Some evenings stay with you long after they’re over — not because of their grandeur, but because of their heart. March 21st, 2025, was one such evening. At Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bhubaneswar, I witnessed a beautiful confluence of poetry and purpose, celebration and sensitivity. It was the joint celebration of World Poetry Day and World Down Syndrome Day, organized by Ketaki Foundation Trust in collaboration with Swabhiman.
I had walked in expecting a regular literary gathering — maybe some readings, a few speeches. But what unfolded was much more profound. It was as if the air inside that auditorium had turned warmer, softer, kinder — filled with both verse and awareness.
The first part of the evening was dedicated to World Poetry Day, legendary poet Ramakanta Rath. As someone who grew up reading his verses, being in a room where his contributions were honored felt almost surreal. It was not just a literary homage; it felt like a collective acknowledgment of the quiet power poetry holds — to reflect, to resist, to heal.
The event began with a heartfelt welcome by Rabindra Kumar Swain, who set the tone by explaining the significance of the dual celebrations. It’s not every day that two such powerful themes — creative expression and inclusive awareness — are brought together under one roof. I remember nodding to myself, thinking, Yes, this is needed. We need to talk about art and empathy in the same breath.
Raising Voices for Inclusion
The mood gently shifted into the second part of the event — World Down Syndrome Day. Pabitra Mohan Kar, who moderated the event gracefully, guided this transition with sensitivity and depth. He spoke not only as an advocate but as someone deeply invested in the cause of inclusivity. He highlighted the real challenges faced by individuals with Down Syndrome, while also emphasizing the support systems they need — not out of sympathy, but out of justice.
Then Manasi from Swabhiman shared her voice with the audience – a heartfelt and honest exploration of the challenges faced by individuals with Down Syndrome, especially in Odisha. I remember feeling a lump in my throat listening to stories not often heard in public spaces — stories of children battling for basic acceptance, of parents navigating a system that still lacks adequate support structures.
But this wasn’t just about problems. The session also focused on what needs to be done: better training for educators, stronger healthcare systems, more inclusive policies, and above all, societal empathy.
Bharati Parida, a mother to a child with Down Syndrome, read a poem that felt less like a performance and more like a conversation from the soul. Her words carried the weight of sleepless nights, quiet courage, and unconditional love. Manasi Rout, too, brought a personal and emotional perspective that added depth to the evening. It was raw, real, and a powerful reminder that poetry is born in the silent corners of everyday life.
Listening to them, I realized how rarely we stop to think about these realities unless we are directly affected. This session reminded us that awareness is the first step toward change, and inclusion is not charity — it’s a right.
An Evening of Voices and Verses
The evening continued with a rich poetry recitation session, featuring some of the most eminent poets from Odisha — Ashutosh Parida, Basudev Sunani, Badal Mohanty, Dr. Ramakanta Samantaray, Kedar Mishra, Manua Das, Pabitra Mohan Kar, Saqti Mohanty, Saroj Bal, Subhasree Subhasmita Mishra, Sangram Jena, Swapna Mishra and Srisikta Suvadarsini Nayak.
Each poem felt like a universe opening up — some paid tribute to Ramakanta Rath, some whispered personal truths, and some celebrated the sheer beauty of words. I remember feeling goosebumps as certain lines lingered in the air a little longer, finding homes in silent hearts.
Each poet brought a different flavor — romance, resistance, reflections on society, identity, and rights. But what connected all of them was authenticity. These weren’t just literary pieces; they were lived philosophies. The room felt like it was breathing in rhythm with the verses.
And all of them, knowingly or unknowingly, created space — not just for poetry, but for empathy.
As a gesture of appreciation and recognition, all the poets were honored with uttariya and mementos, a tradition that added a graceful cultural touch to the evening. These tokens of respect were presented by members of the Ketaki Foundation, including Gitanjali Swain, Jyotiranjan Swain, Kapilash Bhuyan, Ramahari Jaina, Rabindra K. Swain and others.
The evening concluded with a special moment — the book release of “Subhadranka Aakhi” by Jagannath Prasad Das, one of Odisha’s most revered literary voices. The excitement was palpable. As the book was unveiled, applause erupted, and for a moment, it felt like literature itself was alive in that hall, smiling at its newest offering.
Kapilash Bhuyan delivered the closing remarks, expressing gratitude to all speakers, poets, and attendees. But truly, I think the gratitude was mutual. We were all thankful — for an evening that didn’t just entertain or educate, but deeply moved us.
Behind the event were the relentless efforts of artist and designer Jyoti Ranjan Swain, whom I know personally. This was not just an event — it was a space where established voices made room for emerging ones, where art met advocacy, where poetry wasn’t just read but lived. All thanks to Ketaki Foundation Trust, which continues to preserve and promote Odisha’s cultural wealth, and Swabhiman, whose work with persons with disabilities is nothing short of inspiring.
As I walked out into the cool March night, I felt fuller — not in the way a meal satisfies hunger, but in the way a story, a poem, or an honest conversation fills the soul. I was thinking about connection — about how sometimes, all it takes is a microphone and an open heart to make the world feel a little more kind.
This wasn’t just an event. It was a reminder that poetry still matters. That every voice deserves to be heard. And that when art and advocacy meet, something powerful is born. And I’m grateful I was there to witness it.
