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DIMAPUR — The department of English at St. John College celebrated World Poetry Day in the college conference hall on Thursday.
According to a press release, speaking on the occasion, Dr. Inakali Achumi, head of the English department, stated that World Poetry Day was declared by UNESCO in 1999 with an aim of supporting linguistic diversity through poetic expression and increasing the opportunity for endangered languages to be heard.
She emphasised the importance of safeguarding poetic works, advocating for a revival of traditions of oral storytelling through poetry recitals. She asserted that poetry serves as the language of the soul, enabling the expression of human emotions within the confines of limited words.
Peter Banks, the administrative head, expressed that poetry transcends mere words on a page; it serves as a gateway through time and space. He added that the magic of poetry doesn’t end with the poet’s pen; it lives on in the minds and hearts of the readers.
The observation of the day also featured a poetry slam competition on ‘Translated indigenous poetry’. The participating students were from various departments. Impoktiba from the History department secured first place, while Tarenkala from the Political Science department claimed second place.
A collective poetry session was convened, inviting each participant to contribute a line, thus collaboratively crafting a poem. Furthermore, bookmarks were distributed as a gesture of appreciation to all attendees.
Oriental College: Oriental College, Kohima, also celebrated World Poetry Day on the theme "Standing on the Shoulders of Giants."
The programme was organised by the English department, where Limanaro Walling, head of the English department, delivered the keynote address. In her speech, she mentioned that one of the goals of observing World Poetry Day is to draw attention to the importance of poetry in preserving ancient languages, fostering human development, and promoting global awareness.
The programme was divided into two segments, where students of the English department performed original poems composed by themselves as well as by Naga poets.