Imphal: The Department of English and Cultural Studies, Manipur University, organized the World Poetry Day celebration in 2024 with the theme “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants” on the 21st of March at the Senate Hall, Manipur University. The event was graced by Prof. L. Lokendra Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University, as the Chief Guest, Diganta Biswa Sarma, Professor of Practice at Dibrugarh University, and Prof. Soibam Imoba Singh, from the Department of Linguistics and Dean of Humanities at Manipur University, as the Guests of Honour, along with the President of the event, Prof. Irom Gambhir Singh, Head of the Department of English and Cultural Studies at Manipur University.
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The primary objective of the Department of English and Cultural Studies at Manipur University in celebrating World Poetry Day is to promote linguistic diversity and cultural heritage through poetic expression. It aims to foster creativity, inspire dialogue, and celebrate the rich tapestry of languages and cultures that make up our global community. The event also seeks to display the beauty of poetry as an art form.
Professor of Practice, Diganta Biswa Sarma, refreshed the idea of poetry for the gathering by re-communicating the function of poetry and art in three points: poetry and art embellish life with beauty, they make life more intimate and create a noble life full of meaning, and they reveal the inner self of individuals.
The gathering saw the illuminating presence of Sahitya Akademi Awardees, namely Translator and recipient of Sahitya Akademi Translation, 2020, Bhawani Adhikari, who is also the president of Nepali Sahitya Parishad Manipur; recipient of Sahitya Akademi Award 2022 and Bal Purushar Award, 2011, Prof. Koijam Shantibala Devi, whose poems have also been published by Cambria Press, USA, in the anthology of poetry titled “Borderlands of Asia”. She is also the president of the Cultural Forum, Manipur, and has served as a member of the Manipuri Language Advisory Board for Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi. Dr. Wangthou Khuman, who won the Arambam Ibungohal and Binodkumari Literary Award, 2013, and Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar, 2014, was conferred Yuva Puraskar by Bharathiya Bhabha Parishad, Kolkata.
Furthermore, Prof. Imoba Singh elucidated the connected strings of Sanskrit and English and conveyed the importance of language for human existence. Celebrating the poets who have lived and are living, the event celebrates the pen that brushes in quiet solitude, enriching the lives of people and expanding the horizons of the voiceless and the bold.
Prof. N. Lokendra Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University, stressed the immense contribution of the Manipuri Department in enriching the essence of Manipuri Literature. He stated that Manipur University is the USB of Manipuri thinkers, cutting through cultural and geographical roots, which encompass the diverse cultural-linguistic populace in Manipur. He lauded the volume of poetry production in Manipur as a phenomenal legacy while expressing the unique ability of poems in capturing emotions.
The event witnessed the presence of various delegates and students belonging to different cultures from both within and outside the state, stretching beyond the country to include attendees from Myanmar and Bangladesh. The poetry recitation served as a beacon of hope, paving the path to understanding empathy and unity through language. The recitation also allowed the gathering to pay homage to the poets who have graced the world with their divine gifts of language, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of our collective consciousness.
Prof. I. Gambhir Singh concluded the event by extending gratitude for the various contributions that led to the success of the event. He enumerated the significant role of poetry woven into songs and reminded the gathering about the penetrating features of poetry in creating a shared community, transcending differences of race, religion, culture, and ideology. While signifying the observation of World Poetry Day, he stated, “when language dies, culture dies”. The event successfully promoted linguistic diversity and cultural heritage, fostering creativity and inspiring dialogue to celebrate the rich tapestry of language and culture.