Sutapa Chaudhuri
The heart speaks in Poetry. In a world torn apart by violence, distrust and strife, an empathetic, inclusive understanding and a liberal, all-embracing vision of life are sorely needed. And it is only Poetry, the elemental language of human emotions, which can impart that empathetic worldview and bring solace to the violence-torn heart. The healing touch of Poetry can transform hearts, and thus the onus of creating a better world rests on the poet.
It has been the constant effort of IPPL, Kolkata to create an ambient and enriching atmosphere to nurture poetry, creativity and inclusive understanding. The IPPL Journal too is geared towards the same end and hopes to foster creative connections through poetry, criticism and translations. Moreover, it gives space to young talents to showcase their work.
We are very happy that the second issue of the IPPL journal could be made ready in such a short time. In this issue, apart from our regular sections on original and translated poetry by notable and budding poets, and book reviews, we introduce a special feature where we celebrate the life and works of an eminent poet, and also a feature on Poetry as history and/or memory, or in other words, a medium of Life Writing. This Issue becomes a window to life as it comingles joy and sorrow, past and present, old and new, reality and abstraction, memory and lived experience within its virtual pages.
I take this opportunity to thank everyone who has made this issue possible by their creative contributions, productive vision, and hard work. I thank all the contributors for showing faith in us by entrusting their creative talent to us; my heartfelt thanks are due to the esteemed editorial board members for their constant support and active help; and lastly, a warm ‘Thank You’ to our Chief Editor, Professor Sanjukta Dasgupta, eminent poet, critic and President, IPPL Executive Committee, for inspiring and guiding us with her vision of an inclusive, creative world.
A very happy and creative New Year to all