39th World Congress of Poets inaugurated at KIIT
Poetry has the power to change, transform and bring in a better social order said, Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha on October 2, 2019.
Inaugurating the 39th World Congress of Poets (WCP) at KIIT, he said, "We are celebrating the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the epitome of peace and non-violence. And, as the world congress of poets is all about promotion of poetry as a natural and vital network connecting poets to the world's need for cooperation and peace; for us here, creativity coupled with peace and non-violence is taking new strides."
"Odisha is a land of cultural pluralism having a rich and enviable tradition of poetry. The worldview in the immortal lines of our 19th century poet Bhima Bhoi in the UNO Headquarters, which is now illuminating and igniting million minds." he further added.
Speaking on the occasion Akhilesh Mishra, Director General, Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Government of India stated, "Poetry is the way to develop mutual understanding between us. Indian literature and poetry is very ancient. We can develop universal brotherhood and peace through poetry. Our rigved is the ancient poetry of the world. "
Professor Ernesto Kahan, the 1st Vice President, World Academy of Arts and Culture also extended his thoughts on the occassion by saying, "WCP is increasing day by day in terms of quality and quantity. Its main motto is world brotherhood and peace through poetry. We can bring change in the world through poetry."
Dr Maurus Young, President, WCP shared that India is the land of poetry. And, he has seen many WCP, but this World Congress is unique and marvellous. he also thanked Dr Achyuta Samanta for organising the event.
Dr Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT & KISS and President, 39th P gave the welcome address, while Dr MarÃa Eugenia Soberanis, General Secretary, World Academy of Art and Culture proposed the vote of thanks.
On this occasion of 39th WCP conferred D Litt on Eminent Writer and Poet, Padma Bhushan Ruskin Bond; Eminent Artist, Ganesh Haloi; and presented Gandhi Prize for literature to eminent Gandhian and Anthropologist, Acharya Bhabananda.
Poets from 82 countries unveiled the statue of Mahatma Gandhi and paid tribute to him early in the morning before the event. They also inaugurated the public library Karamchand (Gandhi Library) and celebrated Gandhi Jayanti with the 27500 students of KISS.
