'Young poets must not care about publicity'

MYSURU: Noted Kannada writer, critic and humourist Prof. Krishnegowda on Friday advised budding poets not to focus too keenly on publicity, and fame, if they wish to harness their creative energies to the optimal extent. “You will be able to give your best to poetry if you shun publicity,” he said.
Krishnegowda, who participated in ‘Chiguru Kavi Goshti’ organised as part of the Dasara Poets’ Meet to provide a platform for up and coming poets, bemoaned the craving among young writers for popularity. “They are less focused on producing their best poems. None can become successful without sufficient efforts. Publicity must not become a drawback for poets,” he added.

Pointing to the uniqueness of poems, Krishnegowda said, “Only a poet is as acutely sensitive towards nature and human experiences. A poem is a form of expression that conveys something in a manner that is not possible otherwise.”

Chiguru Kavi Goshti, held at the Rani Bahadhur Auditorium at University of Mysore’s Manasagangothri campus, was inaugurated by noted scholar Prof. Hampa Nagarajaiah.

“Mysuru has been the home of many poets. A convention or meeting of poets is an old ritual that has been passed on from one generation to the next from the times of the maharajas. It is necessary for budding poets to participate in a conference of poets. Chiguru (sprigs) are as important to a tree as its roots. If the society is the root, poets are its sprigs,” said Prof. Nagarajaiah.

As many as 30 young poets from various schools and colleges read out their poems as part of the ‘Goshti’.

Among others, Chintamanu Koodlakere, T Yellappa were poets present at the ceremony. UoM registrar R Rajanna, MG Manjunath and MS Mariswamy were also in attendance at the meet.