The English Department of St John College celebrated World Poetry Day 2024 in the college conference hall on March 21.
DIMAPUR, MARCH 22 (MExN): The English Department of St John College celebrated World Poetry Day in the college conference hall, a press release has stated.
Delivering the welcome address, Dr Inakali Achumi, HoD of English Department stated that World Poetry Day was declared by UNESCO in 1999 with the aim of supporting linguistic diversity through poetic expression and increasing the opportunity for endangered language to be heard.
She emphasized on the importance of safeguarding our poetic works and to pay homage to our ancestors and poets, while reviving our traditions of oral storytelling through poetry recital. She stated that “poetry is the language of the soul, the ability to express human emotions through limited words” and only a person with a sensible eye can truly master the art of poetic expression.
Peter Banks, Administrative Head shared that poetry is more than just words on a page- it can be a portal through time and space. Banks shared his personal anecdote on how a book that he recently read transported him back to his hometown while adding that the magic of poetry doesn’t end with the poet’s pen; it lives on in the minds and hearts of the readers.
This inaugural session was followed by ‘Poetry Slam’ competition focusing on “Translated Indigenous Poetry” where students from various departments showcased their roots and talent in poetry recitation. The 1st place for the Poetry Slam went to Impoktiba (History Department) and 2nd place to Tarenkala (Political Science Department). Collective poetry writing was also held during which each person was encouraged to contribute a line in order to collaboratively create a poem. Bookmarks were also distributed as a small token of appreciation to everyone.
