The Literature Times: What inspired you to delve into the realm of folk music and poetry for your latest work, “Nayaki Dulhin”?
Ramnandan Mahto ‘Agyani’: On 21 August 1977, after listening to the songs and poems in a kavi sammelan organized at the local Shri Vishwa Bandhu Pustakalaya Bakhri, I was inspired to enter the field of folk songs and poetry.
The Literature Times: Could you share some insights into your creative process? How do you typically approach writing a new song or poem?
Ramnandan Mahto ‘Agyani’: I don’t try to write songs and poems but I write down the feelings that come to my mind automatically.
The Literature Times: Your collection covers a wide range of themes, from patriotic songs to traditional festival celebrations. What draws you to explore such diverse subject matter?
Ramnandan Mahto ‘Agyani’: The current situation of the country and various songs of traditional festivals attract towards these subjects.
The Literature Times: As a lyricist who also sings your own compositions, how do you balance the lyrical and musical aspects of your work? Do you find one aspect more challenging than the other?
Ramnandan Mahto ‘Agyani’: I have a habit of humming songs while working, so I do not face any problem in maintaining balance. I never find one aspect more challenging than the other.
The Literature Times: “Nayaki Dulhin” reflects the cultural essence of your hometown, Bakhri. How has your upbringing and surroundings influenced your artistic vision?
Ramnandan Mahto ‘Agyani’: My upbringing and environment have influenced my artistic vision.
The Literature Times: Your contributions to regional literature, particularly in languages like Angika and Maithili, are noteworthy. Could you elaborate on the importance of preserving and promoting these indigenous languages through your work?
Ramnandan Mahto ‘Agyani’: I am a senior teacher of Hindi and Sanskrit in an English medium school, but despite the ban, I freely use Angika and Maithili languages among my students and co-teachers so that these languages can be preserved and promoted.
The Literature Times: In addition to your literary pursuits, you are also involved in social service activities. How do you see the intersection between art and social impact in your life and work?
Ramnandan Mahto ‘Agyani’: I see the connection between art and social impact in my life and work as absolutely positive because it always keeps me stress-free and in good health.
The Literature Times: “Jai Bakhri” addresses contemporary issues like road safety. What prompted you to tackle such topics in your songs, and what do you hope listeners will take away from them?
Ramnandan Mahto ‘Agyani’: The daily road accidents news inspired me to include topics like road safety and I hope that the youth will follow road safety rules after listening to this song.
The Literature Times: You’ve received numerous honors and awards for your contributions to arts and culture. How do you stay grounded amidst such recognition, and what do these accolades mean to you personally?
Ramnandan Mahto ‘Agyani’: This honour means a lot to me. It encourages me to move forward in the field of art and culture.
The Literature Times: Finally, what do you hope readers and listeners will experience or feel when they engage with “Nayaki Dulhin,” and what legacy do you hope to leave through your artistry?
Ramnandan Mahto ‘Agyani’: I hope that readers and listeners will have a great experience connecting with ‘Nayaki Dulhin’. ‘Nayaki Dulhin’ will not only entertain them but will also give them a chance to learn a lot.