A poetic celebration for Gurudev
CHENNAI: Though the name of the event, Asmita, was abstract, it was obvious from the list of participants that it was a poetry reading session. The event was called Asmita because it had individuality — all the participants were Tamil women poets and writers.
As part of the week-long celebration of Rabindranath Tagore’s 150th birth anniversary, the contemporary poets Vaigai Selvi, Sakthi Jothi, Andal Priyadharshini, Elampirai, Arankamallika and Uma Sakthi read out their recent, old and favourite poems at the Connemara library, Egmore.
Vaighai Selvi chaired the session and began with one of her old verses, Ammi. She also introduced other poets before welcoming them to read their poems. Sakthi Jothi read out nearly 10 verses, including Gangai (the river Ganges) and Katilin Kadhai (the story of a bed). Uma Sakthi started her session with a poem praising Rabindranath Tagore and went on to finish her other two, Indha Kanathin Thanimai (the solidarity of this moment) and Magal (daughter).
One of the highlights was Elampirai’s poem on Japan, Suriyan Mudhalil Udhikum Theevu (the island where the sun first dawns), which described the sorry state of the island country. It was written just a day before, Elampirai said.
Andal Priyadharshini made the somber hall light with her poem Enadhu Sothu Kanakku Vivaram (the details of my assets).
Her other readings Undiyal (the hundi), Prabanjathin Kadhavu (the door of the universe) were equally lively too.
Conducted by Sahitya Akademi, there will be similar literary events daily at 5.30pm till March 31 at Connemara library.