Sun in the Milky Way – Jaipur Literature festival 2017

The five day mammoth literary mela is a huge crowd puller in every month of January. The tenth edition of Jaipur Literature festival has its list of the most read speakers, writers and authors fascinating discussions and debates on varieties of topics form ‘China’s most radical policy of one child’ to Inner Engineering a Yogi’s guide to Joy by Sadhguru, to Global Hindi diaspora to ‘The enigma of Amma’ were among the numerous session held at Jaipur literature fest.

And it’s needless to state the world largest literary free festival has spring it surprises this year. The carnival spirit was exuded not merely in the buzz of the thronging crowds, the varieties of attire, costume wear and live fashion on display but a magnificent obsession enjoyed by the participants drawn from all corners of the India and abroad.

The highlights were the controversies which seemed to erupt over the top RSS National office bearers calling for attention to the ‘caste reservation’ issue. And the surprise visit of exiled Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen on the last day drawing protest outside the venue.

Another interesting surprise at the Jaipur Literature festival when around 11-a.m., I noticed a huge crowd gathering at the fountain near the entrance to the venue, near the Doordarshan Television crew. The Director, Reporter, Cameraman were busy at work. A spot interview was on.

It was a distinguished looking, suited man they were interviewing.

What a treat it was to listen to him say those magical words – ‘… It is a pleasure to watch the vivacity, vivaciousness and versatility of the people from State of Rajasthan and our national culture…’.

Surely, it is no ordinary personality who could say such words like a song in a most special way.

Once, it was over and the DD crew packed up, I sought an introduction and learnt that it was the published poet from Hyderabad and an eminent jurist of India, who only writes spiritual poetry in English. His first three books, I recalled, immediately, had won rave reviews around the poetry circles. He was christened-‘ prophet of new age poetry’. The titles are: In A Blink, Chasing A Shadow, A Master’s Piece.

Curious as a JLf press cat, I sought his views of this remarkable poet, Pamarty Venkataramana, on the state of poetry in our country.

Here are a few excerpts from what ‘PVR’ had to say-

‘We are a throbbing culture. Regardless of language and irrespective of one’s educational background, we notice that mysticism and philosophy are what endear poetry to our poets. Folklore and mythology enables the curious minds to explore life, society and other religions too.

‘I, for one, have always striven to emphasize one statement, viz; that mankind can turn into humanity only with divinity. . What is life? What is the purpose of life? What is mind-body-soul connection? Why cannot all society live in harmony, peacefully enjoying bounties of Mother Nature?’

‘Marketing firms have churned poor books of literature in recent decades and poetry, as such, has become almost non-existent. Therefore, it is incumbent upon few blessed souls to pen soul stirring poetry and enable resetting of societal mores. Only then would eventually, good governance not be a misnomer.‘

One feels happy to note that five more poetry books of this connoisseur of spiritual poetry are expected to be published during this year.

Perhaps, organizers of future lit fests would present him and a few other hidden gems of the literary world, as their proud fare?

Besides an eminent poet he is also an Amicus Curae, Supreme Court of India and a chief counsel – famous Nizam jewellery & related Palaces, etc. private estates cases. His verse noteworthy was the manner in which he defended the ‘innocence of the Supreme court, the need to respect traditions and customs such as Jallikutta, the need for the act of Parliament to make laws against ordinances promulgated in wake of mass protests by section of public, an uniform civil code for society need to be reset he pointed out.

He said it is of utmost importance to create more opportunities to silence crowd who protest animatedly about need to scrap the reservation based on caste etc, and those in support.

There is always a Sun which emerges from each new Milky Way –like we discovered at these festivals. The organizers of Jaipur Literature festival 2017 deserve all kudos.

The same post has been published in the name of Khushboo Agrahari under same title Jaipur Literature Festival special: Sun in the milky way in http://educationpostonline.in/