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Poetry has capability to change the world: Vice President

Poetry has the capability to change the world, said M Venkaiah Naidu, Vice President of India at the valedictory session of 39th World Congress of Poets (WCP) at KIIT on October 6, 2019. He said, "Compassion begets compassion. This is an extremely important idea, when propagated through the powerful medium of poetry".

"It is a matter of great pride for us that the Congress is happening in India this year, in the beautiful and historical state of Odisha. I also commend Dr Achyuta Samanta for envisioning poetry as the best medium to promote brotherhood and peace. It his vision that has brought all of us here together to celebrate thoughts, words, languages, rhythm and meaning", Naidu stated.

This year the Congress was held on the theme 'Compassion through Poetry'.

"I believe compassion is innate to all of us. We just have to realise it and practice it consciously till it becomes our habit and all our actions, subconsciously, exhibit compassion, kindness and positivity. Compassion is central to poetry. The events such as the World Conference of Poets will serve as platforms for sharing poetic masterpieces with the world. At the same time, I am confident that this event would inspire budding poets to get inspiration from other poets," he added.

Addressing the gathering, which included poets and writers from 82 countries, Professor Ganeshi Lal, Governor of Odisha said, "Odisha is a divine land the philosophers of spirituality from all over the world have said that this land has the power to liberate. As far as the poetry is concerned, Lord Jagannath is also a Poet."

In his speech, Pratap Chandra Sarangi, Union Minister of State for MSME, Animal Husbandry, and Fishery said, "I pay my respect to all the poets coming from all over the world. I'm inspired by this august congregation."

On the occasion, the highest honour of WCP, 'Golden Gabel' was conferred on Dr Achyuta Samanta by the Vice President of India, while D Litt was conferred on Professor Ganeshi Lal, Governor of Odisha, Santanu Kumar Acharya, Eminent Odia Writer and Dr Prasanna Kumar Patasani, Former Member of Parliament, and Eminent Poet and Writer.

'Prodigy Author' award was given to Anantinee Mishra, the author of 'Treasure of Short Stories' and Most Promising Writer award to Atmika Patnaik, Author of 'The Journey of a Thousand Miles'.

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