World Poetry Day is observed every year on March 21st to honor and promote the art of poetry. It’s that time of year when a wide range of people demonstrate their literary abilities. A variety of events are held to promote those interested in poetry. Among the events are poetry readings, seminars, performances, and competitions. The day commemorates the publication of new poetry collections as well as the organization of poetry contests.
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WORLD POETRY DAY 2023: HISTORY AND SIGNIFICANCE
The day was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) at its 30th General Conference in 1999. The goal of this day is to recognise poetry’s unique ability to express the creative side of people’s minds. This day also promotes cultural diversity, which helps to strengthen relationships and promotes peace. The goal of this day is to preserve many languages and cultures while also recognising individual genius expressed through poetry.
#WorldPoetryDay pic.twitter.com/Z7plvgXtph
— University of Lucknow (@lkouniv) March 21, 2023
Poets of Assam
Madhava Kandali (14th century) was the first great Assamese poet, translating the Sanskrit Ramayana and writing Devajit, a Krishna narrative. The bhakti movement resulted in a significant literary upsurge. Shankaradeva (1449-1568) was the most famous Assamese poet of the period, whose many works of poetry and devotion are still read today and who inspired poets such as Madhavadeva (1489-1596) to write lyrics of great beauty and many more who followed.
- Srimanta Sankardeva:
Srimanta Sankardeva was a 15th-16th century Assamese renaissance man who was a saint-scholar, poet, playwright, social-religious reformer, and significant figure in Assamese cultural and religious history. He is widely credited with inventing new forms of music (Borgeet), theatrical performance (Ankia Naat, Bhaona), dance (Sattriya), and literary language (Brajavali). In addition, he left a large literary oeuvre that included trans-created scriptures (Bhagavat of Sankardev), poetry, and theological works written in Sanskrit, Assamese, and Brajavali.
2. Hiren Bhattacharya
Hiren Bhattacharya, also known as Hiruda, was an Indian poet and lyricist best known for his works in Assamese literature. He had numerous works published in Assamese and won numerous awards and accolades for his poetry, including the Bharatiya Bhasha Parishad Award, the Bishnu Rabha Award, the Rajaji Puroskar Award, the Soviet Desh Neheru Award, the Sahitya Akademi Award, and the Assam Valley Literary Award.
Few of his notable poetry works are Roudro Kamona, Kobitar Rod, Tomar Bahi, Xugondhi Pokhilaa, Mor Desh aru Mor Premor Kobita, Mur Prio Bornomala, Bhalpuwar Buka Mati, and Bhalpuwar Dikchou Batere.
3. Nalini Bala Devi:
She was a well-known writer and poet of Assamese literature, known for both nationalistic and mystical poetry. She received the Padma Shri in 1957 for her contribution to literature, and the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1968 for her poetry collection Alakananda. She is the first Assamese woman poet to be awarded the Padma Shri and the first lady to preside over the Assam Sahitya Sabha. Her first collection of poems, Sandhiyar Sur (Evening Melody), was published in 1928 and was later adopted as a textbook by Calcutta University and Guwahati University in 1946 and 1951, respectively.
Her other works include Alakananda, Sopunar Sur (Melody of Dreams), Porosh Moni, Yuga Devata (Hero of the Age), Shesh Puja(The last worship), Parijator Abhishek, Prahlad, Meghdut, Suravi, Rooprekha, Shantipath .
4. Nilamani Phookan :
Phookan is the third Assamese poet, author, and writer to receive the prestigious award, following Birendra Kumar Bhattacharyya and Mamoni Raisom Goswami.
Nilamani Phookan’s work is full of symbolism, inspired by French symbolism, and is typical of the genre in Assamese poetry. She was born on September 13, 1933, in Dergaon, Assam’s Golaghat district.
In 1990, he was awarded the Padma Shri, and in 2002, he was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship. In 1998, the Cultural Department of the Government of India appointed him as a ‘Emeritus Fellow’ for a two-year term. He was also named a ‘Sahityacharya’ by the Assam Sahitya Sabha. Among Phukan’s notable works are ‘Xurjya Henu Naami Aahe Ei Nodiyedi,’ ‘Kabita,’ and ‘Gulapi Jamur Lagna.
5. Nabakanta Barua:
His most notable and popular poems are collected in the book Kapiliparia Sadhu. He composed eleven poems. Polokh, Monot Pore Arundhati, Norokot Don Juan, and Crussot Don Juan are some of Barua’s most important poems. In 1984, he launched the Assamese magazine Sirolu, which was later renamed Notun Sirolu.
