Poetry embodies the creative energy of culture: Irina Bokova

22 March, 2013

On World Poetry Day observed on March 21, Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO, stated in his message, 'Poetry is one of the purest expressions of linguistic freedom. It is a component of the identity of peoples and it embodies the creative energy of culture, for it can be continuously renewed.'

World Poetry Day was declared by UNESCO in 1999 to promote the reading, writing, publishing and teaching of poetry throughout the world, and to give fresh recognition and impetus to national, regional and international poetry movements.

According to UNESCO, poetry contributes to creative diversity of expressions and feelings and provides alternative modes of perception and understanding of the world. The day is meant to support poetry, return to the oral tradition of poetry recitals, promote teaching poetry, restore a dialogue between poetry and the other arts such as theatre, dance, music, painting and so on, adds UNESCO.

"Through its associations, its metaphors and its own grammar, poetic language is thus conceivably another facet of the dialogue among cultures. Diversity in dialogue, free flow of ideas by word, creativity and innovation. World Poetry Day is an invitation to reflect on the power of language and the full development of each person’s creative abilities," informs UNESCO's website.

In India, there is a need to create a better image of poetry in the media which is being considered an outdated form of art.