A Poetic Revival
Poetry Circle 2.0, a revived version of the original poetry circle active in 1980s and '90s Bombay, has been launched to give poets a space to critique
each other's work. Founders Menka Shivdasani and Akil Contractor, along with support from Nitin Mukadam's family, are at the forefront of this initiative. Jerry Pinto, R Raj Rao, Akhil Katyal, and Dion D’Souza also join the new circle. The launch event took place at the People’s Free Reading Room and Library near Marine Lines railway station on September 13. The goal of the new group is to bring together poetry lovers and allow them to exchange ideas in the city. The new group plans to organize meetings on the second Saturday of every month at the People’s Free Reading Room and Library.
A Rich History
The original Poetry Circle, active in the 1980s and 1990s, played an important role in the development of many Indian poets and writers in English. The original circle's founders, Shivdasani and Contractor, established a sense of preserving history and tradition. Their efforts demonstrated that the circle was not just about the past but a legacy that would continue. The revival launch on September 13th was attended by a large crowd and included readings and discussions. A rhyming English translation of a devotional poem in Marathi by Saint-poet Muktabai was read out, which captivated the audience. The launch also touched on themes of renewal, community, and history. The founders of the original Poetry Circle shared stories, displayed recordings from the 1980s, and reminisced about their earlier experiences.
Building Community
The new Poetry Circle 2.0 aims to offer a space for poets to connect and share their work. The new circle hopes to nurture a sense of poetic fellowship. The launch event also highlighted the need for open forums where poets can workshop their poems in Mumbai. This initiative aligns with the need for a collaborative environment. The People’s Reading Room and Library, chosen as the venue, echoes the spirit of community and inclusivity. The event evoked a feeling of being a part of a continuing history. The launch's setting was appropriate, especially the venue, which was established by Indians during the British Raj. The venue's origins emphasized the ethos of providing a reading space for Indians who were previously restricted.
Future Endeavors
Poetry Circle 2.0 is likely to include only a few of the original circle's members regularly. The group aims to encourage collaboration and sharing of work in progress. While there are no immediate plans for a literary journal, this could change in the future. Members can contribute to the group's library by donating books. The new group's focus is on creating a participative and accessible vision. The launch event indicated a strong desire for collegial poetic friendships among a community in Mumbai. The event was filled with a sense of excitement and encouragement, reflecting the enthusiasm for poetry and community in the city. The revival of the Poetry Circle signals the persistence of creative expression.
