Poetry of change

Rap Kavigallu, Bengaluru's very own multi lingual rap crew, Beard of Harmony, Bharat Divakar, Nisha Abdulla - lovers of poetry and peace have plenty to look forward to this weekend as 100 Thousand Poets for Change makes its way back to the city. "Poetry, music and rap go hand in hand," remarks Johnson Nishanth, the project head for Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai. "We discussed this with the founders - as long as the theme is maintained, they're absolutely fine with it!" What's more, this year's edition comes with a Dasara twist, complete with a venue decked in traditional golu (dolls). 

"The idea is to bridge the gap between a global, international movement and a traditional festival," said Nishanth. "The essence of Dasara is the triumph of good over evil, so it fits in with the Poets for Change themes as well." He even pulled out talking points from the Ramayana for the poets to incorporate into their work, if they so wished. "Quite a few of them did," he said happily. 

Started in 2011 by American poet, songwriter and environmentalist Mark Rothenburg, the global poetry and arts movement emphasises peace, sustainability and change. It found tremendous popularity and was replicated across the world. Now, over 500 events take place across 100 countries, with poetry readings, music, dance, art exhibits and street demonstrations. In that year, the city of Santa Rosa, California, declared September 24,2011 to be 100 Thousand Poets for Change Day and Stanford University, Nishanth says with pride, also archives all documented and audio visual records of performances from around the world.

"This is the third edition to be held in India," said Nishanth, who came across the project some time in August this year. He signed up with Rothenburg to conduct the event in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. "September 30 is the official date but that doesn't always happen, so any day in the month is okay. The event will happen simultaneously in Bengaluru and Mumbai on September 30." 

The lineup comprises 17 poets, each with their own take on change and sustainability: "The artists have all explored these themes in a very personal sense," said Nishanth. 31-year-old Bharath Divakar, for instance, a gay man who recently came out to his family and friends, talks of change and peace as tolerance towards gender and sexuality. Smokey the Ghost talks of world peace, which he believes will fix everything else. "His performance is largely improvised on stage," Nishanth added. 

What: 100 Thousand Poets for Change
When: September 30, 4 pm onwards
Where: Koramangala Social, 118, 3rd Floor, Koramangala Industrial Area, 7th Block, Above Bodycraft
Price:  Rs 100 at the door