Mysore/Mysuru: Maintaining that poetry has the power to change the world, KSOU faculty Dr. Kavitha Rai said lack of sensitivity among poets will render the poetry written by them as ‘Alaapa’,  which means it lacks in rhythmic pulse.

She was speaking after inaugurating ‘Sanviti Kannada Kavya Sambhrama’, a State-level Poetry Festival organised by city’s Sanviti Prakashana at the Institution of Engineers on JLB Road here recently.

“Kannada land has shown the world the strength of poetry. The vachana movement spearheaded by 12th century social reformers such as Basavanna and Akkamahadevi is an example for this,” she said.

Observing that poets have to raise their voice against Feudalism, Colonialism, Capitalism, Patriarchy and the like, Dr. Kavitha Rai said that poets should also focus on issues such as Nationalism, Fascism, exploitation of women etc. There should be no gender bias when it comes to opportunities, she added.

Writer T. Satish Javaregowda released Mohammad Azharuddin’s book “Lekhana Vihara.” K.R. Nagar Govt. First Grade College Kannada faculty Mysuru Krishnamurthy presided. Maharani’s College of Commerce and Management for Women Kannada Department head Kanchinakere Govindegowda delivered keynote address.

Satish Javaregowda (Literature), Prof. N. Nagendra and C.P. Lavanya (Education), Lakshmish Sharma and M.M.Nikhilesh (Social service) and A.C. Manjunath (Organisation) were conferred ‘Sanviti’ award on the occasion. Senior Journalist Amshi Prasannakumar, Vijayanagar Govt. College faculty Dr. G.H. Mahadevaswamy, Sanviti Prakashana Founder Basappa C. Salundi, Convenor Keerthikumar and others were present.