Date:17/08/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/08/17/stories/2007081750840200.htm

Kerala

An ode to poetry

A meet of poets in different languages here on Wednesday turned out to be a forum for exchange of ideas on the appeal of poetry to the human mind.

The meet was organised by the Academic Council of Higher Secondary Urdu Teachers in connection with the 60th anniversary of Indian independence.

The occasion highlighted the fact that despite differences in the language in which verses are composed, poetry is a unifying force for patriots.

P.K. Gopi, who inaugurated the ‘Mushaira’ (Poets meet) held at the Shikshak Sadan, highlighted the quality of poetry as a means of providing solace to the human mind.

“Poets endeavour not to use sharp words like poisonous teeth that could wound. Instead, poetry provides solace and comfort to the mind,” he reiterated.

“Humaneness is the forte of poetry despite differences in language, and poets are messengers of peace,” said Arsu.

N. Moideenkutty, research officer, State Council of Research and Training (SCRT) presided over the programme.

Poems were rendered by Gopi, N. Moideenkutty, P.K. Ambal Hameed, Ziahu Rehman, Jomon P. Jacob, P. Supriya, Kuniyil Abdurehman, Moidu Vanimel, and Faisal Sayeem.

Maleeha Raghaviah