Date:02/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/02/stories/2008100258300600.htm

Tamil Nadu

“Poets have a greater role in shaping the society”

Staff Reporter

Address social issues as eradication of poverty, illiteracy

PUDUKOTTAI: Poets have a greater role in shaping the society and they should address social issues such as eradication of poverty, illiteracy and promoting equal rights for women, observed the speakers at the inaugural of the two-day ‘Gandhian festival’ organised under the auspices of the All India Mahatma Gandhi Social Welfare Forum here on Wednesday.

Compilation released

Releasing a book, ‘Vizhithezhu Tamizhaa,’ a compilation of poetry authored by the poet and the founder of the Forum, V.N. Dinakaran, the poet Pazhani Ilankamban traced several historical events and major revolutions which were sparked by great writers in general and poets in particular.

In this context, he specifically underlined the impact of the poems composed by the National poet Subramania Bharathiar during the course of the freedom movement in our country.

He also appreciated the application of the conventional form of poetry in the current book.

Receiving the book, K. Balasundaram, appealed to the up and coming poets to address social issues.

The Editor of ‘Pudugai Thendral’ Dharmarajan, an industrialist Seenu. Chinnappa, the faculty from Alagappa University, S. Subbiah were among those who offered felicitations.

Seminar on ‘Gandhism’

A seminar on ‘Gandhism’ was held. Documentary films on Mahatma and Kamaraj were screened in the evening.

In his acceptance address, Mr. Dinakaran said that he had planned to write poems on the life and achievements of national leaders in course of time.

Awards to be conferred

He said several competitions for school pupils were held as part of the Gandhi Jayanthi celebrations. Awards would be conferred on Thursday to leaders and writers in appreciation of their services.