Global poets gather for peace in Kolkata

Women’s College Calcutta witnessed an engrossing afternoon as 12 internationally renowned poets recited their poems with the view to set up a happier and peaceful world. The programme titled ‘World Thinkers’ and Writers’ Peace Meet’ was jointly hosted by the college and the International Society for Intellectual Studies and Research. Dr Shashi Panja, State Minister for Women and Child Development and Social Welfare and Industries, who is also the president of the Governing Body of the College, could not come because of her preoccupation but wished the seminar every success.

Mr Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay, State Agriculture Minister and Parliamentary Affairs, spoke about the long tradition of peace and universal harmony which was preached by Sri Chaitanya, Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda and other religious teachers of Bengal. Maria Mistroioti from Greece is a celebrated poetess from Arcadia. She is the founder of the World Poetry Festival Chalkida- Crossroads of Nations. She has published numerous poetry collections. She is the recipient of the Homer European Medal of Poetry and Art and the Poet of the Year 2023 title from the Suwon KS International Entry Festival. She read out her poem on world peace and a happier world. Alexandra Crette has been an acclaimed professor of modern literature in French Guiana for 18 years. A unionist, anti colonist and a feminist, she is also the founder and director of the journal Oyapock since 2020. An acclaimed French translator, she has many books to her credit. Dr Alice M.Sun- Cua from the Philippines is a celebrated gynaecologist, poet and travel narrative writer. She has published 11 books and was awarded the National Book Award in 2024 for her translation of the Spanish novel Nada by Carmen Laforet. Pedro Enriquez from Spain is a celebrated poet, storyteller and publisher from Garnada. His cultural contributions have earned him several international honours and literary awards. Ali Al Shalah is a renowned Iraqi poet from Babylon. A PhD in Islamic Studies and Orientalism from the University of Bern, Switzerland, he has authored 12 poetry collections. Prof. Bordeianu Catalinion from Rumaniais, a writer, academic and cultural promoter, he is the deputy director of the Romanian Cultural Institute. Mark Macleod from Australia is a senior lecturer at Charles Sturt University and Quaker Advisor at the Friends School Hobart. He is the president of the Children’s Book Council of Australia and has received recognition for his contribution to children’s literature.

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Tran Huu Viet from Vietnam is a celebrated Vietnamese poet. He has received multiple national and international awards. Ahmed Zaabar from Tunisia is a poet, writer and media specialist. His poetry has been translated into French, Spanish, Chinese, Italian, Serbian and English. The event also hosted Stefan Alexandru Baisanu from Romania, an author and philosopher. Aminur Rahman, a celebrated poet from Bangladesh, was also an attendee. His work has been translated into more than 25 languages. Ibrahim Elmasri from Egypt is an acclaimed poet. He is an author of over 30 works with 18 published titles. Anupama Chowdhury, principal of WCC, thanked the poets from different countries for visiting the college. The students presented a cultural programme which the guests wholeheartedly appreciated.