Launch of anthology Open Spaces: 50 Poets 50 Poems in Delhi on 24th July

On the evening of July 24th, the Palm Court Conference Room at the India Habitat Centre (IHC) in Delhi was brimming over with established poets, young poets, poetry aficionados and assorted wannabes whose presence, in a curious and special way, seems a must at such events.  Even standing space was scarce. The anthology Open Spaces: 50 Poets 50 Poems, published by Open Space, Pune and edited by poet and novelist Priya Sarukkai Chabria was launched here amidst bonhomie and a spirit of celebration.  The poems are drawn from contributions to the site Talking Poetry South Asia.

Delhi Poetree, which hosted the evening, has been pushing the envelope – or rather—the book as far as focus on poetry is concerned in Delhi by hosting many poetry events and, perhaps more extraordinarily, planning a variety of ameliorative measures for poets in need, especially the aged, under the dynamic stewardship of poet Amit Dahiyabashah.

Dr. Malashri Lal, Joint Director, Delhi University South Campus, who chaired the function, brought to the proceedings her considerable knowledge on all matters literary and her gracious charm. The perspective she gave with her astute and wide-ranging remarks not only knit the evening of diverse voices together but also focused on the faith that such ventures draw on as they negotiate risk and market demands to deliver the unconventional and necessary through aesthetic means. 

The roster of poets, all Delhi based, who read from their contributions to the anthology included Keki Daruwalla, A J Thomas, Dr. GJV Prasad, Deepa Agarwal, Vivek Narayanan and Annie Zaidi.  To applause, they also read the works of fellow poets featured in the anthology, thus extending the sprit of solidarity in which the anthology was conceived. Close to 70 copies of Open Spaces: 50 Poets, 50 Poems was distributed at the cost price of Rs. 50/- per copy that evening, indicating the demand for such artistic ventures.

As Priya Sarukkai Chabria noted in her opening remarks, “ It’s remarkable that Open Space, an NGO, is actively participating in the field of cultural practice because it is far-thinking, and sees the arts as a necessary source of consciousness for present and future societies we envisage. For it is clear that society benefits in innumerable ways from a thriving arts scenario.”  She also thanked the poets, each of whom had ‘donated a poem’ to this anthology expecting no other benefit other than that this serves as a poetry outreach initiative that speaks through artistry to clarify thoughts and concentrate on what it means to live in and negotiate today’s world.