Monday, February 17, 2014

Poetry Circle


From 30th November 2010, Goa celebrated the centenary of its prolific poet, B B Borkar. Lovingly called Bakibab in Goa and Babha Borkar in Maharashtra, Poet Borkar impressed with his compositions in Marathi as well as Konkani. A lot of poetry readings were organised right through the year. The Department of Art and Culture supported the economic needs of all such events.  
At one such event, a group arrived from Kankavali, Maharashtra to participate in the poetry reading. They were preceded by a panel discussion on the plight of poetry among the younger generation. One panellist suggested that the Government allot more funds to promote the love of poetry among the students. One of the poetry lovers from Kankavali stood up to insist that the primary responsibility lay with the readers of poetry.
He mentioned the example of his team, which would meet regularly to involve in a poetry circle. Borkar came alive in the readings of his poems by the ones who were touched by his poems. Individual impressions united to impact the collective consciousness of the lovers of poetry. He emphasised that it was pathetic to want to read poetry only under the patronage of money.
Indeed, so often, so many ‘wants’ of the heart and mind are hostage the ‘needs’ of the paying pocket. What does it really take to celebrate poetry? A poetry circle needs basic space, some persons to recite and others to listen. The space could be indoors in someone’s home or some hall. In fact, basic space, shorn of all its fancy aids, is the best.
Money as a resource is a distant second to proactive participation in, not only, the poetry circle, but other activities of life. Human resource is primary for the success of every collective. It brings along innovative ideas and backs them with appropriate actions. When persons come together to connect in a focussed and consistent way, they unite to create the right impact.

When lovers of poetry ‘unite to impact’...
A Poetry Circle rises to dynamic effect!

- Pravin K. Sabnis
Goa, India.

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