Date:15/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/15/stories/2008121558560500.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Poetry anthology launched

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: Chennai Poets’ Circle (CPC) celebrated its fifth annual session on Sunday with the launch of an anthology, “Efflorescence 2008”.

Former bureaucrat G. Sundaram launched the work by handing over the first copy to literary critic and author C. T. Indra.

Mr. Sundaram commended the work of the Circle in promoting young and elderly English writers of poetry in Chennai by providing them a forum for free expression of diverging thoughts.

“Such a free expression is the soul and spirit of poetry itself.”

Ms.Indra, who is also former Head of Department of English, University of Madras, dwelt on the nuances of English poetry and pointed out that modern verse needed to get related closer to contemporary realities to make it more vibrant.

She noted that some of the poems in the anthology were shining examples of poetry that was rich in substance and powerful in emotive appeal.

Murali Sivaramakrishnan, English professor, Pondicherry University, spoke on the craft of poetry. P.K.N. Panicker, president, CPC, Sivakami Vellaingiri and Nithie Victor also participated.

A poetry reading by about 50 literature enthusiasts, including non-members, was also held. The meeting was also a forum for a large number of students from different colleges in the city to present their creative works.