THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The three-day international poetry jamboree came to a close on Tuesday, with poets from 17 countries witnessing the valedictory function. The guests, Cultural Department Secretary Rani George, Kerala Sahitya Akademi president Perumbadavom Sreedharan, poets Richard Jackson from the US, Liana Langa from Latvia and Kamal Vora, lighted the lamp.
Rani George, chief guest on the occasion, said that Kritya has added another event for the state, that is known for hosting festivals for arts and films.
Presiding over the function, Perumbadavom said that though he was a prose writer, he was a real lover of poems too as it helped him cool down and bring his soul to a pleasant mood. “Poets fight against injustices and cruelties in the world. They reveal the helplessness of the innocent people through verses,” he said.
Rati Saxena, director of the festival, presented a report on the festival. She requested the Akademi to publish the translated forms of poetry presented in the festival as a book.
The programme was also attended by Thankamony Amma, trustee of Kritya, and editor Jayasree.