Bhubaneswar: Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu graced the 39th World Congress of Poets at Bhubaneswar’s KIIT University here and asserted that poetry has the capability to change attitudes.
Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal, Union MSME Minister Pratap Sarangi and KIIT KISS Founder and Kandhamal MP Dr Achyuta Samanta were also present at the event.
“Poetry has the capability to change attitudes, mindset and social norms more than anything else. This apart, poetry can serve as a powerful catalyst that could hasten the process of social transformation,” said Naidu while gracing the valedictory ceremony.
Naidu said, “If we aim at a more compassionate world, poetry can be one of the most powerful instruments. We need poets and writers and artists and singers as much as we need doctors, engineers and scientists.”
“Poetry has a great impact on inner chemistry of human emotions, on how we perceive, how we respond and how we behave.”
He urged schools to make poetry reading a mandatory part of the curriculum and asked universities to take measures to encourage literature, arts and humanities education.
“The world needs peace to progress. If you have tension, you can’t pay attention… India never attacked any country because we never believe in aggression, we believe in progression. Share and care is the core of Indian philosophy,” said the Vice President.
“Poets have the unique potential to shape thoughts, feelings and attitudes. Mahatma Gandhi advocated for truth and non-violence. We can stop violence through literature and the arts. Poetry can change the world,” said the Vice President Naidu.
He arrived at the Biju Patnaik International Airport earlier today where he was warmly received by Odisha Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and other dignitaries.