Non-profit and non-sectarian literary group Chennai Poets’ Circle (CPC) recently marked its 25th annual seminar at TAG Auditorium, Ramakrishna Mission Higher Secondary School in T. Nagar, Chennai.
The focal point of the seminar was the launch of Efflorescence 2025, the group’s 25th anniversary anthology. This milestone publication features the verses of 143 poets, spanning a wide age band, from a nine-year-old student to veterans aged 80 and above. The anthology was officially released by chief guest K. Ganesh, former associate professor and head of the department of English at Madras Christian College, according to a press release.
The seminar drew approximately 60 poets from across India, including representatives from Maharashtra, Telangana, West Bengal, Kerala and Karnataka. Notably, over a dozen budding poets featured in the collection participated in the session, accompanied by supportive parents and teachers.
In his welcome address, M. Thirumeni, chairman and a founding father of CPC, emphasised how writing in English served as a bridge, connecting a community of writers across geographical borders. S. Kannan, president and co-founder, addressed the relevance of ‘poetic consciousness’ in the age of AI, while paying tribute to the stalwarts of CPC who paved the way for Indian English writing, says the press release.
In an erudite keynote address, K. Ganesh framed the concept of Efflorescence as the literal “act of flowering”. He traced the literary trajectory from the seasoned perspectives of pre-90s poets to the evolving sensibilities of the millennial generation. He highlighted that poetry celebrates “unity in diversity” and suggested that by engaging with translations, writers can learn to write more “unselfconsciously”, free from the pressure to conform to rigid Western standards..
The event also featured the launch of In a Cage and Beyond, a poetry collection by eminent Nagpur-based writer Ratnakar D. Bhelkar.
A poetry-reading session, seamlessly anchored by secretary Hema Ravi, offered joyous, poignant and introspective moments as the audience listened to diverse voices, including award-winning poets. Additionally, a research paper presented by Debdoot Mukherjee from Kolkata was chaired by Sridevi Selvaraj, a renowned bilingual writer and academic, the press release adds.
The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks by treasurer Ravi Ranganathan, followed by a delicious lunch. The day left participants energised for the next chapter of CPC’s journey.
Poets interested in the activities of the Chennai Poets’ Circle may contact Hema Ravi at chennaipoetscircle@gmail.com.