In The Name of Poetry
Poetry and Mass Media
Rati Saxena
Poetry and mass media are totally different from each other in their nature, expression and improvisation. Whereas poetry calls for detachment and self realization, media requires celebration and participation. Mass media is that section of media which is specifically designed to target a larger audience. And poetry is this one medium which immediately touches the strings of the human heart. Poetry impacts a sensitive heart, a heart that is responsive and empathetic. When mass media attempts to influence the larger section of the public quickly and effectively, poetry works at a slower pace, but perhaps much more effectively and sensitively at a deeper level. However, poetry often has fewer receivers, and so has lesser strength and position in society. But working together, poetry and mass media are two mediums that can bring a social revolution. Mass media needs to take some aid from poetry while addressing socio-political issues. Poetry and lyrics can also play a vital role in society.
If I talk about my country, there is no doubt that media is in a very strong position and is highly perceptive of the likes and dislikes of the masses. It has gradually affected every one’s mind and views. It affects the choice of masses regarding everything from toothpaste to night cream. On the other hand, poetry is being pushed away from the life of the common man. However, in some situations, media uses poetry for its own end while influencing the masses and shaping their views.
When we go back to our past, we see the clear impact of poetry in all streams of knowledge including mathematics, science and political science. The Lilavati of Bhasakracarya remains one of the best books on mathematics written in beautiful poetry even today. Chanakya was able to teach politics through poetry (the language of Neethi Shastra is poetry). The language of philosophy has always been poetry. The world’s first available book Rig Veda is written in the poetic medium, and belongs to our country.
In spite of its inherent rich potential, poetry as a medium of art is facing a big challenge from our society and mass media in modern days. Our films, soap operas and television are securing stronger positions in the common man’s heart. Our people would rather watch cricket than read anything, including poetry. But poetry is like the roots of the banyan tree, spreading under our feet.
Most of us are poets in one way or the other. Public motor vehicles always carry some popular poetic catch words on their body, that capture public attention. Most of the advertisements of dresses, jewellery and other consumer items never forget to take resort in poetry. We even like to greet our cricket players with poetry.
But again, if we look at the poetry as an individual art form, it does not have as strong a foothold as other mediums like cinema, television etc. We just cannot allow poetry to be pushed to the background and exploited only when the need arises. As a sacred art form, poetry needs to be placed on a strong pedestal and given its due importance and attention. At Kritya, we feel the absolute necessity of looking into this problem; in fact, our organization is a step in this direction. Kritya works for poetry in a different and unique way. We run two monthly journals in English and Hindi, in which we revive old poetry and give a solid platform for contemporary poetic thoughts. Believing that poetry itself is a language, we give pride of place to poetry in all world languages through translations.
We also organize poetry workshops for young poets, who can be motivated. Our main work in this field is poetry festivals, in which we try to bring art, film, theatre, photography and other art forms together with poetry. Poetry has interrelations with all other art forms and if we can develop this relationship in a positive manner, poetry is sure to secure an extra richness and reach out to the mass without media. More importantly, mass media should recognize the potential of poetry in touching human hearts and give it a creditworthy position. It should work hand in hand with poetry, instead of sidelining this unique form of artistic expression.
Paper read in Struga Poetry evening- By Rati Saxena
Macedonia
2010