The second gathering of Global Voices in Verse took place on May 31, 2025, at the Fox Library in Arlington. The event began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony led by senior community member Pushpa Karna, symbolizing knowledge, peace, and the illuminating power of poetry.
Welcoming Words and Global Connections
Founder Dr. Parmit Singh introduced the chief guest, Beena Sarwar—a Boston-based acclaimed journalist and artist. She holds a master’s degree from the University of London and was a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University in 2006, as well as a Fellow at the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy at Harvard Kennedy School in 2007. She has taught journalism at Harvard Summer School, Brown University, Princeton University, and Emerson College. Beena is the founder of the Southasia Peace Action Network (Sapan), launched in March 2021, and a three-time elected council member and founding member of Pakistan’s Women’s Action Forum. She joined the event via Zoom from Karachi, Pakistan.
A Tribute to Faiz Ahmed Faiz
Beena shared a video clip featuring acclaimed vocalist Apoorva Mudgal and guitarist Rita Modak (who also accompanies Ali Sethi), presenting the Faiz poem “Nahi Nigah Mein Manzil Tau Arzoo Hi Sahi” at a Sapan (Southasia Peace Action Network, https://southasiapeace.com) gathering in New York in 2023. The performance highlighted Faiz’s enduring message of hope, resistance, and the human spirit.
She emphasized how poetry nurtures love, peace, and social harmony. She encouraged such community initiatives and promised to attend in person and collaborate upon returning to Boston. She also recommended exploring the website Rekhta (https://www.rekhta.org), which has compiled a rich collection of Urdu poetry.
???? A Cross-Border Tribute to Timeless Poets
The central mission of Global Voices in Verse is to celebrate poets from around the world, in any language. This second gathering initiated a new tradition: paying tribute to global poets who have shaped our emotional and literary landscapes. Dr. Parmit Singh introduced eight influential poets, sharing their significant works or most memorable lines:
–Han Kang (South Korea): Dr. Singh read “Where Could Love Be,” a thoughtful poem Han Kang wrote at age eight, pondering the elusive nature of love.
– Nagarjun, Mahadevi Verma, Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, and Rabindranath Tagore (India): He shared lines from Nagarjun’s “Aawo Maharani Ham Uthayenge Paalki” and spoke about Dinkar’s epic Rashmirathi.
– Maya Angelou, Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson (USA): Dr. Singh recited Angelou’s empowering “Still I Rise” and reflected on the enduring appeal of Frost and Dickinson.
– Rumi (Persia): Quoting Rumi’s iconic line—“What you seek is seeking you”—Dr. Singh connected the quote to the same-day publication of his scientific research article, calling it a cosmic blessing. The event flyer featuring Rumi had been designed weeks in advance, and the date was set well ahead of time.
Celebrating Women’s Voices
This gathering stood out for its vibrant female representation. Women from diverse regions and linguistic backgrounds enriched the program with poetry and song.
The strong presence of women was reflected not only in performances but also in attendance, including Beena Sarwar, Manisha Chowdhary, Mamata Banerjee, Rita Kumar, Pushpa Karna, Dr. Mugdha Singh, Sandhya Chanchal, Dr. Shabana Sayeed, Dr. Aakriti Tripathi, Manisha Sharma, Poonam Mehta, Akanksha Pabari, and Dr. Naqiya Ambareen. Pushpa Karna sang a lullaby she wrote when her children were small, describing how the “queen of sleep” lives in children’s eyes because she loves them.
Manisha Chowdhary performed Mahadevi Verma’s “Main Neer Bhari Dukh Ki Badli,” a reflection on silent sorrow and the poet’s spiritual quest for the formless divine.
Mamata Banerjee and Manisha Sharma sang a Tagore song written in 1905, encouraging people to rise from complacency and embrace purposeful action.
Sandhya Chanchal read her poem “Mere Pyaare Dada Jee,” expressing her love for her grandfather. Her reading moved Dr. Singh, reminding him of his own grandfather, Late Shri Ramashray Singh, a farmer from Siwan, Bihar, who used to bring him crabs from the paddy fields each morning.
Dr. Mugdha Singh shared powerful lines on the essential honesty required of teachers, doctors, and advisors.
Dr. Shabana Sayeed, a lecturer in English and Media Studies at Bentley University, read her Hindi poem “Tumhare Aankhon Mein,” celebrating the small, loving gestures—like learning to cook chapati—to win a partner’s heart.
Folk Echoes: Musical Threads of Tradition
As in the inaugural event, regional folk songs were joyfully presented:
Manisha Chowdhary sang a Bhojpuri folk song “Sutal Saiyaan Ke Jagawe Ho Rama,” describing a wife trying to keep a cuckoo from waking her sleeping husband.
Rita Kumar performed the Punjabi folk song “Akhiyan Ch Toon Vasda,” which conveys the ever-present image of a beloved.
Community Contributions
Rajiv Advani recited Sam Walter Foss’s “The House by the Side of the Road,” echoing the ancient Indian idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—“the world is one family.”
Dr. Akhouri Kishore Raghavan shared his original poem “Prerna,” written from a woman’s perspective to explore empathy in relationships. While thanking him for the poem, Parmit Singh remarked that writing a poem keeps a man young forever.
Dr. Praveen Singh recited his Hindi poem “Ye Duniya Bhi Ajeeb Hai.”
Aniv K. Mehta, a student of Arlington Public Schools, also recited his original poem.
Dr. Rais Allah Nawaz shared lines by poet Umair Najmi, who hails from Dr. Nawaz’s native district. In doing so, he beautifully reinforced the Global Voices in Verse theme by highlighting the importance of honoring local poets as part of the global poetic tapestry.
Divya Prakas shared his own writing “Spring’s Joy.”
Hospitality and Teamwork
The event concluded with snacks and warm conversations:
Homemade Indian treats were brought by Pushpa Karna and Manisha Chowdhary.
Parmit Singh arranged water, napkins, and event logistics.
Parmit Singh and Dr. Amrendra Ajay took care of setting up and rearranging chairs and tables, creating a welcoming and comfortable space for all attendees.
Dr. Akhouri Kishore Raghavan and his wife, Dr. Mugdha Singh, generously donated a lamp, candles, and a flower vase.
Acknowledgments
The event was enriched by the presence of community members including Dr. Raj Kumar Mongre, Edward Abhyuday Raj Mogre, Dr. Rajkamal Srivastava, and Dr. Mohd Kamran.
Deep gratitude to every participant, poet, singer, and listener who made this gathering possible. Special thanks to Beena Sarwar, the staff at Fox Library, and all the voices that came together to celebrate poetry across languages and borders.
???? Stay Connected & Upcoming Gathering
To relive the beautiful moments from this event, follow us on social media where photos and video clips are being shared. Your likes, shares, and comments help amplify the voices we celebrate.
???? Mark your calendar:
The next Global Voices in Verse gathering will be held on June 28, 2025. Join us again as we continue to explore poetry across languages and cultures.
???? Feature Your Favorite Poet:
If you’d like a particular poet to be highlighted on the next event flyer, please share their name with us in advance. Let’s keep building this global celebration—together.
