Feminine Consciousness in Modern Odia Poetry: Identity, Selfhood and Resistance

Abstract

Modern Odia poetry has emerged as a powerful literary space for the articulation of women’s experiences, identities, aspirations, and struggles. The rise of feminine consciousness has significantly transformed Odia literary discourse by bringing women’s voices to the center of poetic expression. Contemporary Odia poets move beyond traditional representations of women and foreground themes such as identity, selfhood, emotional autonomy, dignity, freedom, and resistance. Through their creative engagement with lived experiences, they challenge patriarchal assumptions and create alternative visions of individuality and social participation.

This study examines the manifestation of feminine consciousness in the poetry of Pratibha Satpathy, Brahmotri Mohanty, Mamata Dash, and Pratibha Ray. It explores how women negotiate identity, memory, loneliness, emotional subjectivity, social constraints, and personal freedom within changing cultural realities. The study argues that feminine consciousness in modern Odia poetry is not limited to gender-specific concerns but engages with broader humanistic questions concerning dignity, equality, cultural belonging, creativity, and self-realization. Through a critical and analytical reading of selected texts, the study highlights the significant contribution of Odia women poets to contemporary Indian literary thought and feminist discourse.

Keywords