The Dasara Poets’ Conclave, a cherished highlight of the annual Dasara festival, recently captivated audiences in Mysuru. This five-day event, held at the B.M. Sri auditorium within the Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies at the University of Mysore, offered a vibrant stage for both celebrated and emerging poets. Each day of the Kavigoshti unfolded with a distinct thematic focus, ensuring a rich and diverse poetic experience.
The inaugural day featured renowned writer, poet, and analyst Geetha Vasanth as the chief guest. Her insightful address underscored the profound role of poetry in amplifying the voices of the voiceless and marginalized segments of society. Ms. Vasanth urged poets to delve into the collective psyche, cultivate a broad perspective, and pursue truth in their creative endeavors to elevate the quality of their work. She also expressed concern over the recent proliferation of superficial poetry.
Highlighting the enduring power of verse, Ms. Vasanth noted that short poems, epics, and classical works have historically mirrored societal aspirations. She encouraged poets to imbue their creations with metaphysical depth, drawing from a wide spectrum of emotions and experiences, and to strive for the universal consciousness eloquently described by the esteemed poet Kuvempu. Furthermore, she emphasized that poetry should transcend mere composition, becoming a medium for profound research and social inquiry. Ultimately, she concluded, poetry possesses a unique ability to bridge divides of caste, religion, and gender, fostering unity among people.
Lyricist Kaviraj, another prominent speaker, shared his perspective, acknowledging that the gift of creativity is a rare blessing bestowed by nature upon a select few. He articulated that poetry has the potential to spark subtle yet significant social changes, fulfilling its purpose even if a few lines inspire personal transformation. Kaviraj observed that in today’s “trolling era,” genuine, thoughtful voices often get overlooked. Therefore, he challenged poets to move beyond conventional romantic themes and fearlessly voice society’s deep-seated unrest and turmoil.
The conclave proudly showcased regional poets from various districts, including Mysuru, Mandya, Chamarajanagar, Hassan, and Kodagu, who recited their original compositions to appreciative applause. The diverse lineup of participants included professors, retired government officials from departments like postal, forest, and police, as well as dedicated farmers and bright school children – all united by their shared passion for language and artistic expression.
Notable presentations included works by Abhijna P.M. Gowda, M. Aiyappa, Khatyayini P., and Krantiveer Simha, among others. A farmer from Mandya moved the audience with a poignant poem on ‘Livelihood,’ while Kumar Chalavadi’s verses vividly depicted the struggles of the elderly. Jalaja Shekhar from Kodagu channeled the collective grief following a terrorist attack in Kashmir into powerful poetic expression.
The younger generation also shone brightly. Dhanya G. Aras, an 11-year-old from Hebbaluguppe in H.D. Kote, presented her heartfelt poem ‘Namma Nadu’ (Our Land). M.K. Nishanth, a 14-year-old poet, garnered considerable acclaim for his perceptive poem addressing the modern phenomenon of children engrossed in social media, metaphorically “scrolling away their childhood” on mobile phones.
The event saw the attendance of several dignitaries, including Deputy Commissioner of Taxes G.S. Somashekhar, Kannada Sahitya Academy president Mukund Raj, and Director of Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies N.K. Lolakshi.