Poetry of life

Poetry, music, dance, theatre and free speech capture the capsule of happiness that life has provided us. Even the most tragic of events hold forth in their arms a sheaf of poems and a collection of literature. This is the month we celebrate world poetry day. Poetry captures the deepest feelings of the human spirit - joy, wisdom, failures and terrors.

“By paying tribute to the men and women whose only instrument is free speech… By giving form and words to that which has none - such as the unfathomable beauty that surrounds us, the immense suffering and misery of the world - poetry contributes to the expansion of our common humanity, helping to increase its strength, solidarity and self-awareness,” says Irina Bokova, Director General of UNESCO.

World poetry day is celebrated on March 21st as declared by UNESCO. The purpose of the day is to promote reading, writing, publishing and teaching of poetry. The Romans celebrated poetry on the birthday of the great poet Virgil.

Poetry preserves the authentic feelings of people by creating an oral tradition. Many languages with no script, like Tulu — my own language, is preserved in the oral tradition.

Poetry breaks down barriers created by conflict. It makes us realise that as human beings, our innermost desires and feelings are the same. More translations into commonly read languages, like English, can bring about a better understanding and peace in the world.

Each country celebrates Poetry Day in his own way. An Austrian coffee company offers a deal for coffee drinkers to pay with a poem. Last year, 1,00,000 coffee drinkers in 27 countries paid for their coffee with a poem. Poetry makes us capture the most beautiful and elevated thoughts of our time on earth. So why not start writing poetry?

The writer is the author of Everyday Happiness Mantras