Renowned Marathi writer Aruna Dhere said that poetry is something that demands one’s sensitivity, awareness and wisdom as well as an understanding of oneself and their existence.
“Poetry demands your sensitivity, your awareness and wisdom. It seeks your understanding of life, of yourself and of existence. It asks for your experiences, and the meaning distilled from them,” said Dhere while inaugurating the literary sessions at the Loksatta Abhijat LitFest on Saturday.
The festival began with performances by flautist Pandit Ranu Mujumdar and classical vocalist Dr. Ashwini Bhide-Deshpande. Workshops, book exhibitions, book launches, art displays and panel discussions marked the opening day. The day concluded with “Geet Swanand” by Indian lyricist and playback singer Swanand Kirkire.
Despite rain, the event at Ravindra Natya Mandir, Prabhadevi, drew a strong response. The venue featured installations by fine arts students and exhibits on Marathi literature and culture.
Dhere presented “Me and My Poetry”, featuring readings from noted Marathi poets and personal reflections. She discussed the portrayal of women in poetry and how male poets, especially saints, interpreted a woman’s inner world.
Works of Sant Dnyaneshwar, Moropant, Arun Kolatkar, Indira Sant, B. S. Mardhekar, Na. Gh. Deshpande, Roy Kinikar and Naresh Mehta were featured. She also recalled memories of Shanta Shelke and B. B. Borkar, reciting Shelke’s “Lolaka” and Borkar’s “Nila”.
“As long as poets utter words of light, one must keep holding the hand of poetry—whether old or new. Poets will keep writing, and we will keep meeting them,” Dhere said. Her poems “Jaduchi Killi”, “Srushtiche Ugamsthan” and “Karunāshtak” drew applause from the audience.
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Cultural Minister Ashish Shelar inaugurated an exhibition of caricatures and calligraphy by Nilesh Jadhav. The display included works on film personalities, singers, political leaders and current socio-political events, along with themes depicting social reality and childhood. Jadhav interacted with young visitors on interpreting art, tools and techniques, and the ideas behind his work.
