary Council, along with members of the Indraprastha Sahitya Bharati, including Munna Rajak, Shivam Pandey, Vaibhav Krishna Tiwari, and Vikas Anand.