HT Correspondent
TEZPUR, June 15: Noted poet and novelist Dilip Kumar Phukan said poetry and literature must remain rooted in the lives of ordinary people and reflect the realities of society while addressing a lecture programme organised by Tezpur Jana Sanskritik Parishad as part of its Silver Jubilee celebrations recently.
The programme, held at Baliram Lahkar Hall of the Asomiya Club, was organised on the theme “Subject Matter, Form and Direction of Poetry” and also featured the release of the first issue of the 23rd year of the poetry journal Prayas.
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The event was presided over by noted poet and president of Tezpur Jana Sanskritik Parishad, Raju Barua.
Delivering the keynote address, Phukan spoke extensively on the subject matter, form and ideological foundations of poetry and literary creation.
Emphasising the social role of literature, he said poetry should reflect people and society and transcend the boundaries of everyday existence.
He observed that natural phenomena such as sunrise, sunset, rivers, hills and seas become art only when they are interpreted and transformed through creative expression in literature and other art forms.
Speaking on the relationship between literature, ideology and social change, Phukan referred to the transformation of Ratnakar into Valmiki and remarked that society views the transformation of a criminal into a socially conscious individual as progress, whereas the reverse signifies social decline.
He also discussed literary traditions, symbolism, socialism and neo-romanticism, stressing that literature ultimately exists for the people.
The latest issue of Prayas was formally released by distinguished poet Bhabesh Mishra, who said readers often remember poetry more than the poet and urged writers to use literature as a medium to convey meaningful messages to society.
Describing poetry as one of the most challenging forms of creative expression, Mishra concluded his address by reciting his poem Kitaap (Book), which received an enthusiastic response from the audience.
Emerging poets Enisha Upadhyay, Mampi Das, Grishma Kakati and Dhananjay Das also presented their original compositions during the programme.
In her presidential address, Raju Barua expressed gratitude to the people of Tezpur for their support throughout the Parishad’s journey and appealed for their continued guidance and participation in its future activities.
The event was attended by several prominent literary, cultural and social personalities, including writer Dr Satish Chandra Bhattacharya, social worker Minakshi Bhuyan, novelist Dr Bhupen Saikia, Asam Sahitya Sabha central committee member Mahendra Kumar Nath, writer Rubul Sarma, cultural activist Anil Bhattacharya, Asomiya Club president Pankaj Bora, writers Dr Kankan Deka and Dr Dulal Chandra Das, writer Siraj Khan, poet Gayatri Devi Borthakur and Maloy Nath of Ellora Vigyan Mancha, among others. The proceedings were conducted by Swapan Majumdar, secretary of Tezpur Jana Sanskritik Parishad.
