In these poems you will see glimpses of the major principles of Indian poetry. These are 'ras' (~essence/sentiment), 'alankar' (~ornamentation using figures of speech), 'riti' (~method, ~tradition), 'dhwani' (~literal, metaphoric, allegoric messages and their illuminating echo & resonance), 'vakrokti' (~innuendo, ~indirectness) and 'auchitya' (~propriety). My poetry though is mostly inspired by the 'dhwani' principle. Poems in general, and especially those rooted in the 'dhwani' principle, need the poet and reader to connect with their emotionality, thought and imagination at the heart of creative expression.
Especially, it is my endeavor that 'Abhidha Shabd Shakti' (~power of the literal meaning), 'Abhidhamool Shabdi Vyanjana' (~the implications of the literal meanings of the words themselves and of the meaning of the poem's phrases and lines) should resonate in the poetry. It is my hope that the long-term perspective will enkindle different sentiments for different readers.
I have been fascinated, influenced and inspired by 'varnik vritt' poetry, which is Indian poetry set to 'varnik' (~syllabic) metre. After the initial few 'maatrik' (~syllable count) poems, I write mostly 'varnik vritt' poems.
My thinking is inclined towards idealism and I have written a verse about it "Wheel of time and we".
I have started writing poetry after decades of thinking as a means to express some of my thoughts. A key goal is to bring thought based on Indian culture to an international audience in the small way that I as an individual can do. The informally accepted international culture I believe seeks a renewal and Indian culture has a lot to offer.
Indian culture has always had a global outlook as reflected in 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (~the world is one family) and 'Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava' (~all religions are possible, sometimes interpreted to mean all religions are the same). My poetry aims to make more examples of Indian thought available to the global audience.
Although Indian culture has had an international audience for a while now it has tended to be niche. My attempt is to expand these niches and make them merge with the mainstream. Indian culture manifests itself in many ways and my focus is limited.
My approach uses long time frames to understand an issue in depth. That is the reason for the penname "Kaalpathi" (~one who has studied and is studying time). 'Samaydeep' means ~time-light.
'Varnik vritt' poetry is Indian poetry written in 'varnik' (~syllabic) metre patterns. Its elegance and melody is also found in its 'varnik' (~syllabic) patterns. The 'varnik' (~syllabic) patterns, used in my poems, have been composed by poets of ancient India for Sanskrit poetry. 'Varnik vritt' poetry can be sung.
I am grateful to countless persons of past & present and other beings that have had an impact on me. They have helped me build my individuality, as I have gleaned the good in them. I have been inspired by the magnificence of nature as well.
Kavi Pradeepji's song "Chal akela" (Walk alone) has been a constant source of strength in my life. The song has been sung by Mukesh and music is by O.P. Nayyar.
I present my poems with the hope that I am able to give back a tiny fraction of what I have received.
My name is Dhirendra Datt Tripathi. My birthplace is Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh. I have lived in Vidisha, Bhopal, Mumbai and Kanpur. I now live in Ahmedabad.