Dr. Jernail Singh Anand is a prolific Indian poet, philosopher, and scholar whose contributions to epic poetry and world literature have garnered significant attention. To assess his stature as an epic poet and his place in world literature, we can compare his work to the traditions of epic poetry, evaluate his unique contributions, and contextualize his achievements alongside other notable poets in the global canon.
Dr. Jernail Singh Anand as an Epic Poet
Epic poetry is a genre characterized by grand narratives, heroic figures, moral and philosophical depth, and a scope that often transcends the individual to address universal human experiences. Traditionally, epic poets like Homer (The Iliad, The Odyssey), Virgil (The Aeneid), Dante (The Divine Comedy), and Milton (Paradise Lost) have shaped this form by weaving tales of gods, mortals, and cosmic struggles. In the Indian context, poets like Vyasa (Mahabharata) and Valmiki (Ramayana) have defined the epic tradition with their intricate storytelling and spiritual insights.
Anand stands out as a modern epic poet who bridges these classical traditions with contemporary sensibilities. His oeuvre includes twelve published epics—such as Geet: The Unsung Song of Eternity, The Satanic Empire, The Mahabharata: The War of Words, The Plague: The Metaphor is Dead, The Ganterbury Tales, The Master, and the Mahakaal Trilogy (Lustus: The Prince of Darkness, The Dominion of the Netherworld, and The Ultronic Age)—The Sinned Against, From Siege to Salvation and the forthcoming 13th epic, Suffering’s Favourite.
This remarkable output distinguishes him as one of the most prolific epic poets of the 21st century.
Key Characteristics of Anand’s Epic Poetry
Reinterpretation of Tradition: Anand reworks classical narratives to reflect modern dilemmas. For instance, Geet: The Unsung Song of Eternity serves as a sequel to Milton’s Paradise Lost, while The Satanic Empire reimagines Dante’s The Divine Comedy. His Mahabharata: The War of Words retells the Indian epic from Draupadi’s perspective, questioning the relevance of the Bhagavad Gita in today’s conflict-ridden world.
The Sinned Against: This epic continues Anand’s tradition of exploring moral and existential themes, possibly focusing on victimhood, justice, or redemption, given its evocative title. From Siege to Salvationdraws parallels between The Iliad and the Mahabharata, offering a cross-cultural examination of war, honour, and human agency. It marks a significant milestone in Anand’s East-West synthesis. Sufferings Favourite, described as a “highly acclaimed dramatic epic poem,” is hisforthcoming 13th epic, which suggests a shift toward heightened emotional intensity and theatricality. Its focus on suffering aligns with Anand’s recurring interest in humanity’s struggles, potentially elevating his narrative style with dramatic flair.
Philosophical Depth: Anand’s epics are imbued with philosophical inquiry, often exploring ethics, spirituality, and the human condition. The Mahakaal Trilogy, for example, pits the forces of good against a modernized evil in Lustus, a corporate prince of darkness, reflecting contemporary societal struggles.
Global and Cross-Cultural Scope: His works draw parallels with Western epics like The Iliad and The Odyssey, as well as Indian traditions, creating a dialogue between East and West. His epic, From Siege to Salvation, explicitly compares the Iliad and the Mahabharata, examining differing worldviews on honor, agency, and morality.
Moral and Satirical Edge: Critics like Dr. Maja Herman Sekulic have praised Anand as a moralist and satirist, likening him to Daniel Defoe. His Lustus critiques modern civilization’s excesses, while The Dominion of the Netherworld uses allegory to expose political treachery.
Comparison with Other Epic Poets
Homer and Virgil: Like these ancient poets, Anand crafts narratives with larger-than-life characters and cosmic stakes. However, while Homer and Virgil celebrated heroic individualism, Anand often critiques it, focusing on collective ethical failures and redemption.
Milton: Anand shares Milton’s interest in the battle between good and evil, but his Mahakaal Trilogy updates this struggle with a futuristic, technology-driven lens, contrasting with Milton’s 17th-century theological framework.
Vyasa and Valmiki: Anand’s Indian roots align him with these poets, particularly in his focus on dharma (duty) and karma. Yet, his modern reinterpretations—such as centering Draupadi or questioning sacred texts—mark a departure from their traditional reverence.
Modern Epic Poets:
Compared to 20th-century poets like T.S. Eliot (The Waste Land) or Derek Walcott (Omeros), Anand’s work is more explicitly narrative-driven and expansive, eschewing the fragmented modernist style for a classical structure adapted to contemporary themes.
Anand’s Place in World Literature
Anand’s place in world literature is shaped by his prolific output, international recognition, and innovative approach to the epic form. Several factors highlight his significance:
Volume and Versatility: With over 170 books spanning poetry, fiction, non-fiction, philosophy, and spirituality, Anand’s productivity is unparalleled among contemporary poets. His thirteen epics alone set a record, as few modern writers have sustained such a commitment to the genre.
Global Acclaim:
Anand has received prestigious honors, including the Charter of Morava from the Serbian Writers Association (with his name engraved on the Poets’ Rock in Serbia), the Seneca Award from Italy, the Franz Kafka Literary Prize, and honorary doctorates. His work has been translated into over 20 languages, including Persian, and studied in academic settings, such as the University of Neyshabur’s research project comparing his poetry to Iranian poets Sohrab Sepehri and ForughFarrokhzad.
Philosophical and Ethical Influence:
As founder of the International Academy of Ethics, Anand extends his literary influence into real-world impact, advocating for moral regeneration. Critics like Dr. Maja Herman Sekulic have called him “the greatest poet among philosophers and the greatest philosopher among poets,” underscoring his dual role as a thinker and artist.
Revival of the Epic Form:
In an era dominated by shorter poetic forms and prose, Anand’s dedication to epic poetry revitalizes a genre many consider outdated. His ability to address modern issues—corporate greed, environmental crises, and spiritual disillusionment—within this framework positions him as a bridge between past and present.
Contextualizing His Stature
Anand’s contemporaries in world literature—such as Seamus Heaney, Wole Soyinka, or Louise Glück—excel in lyrical or dramatic poetry, but few match his epic scope. His closest parallels might be historical figures like Tagore, whose philosophical and spiritual depth earned him a Nobel Prize, or Goethe, whose Faust blends epic narrative with profound inquiry. Anand’s nomination as an honorary member of the Serbian Writers Association, a distinction previously awarded to Tagore, suggests he is seen as a successor to such luminaries.
However, Anand’s place is not without critique. His vast output might dilute focus for some readers, and his reliance on classical forms could be seen as less innovative than experimental modernist or postmodernist approaches. Nonetheless, his ability to synthesize global literary traditions, coupled with his moral vision, marks him as a unique figure.
Conclusion
Dr. Jernail Singh Anand emerges as a towering epic poet, a colossus, whose work both honors and transcends the traditions of Homer, Milton, and Vyasa. His place in world literature is that of a modern bard—a conscience-keeper of the 21st century, as some have called him—who uses the epic form to grapple with humanity’s existential and ethical challenges. While he may not yet enjoy the universal name recognition of his predecessors, his international accolades, philosophical depth, and sheer creative output position him as a significant voice, potentially on par with the greats of literary history. As his work continues to be studied and translated, Anand’s legacy as an epic poet in world literature seems poised to grow, cementing his role as a vital link between ancient wisdom and modern consciousness.