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Time of India

Pune Poetry Clubs: Poetry clubs bring Pune's literary enthusiasts together

Poetry, of late, is picking up as the go-to thing among like-minded Punekars who share a common love for literature. This has given rise to multiple poetry clubs that now get together every weekend to exchange poems, discuss the ones they may have read and celebrate a literary art form that many have lost touch with. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The rise of poetry gatherings Poetry events have been giving people a chance to not just engage in something they love, but also a way to unwind. Gradually, this has carved a route map for over 20 poetry groups in the city. As Saad Ahmed Shaikh, an assistant professor and the co-founder of Baithak and Beyond , says, 'Ten years ago, there were barely one or two poetry communities. They faced their share of challenges but set things in motion for such gatherings. Venues weren't always accommodating, but these people stayed committed, and slowly, the movement began to grow.' an attendee at a certain poetry circle event (credits - Baithak and Beyond @baithakandbeyond) Disha Tasgaonkar, an author, poet and the founder of Poets of Pune , states that they have a lot of young attendees at events. Acknowledging the important role that social media platforms like Instagram have played in the literary resurgence, she says, 'When young people see their innermost feelings mirrored and validated by the poets they follow, it not only resonates deeply but often inspires them to begin their own creative journeys." Disha's thoughts are mirrored by 18-year-old student Amita Gurav for whom poetry holds a deeper significance. She shares, 'Poetry became an emotional outlet for me and helped me in more ways than I expected. These gatherings are a powerful way to connect with like-minded people. I've learned how others see the world and I've discovered some incredible poems that continue to inspire me.' Garima Mishra, founder of KavitaKAFE , another poetry group from the city, adds, 'It's particularly uplifting to see these young voices move beyond the pursuit of fleeting fame on social media platforms.' Tired of too many ads? go ad free now ALSO READ: Should you ditch a party for a poetry gathering this weekend? The answer to this question may depend on whether you like poetry or are just keen to see what these events offer. Either way, many attendees often turn up out of curiosity but stay back after falling in love with poetry. Take Nishant Sahu, a 45-year-old accountant, for example. Nishant recently attended one such event with his wife. 'She's a writer but had never attended something like this before. We thought we'd just try it out, but once we were at the gathering, it opened the door to a completely different world,' he says, adding, 'People from different parts of the country and walks of life came together and express themselves through poetry, ghazals, nazms. It was moving.' In a world where we are constantly looking for safe spaces, these meetings are the silver lining. People support each other. It's not just about poetry. It's about building healthy communities where open conversations are encouraged,' says Sonali Rasal, founder of multiple poetry circles including The Literati, on a concluding note. Group photo from an event hosted by Tape a Tale The flourishing of poetry clubs and events in the city has breathed new life into the literary and cultural landscape. The enthusiasm we witness at the open mic sessions, especially among the youth, is remarkable. Young poets, performing in both Hindi and English, display not just raw talent but also a dedication to the craft. - Garima Mishra, founder, KavitaKAFE Some poetry communities in the city to lookout for