How can one test the effectiveness of the value-based education model of Apeejay Education? It is evident as a young school boy from Apeejay School, Kharghar writes a poem of love, kindness, and humanity as a reply to the ever-cascading Israel-Palestine conflict.
Selected as this week’s Promising Poet of the Week, Bhurbhav Agarwal talks about how he wishes to spread the message of peace through his shabd and vichaar
At what age did you start writing poetry?
I started writing poems last year. It all began when I started reading the book Madhushala written by my favourite writer Shri Harivansh Rai Bachchan (which eventually became my favourite poem as well). Then at school when my Hindi teacher Reeta ma’am asked us to write a poem as part of the subject enrichment activity, my journey into poetry officially began.
What inspired you to choose poetry?
One day, Reeta ma’am asked whether I would participate in the inter-school poetry writing competition organised by the Rotary Club. I gladly agreed and eventually even won the first prize. I then developed confidence in my poetry writing ability and began to work on a small collection of my poems.
Do tell us the thought behind your poem Prem Shanti aur Samarasta Ka Jaadu?
The day I wrote that poem was when I heard about the Israel-Palestine conflict and also came to know that the Russia-Ukraine war hasn’t stopped yet. The main thought behind writing this poem was spreading a message of love, peace, and kindness for all humanity.
Which style do you prefer: Rhyme or free verse?
I have not tried free verse much but I can tell you that in free verse you can express yourself better but connecting to the audience is a bit difficult. In rhyme, however (which I have used a lot) you can easily connect to the audience through the rhythm but finding words can be a bit tricky sometimes.
Writing poems in the day or night.
I don’t write specifically at a time or with some sort of schedule, I just write whenever I feel or a thought enters my mind.
What’s your approach to a poem, your treasured themes?
I take random topics from the current happenings, events, or festivals. It just takes me roughly 30 to 45 minutes maximum to finish a poem. That’s my approach, I keep it direct and simple.
The best thing about writing poetry for you is…
The best thing about poetry writing is that you can express yourself and build interest in different topics. It also helps in improving your quality of thoughts.
