In a world inundated with instant media consumption and fleeting attention spans, the enduring allure of poetry stands as a testament to the power of language to captivate, inspire, and transcend the temporal constraints of modernity. Award-winning Indian poet Arundhathi Subramaniam, known for her profound exploration of existential questions and spirituality through verse, offers poignant reflections on the transformative significance of poetry in an age of rapid consumption.
For Subramaniam, poetry is not merely a form of expression but a profound engagement with the kinetic energy of language. From her earliest encounters with poetry as a child, she was captivated by its dynamism, agility, and lyricality, recognizing it as a medium that dances rather than walks. Embracing poetry as a means of self-discovery and expression, she found solace in its capacity to distill complex emotions and existential inquiries into concise yet profound verses.
Amidst the allure of prose, it is the mercurial nature of poetry that continues to beckon Subramaniam, offering a creatively liberating space to navigate the complexities of modern life. Through poetry, she delves into themes ranging from existential ponderings to deep-rooted spirituality, harnessing the form’s intrinsic ability to evoke wonder, mystery, and introspection.
Central to Subramaniam’s journey as a poet is the cultivation of self-doubt, which she views as a necessary catalyst for humility and introspection. While corrosive self-doubt can erode one’s confidence, a healthy dose fosters groundedness and perpetuates a spirit of inquiry and self-awareness. Through the practice of yoga and meditation, Subramaniam found equilibrium amidst the tumult of creative expression, underscoring the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit in the artistic process.
In navigating the intricacies of poetic form, Subramaniam elucidates the nuanced interplay between meter and free verse, emphasizing the importance of aligning form with the essence of the subject matter. Whether employing structured meter or embracing the fluidity of free verse, each form presents its own set of challenges and rewards, demanding precision, and craftsmanship to evoke resonance and authenticity.
As Subramaniam reflects on her evolution as a poet over two decades since her first anthology, she acknowledges the subtle shifts in her approach to form and content. While her early works exuded freshness and exuberance, her present endeavors are marked by a deeper sense of observation and introspection, tempered by a profound awareness of the transformative potential of poetry.
In an age dominated by instant gratification and superficial engagement, Subramaniam advocates for a renaissance in the appreciation of poetry, urging educators to transcend conventional approaches to teaching and embrace poetry as a multisensory experience. Rather than fixating on deciphering meanings, students are encouraged to savor the sensory richness of poetry, immersing themselves in its manifold dimensions of image, sound, tone, breath, and silence.
As Subramaniam prepares to grace the inaugural edition of India By The Creek festival in Dubai, she brings with her the vibrant tapestry of Mumbai’s cosmopolitan ethos, offering a glimpse into the kaleidoscopic world of Indian poetry. Through her session, she hopes to ignite a passion for poetry, fostering a deeper appreciation for its timeless relevance and enduring beauty amidst the ephemeral currents of modernity.
