Themes of Identity and Nostalgia in the Poetry of Satendra Nandan

Abstract

Search for identity, yearning for the roots, sense of belonging has always been an important part of the subconscious mind of the diasporic writers. They have frequently turned to their native land for reasons like unceasing search for roots; to commemorate history; to rejuvenate one’s longing soul; to evoke old memories. Nostalgia presents a kaleidoscopic comprehension of shared culture, making one feel complete for a while and at the same time hinting at the inability to gather one’s myriad selves. Nandan confronts the crisis of identity, and his poetry is rich with the themes of the quest for identity, search for self, and search for roots. The search for identity is a constant quest that never seems to end. Nandan feels he has found who he is, something occurs and shakes him. He keeps testing his self-worth and identity. His poetic exploration of the places to which he belongs turns out to be a search for self. This sense of belonging to his birthplace and its landscape relates him to his poetic craft.