Noel Manuel
The need for the Northeast Poetry Festival is significant for the growing interest and huge potential of emotions and imaginations in the Northeast region. Poetry has always been very closely associated with the Northeast people and their culture. There are two reasons for this bond. Genetically the people from the Northeast are emotional by nature and the womenfolk in particular are role models of this unique characteristic. The men folk on the other hand are creative and artistic. They combine skill with imagination and the result from each of their endeavors is phenomenal.
The Poetry Society (India) has been undertaking tremendous effort to tap this huge resource of emotions and imaginations from various age groups, by way of organizing Poetry workshops, competitions, translations, readings, etc from time to time. To this end, the 1st Nagaland Competition was organized on May 15, 2006 at Dimapur, Nagaland and his Excellency the Governor of Nagaland Shri Shyamal Datta graced the occasion as Chief Guest.
We received an overwhelming 900 entries in 30 days and there were many more that kept pouring in long after the closing date. Cash prizes, mementoes, medals and certificates were given to all. Entries for the competition were free and for the first time in the history of the Poetry Society (India) certificates of participation were given to all those who took part in the 1st Nagaland Poetry Competition.
There are several Poetry activities that we have been lined up for the year 2007 and thought that Northeast Poetry Festival 2007 could mark a new beginning for the Poetry Society (India) in the Northeast.
In addition, we have received so many comments from renowned poets in the region of the need to revive poetry and subsequently considering the idea of tying up with various universities to facilitate the same.
It is our endeavor to host the Northeast Poetry Festival each year in order to give poets the necessary recognition and platform that has eluded them and their talents for years on end. Apart from the English language, we also aim to promote poetry in regional languages to allow the spirit of regionalism to be reflected in modern day society.
