Poetry proved once again that it speaks the universal language of the heart during the launch of Global Voices in Verse at Fox Library in Arlington on April 26, 2025. Rooted in the belief that verse can transcend borders, this community event welcomed poetry in any language and from all ages, uniting voices from India, Pakistan, and beyond in a shared human spirit. “Even if the flow of water between us stops, the flow of poetry must not cease.” — Dr. Parmit Kumar Singh, Founder
Lighting the Way with Wisdom and Unity
The celebration opened with a lamp-lighting ritual led by Manisha Chowdhari, symbolizing collective wisdom and new beginnings. Founder Dr. Parmit Kumar Singh invoked a Sanskrit shloka for the removal of ignorance, setting a reflective tone. He reminded the audience: “Poetry is a sacred medium, not just to express emotions, but to preserve and pass on the universal knowledge of life.”
Voices Across Generations and Geographies
The event featured readers spanning generations—from young children to senior poets—each sharing heartfelt works:
- Aniv K. Mehta, a Peirce Elementary student, began with his original poem The House Fades Away.
- Dibakar Mallik shared and translated Joy Goswami’s Meghbalika.
- Dr. Amrendra Ajay brought to life memories of Mithilanchal village life with My Lost World.
- Dr. Praveen Singh presented two Hindi poems and a regional Pahadi poem.
- His wife, Sandhya Chanchal, read Robert Frost’s Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.
- Their son Prasany Thakur spontaneously took the mic, symbolizing poetic continuity across generations.
- Dr. Rajkamal Srivastava, soon to be married, shared Khalil Gibran’s Fear.
- Dr. Amit Ranjan, professor from MG Central University, Bihar, sang a poetic Hindi film classic.
- Dhananjoy Shrivastawa, a 79-year-old guest from Bihar, shared a personal poem on his homeland.
- Dr. Akhouri Kishore Raghavan read Dhurandhar from his college years.
- His wife, Dr. Mugdha Singh, crafted two spontaneous lines celebrating the initiative.
- Dr. Abhijeet Sonawane read a Marathi poem.
- Dr. Abhigyan Satyam and Divya Satyam each read their original works, adding personal reflections on Bihar.
- Dr. Aditya Garai recited Ladai Apne Aap Se by Harivansh Rai Bachchan, extolling inner humility.
Musical Threads of Tradition
Manisha Chowdhari ended the afternoon with the Bhojpuri classic Lal-Lal Hothwa Se from Laagi Nahi Chhute Ram, one of the first Bhojpuri films. Dr. Singh introduced it with a note on lyricist Majrooh Sultanpuri, who, despite not being Bihari, brilliantly captured its cultural essence. The symbolic tale of the bird and bird-catcher flipped the expected script—just like poetry.
A Cross-Border Tribute
Dr. Singh closed by honoring Pakistani guest Dr. Rais Allah Nawaz, reciting heartfelt lines:
“Even if the flow of water between us stops, the flow of poetry must not cease.
No matter how different our paths may be, the meeting of hearts must not end.”
Referencing the Indus Water Treaty, the message underlined how poetry can be a bridge when politics cannot.
Community Reflections
The event was enriched by the presence of community members including Raj Kumar Mongre, Edward Abhyuday Raj Mogre, Bhavna Kumari, Poonam Mehta, Rajiv Pandey, Dr. Mohd Kamran, Sachin Gupta, and Dr. Mohammad Atif.
Acknowledgments
Many thanks to the following:
- Fox Library for graciously hosting this event.
- Mass Cultural Council and Arlington Local Cultural Council for their generous support.
- Manisha Chowdhari for providing Indian snacks and tea.
- Dr. Parmit Kumar Singh for event logistics and hospitality.
- And all readers—each received a certificate of appreciation.
Capturing the Day
- Poems can be viewed on the YouTube channel.
- Photos are posted on Facebook and Instagram (@globalvoicesinverse).
Organizers concluded the event with a hope for continued gatherings. “This was just the beginning. Let us continue to gather and let poetry speak for the world we dream of.”
