Famous screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar recently gave a penetrating speech at the Samashti Arts and Literature Festival in Mumbai, where he defined poetry as the "language of justice" and the "vocal cords of society." His words highlighted poetry's potential to promote equality and justice while criticizing the lack of ability on the part of right-wing ideologies to give birth to great poets.
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Event Details: Akhtar was awarded the Namdeo Dhasal Samashti Award at the Samashti Arts and Literature Festival, which was organized in memory of Marathi poet and Dalit activist Namdeo Dhasal.
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Poetry as Justice: Akhtar pointed out that poetry goes beyond romance to become a strong tool for justice, promoting equality and universal values.
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Criticism of Right-Wing Ideologies: According to him, right-wing ideologies in the past have been unable to yield great poets because poetry naturally believes in justice and equality.
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Metaphors for Poetry: Akhtar compared poetry to "vocal cords of society," voicing the voiceless, similar to Mahatma Phule and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar did for oppressed people.
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Tribute to Namdeo Dhasal: He hailed Dhasal's legacy as comparable to a volcano that explodes after years of development.
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Urdu Translation Recital: Akhtar ended his address by reciting an Urdu translation of Dhasal's poem Raktat Petlelya Aganit Suryanno.
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Social Justice Movement in Maharashtra: He recognized Maharashtra as the cradle of movements in support of social justice, influenced by the likes of Phule and Ambedkar.
Relevant Sources: Rediff News, Mid-Day, Devdiscourse, New Indian Express, The Week