Lighting the Way: Honoring Women’s Power
On July 26, 2025, the third Global Voices in Verse event brought together poetry lovers for an evening of cross-cultural unity. The gathering opened with Sonal Shah Jee lighting the ceremonial lamp, symbolizing the sacred Triveni—the merging of Ganga, Yamuna, and Sarasvati, or metaphorically, the divine feminine forces of Durga, Lakshmi, and Sarasvati. The lighting of all three lamps honored Nari Shakti (women’s power) and set a tone of reverence and connection.
Strength in Solidarity: The Hindi-Marathi Dialogue
The theme of unity took center stage when Dr. Parmit Singh, founder of Global Voices in Verse, addressed the ongoing tensions between Hindi and Marathi communities in India. He expressed deep gratitude for the Marathi culture, recalling how his bachelor’s and master’s studies at Mahatma Phule Agricultural University and Pune University shaped his life. He also credited his Marathi PhD advisor, who provided mentorship and financial support during his academic journey.
To celebrate this bond, Dr. Singh recited a poem by the celebrated Marathi Dalit poet Namdeo Dhasal, followed by his own lines of protest and longing for unity:
“A broken heart is like an ocean whose shores are drowned.
I had once tried to win her over by singing a Lavani, a dance famous in Maharashtra.
I was learning Marathi, dreaming of taking her to Chhapra as my Vaiko (wife).
But the rich people came and took away her wedding palanquin.”
These lines, written as a symbolic protest, speak to the pain of cultural division and the disruption of grassroots harmony by political and economic elites.
Poets from Three Nations in One Voice
This edition of Global Voices in Verse was a vivid example of South Asian literary unity, with poets from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh sharing their work:
- Sami Safiullah (Bangladesh) delivered “The Lonely Signature” by Jibanananda Das, a leading figure of modern Bengali poetry.
- Tahir Janjua (Pakistan) presented the mystical poetry of Bulleh Shah, the iconic Punjabi Sufi poet.
- Dr. Shabana Sayeed read a thought-provoking piece in Hindi, while Pallav Shah contributed a Gujarati folk song and a poem by Ramdhari Singh Dinkar.
- Manisha Chowdhary offered “Raat Ye Kahne Laga” by Dinkar and sang a Kajari, a traditional Sawan-season folk song about the bond between sisters-in-law.
- Dr. Alka Chauhan (Pune, India) joined via Zoom, sharing her poignant piece “Kho Gayi Wo Chittiya” and keeping the global spirit alive.
- Debashis Sengupta performed “Doli Mein Bithai Ke Kahaar” by S. D. Burman, bringing nostalgic melodies into the room.
- Subhra Biswas sang the Bangla folk song “Sundori Komola Nache,” infused with Santhali, followed by a piece celebrating Bihu, the Assamese festival.
- Dr. Rajkamal Srivastava recited “Wo Kadam Ka Ped” by Subhadra Kumari Chauhan.
- Divya Prakash concluded with his heartfelt original poem, “Mother.”
Remembering Poets from Around the World
Dr. Singh also paid tribute to poets who transcended boundaries:
- “Batohiya” by Raghuvir Narayan, a Bhojpuri classic as revered as Vande Mataram during India’s independence movement.
- He highlighted the Golden Triangle of Bhojpuri Poetry — Raghuvir Narayan, Mahendra Misir, and Bhikhari Thakur, all from Chhapra.
- Global icons featured included “Liberté” by Paul Éluard (France), “Let Everything Happen to You” by Rainer Maria Rilke (Germany), “Lady Lazarus” by Sylvia Plath (USA), as well as works by Gabriela Mistral (Chile) and Xu Zhimo (China).
Celebrating Community and Joy
The event also became an occasion to celebrate the birthday of Marathi member Dr. Abhijeet Sonawane, strengthening bonds within the group. Global Voices in Verse encourages members to share personal milestones, building a culture of community recognition and mutual respect.
Acknowledgments and the Road Ahead
Special appreciation was extended to Fox Library for offering the venue despite being officially closed, and to Parmit Singh, Rishi Kesh Kumar, and Manisha Jee for providing refreshments.
The gathering was attended by Rishi Kesh Kumar, Dr. Rais Allah Nawaz, Dr. Rahat Sheikh, Dr. Naeem Iqbal, and Dr. Aakriti Tripathi. During the evening, Rishi Kesh Kumar suggested that the works of poet Kalcter Singh Keshri be included in future events.
The next Global Voices in Verse gathering is scheduled for August 30, 2025 — another evening of celebrating cultural harmony through poetry.
