World Poetry Day
By Dr Arvind Kumar
World Poetry Day is a time to appreciate and support poets and poetry around the world. It is held on 21 March each year and is an initiative of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It was in November 1999 that the UNESCO designated World Poetry Day to be held on 21 March each year. The organization recognized the important role of poetry in the arts and in cultures throughout the world and over time. It also wanted the day to promote the efforts of small publishers with regard to publishing poetry. The day also focused on promoting a return to the oral tradition of poetry recitals, as well as strengthening the association between poetry and other forms of expression, such as dance, music, and painting. The first World Poetry Day was held on 21 March 2000.
World Poetry Day is an opportunity for children to be introduced to poetry in classrooms. It is a time when classrooms are busy with lessons related to poetry, in which students examine poets and learn about different types of poetry. Poets may be invited to read and share their work to audiences at book stores, cafes, universities and schools. Awards and other forms or recognition are made to honor poets and their work. Exhibitions and poetry evenings are also be held to showcase the work of various poets on or around 21 March to coincide with World Poetry Day. In India of yore, the poets enjoyed royal patronage and poets like Kalidas, Ghalib and others could produce classics which are still adored. Poetry should be encouraged and kept alive through lucrative incentives.
