Paul’s poems talk about ‘love for the land’

SHILLONG: The poetry collection, A Return to Poetry, by UDP senior leader Paul Lyngdoh was released by Fr Stephan Mavely, vice chancellor of Don Bosco University in Guwahati. The function was held at The Shillong Club in which IGNOU director Ananya S Guha and folklorist Desmond Kharmawphlang discussed the book.
Guha said return does not mean a hiatus after a long time. “Lyngdoh has been writing for two and a half decades. The poems go back to the past and come to the present. They quintessentially talk about a love for the land-the culture and beauty of these hills.”
Kharmawphlang, speaking on the book, said, “Although Plato said there is a marked difference between poetry and politics, yet I had met poet-singers from the Philippines, Australia and the Balkans who are leaders of their community.”
Kharmawphlang emphasised this as Lyngdoh is involved in both spheres.
Fr. Maverly, who had known Lyngdoh right from his student years, said, “I am happy with Lyngdoh’s metamorphosis. There is a rootedness in these poems which remind me of this beautiful land.”
Lyngdoh thanked Kharmawphlang who guided him with writing in initial years but refrained from speaking about his art. “The poet Pablo Neruda once said that if someone asked about his poetry, he cannot tell, but that in reading the poems one would acquire comprehension.”
He added that in this busy life, people must return to poetry. Lyngdoh also commented on the rally organised by the Khasi Authors’ Society for inclusion of Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. “I think this is more than just a demand for we have come to a point where we have earned. Literature produced form the Khasi Hills has made a mark, and hence audiences from outside should also read our language.”
The event was hosted by RG Lyngdoh with musical performances by Maxter Warjri and KC Lights.