THE appeal of poetry is uni-' versal. and for the Bangalis poetry is a magic potion that throughout the ages has Inspired the nation in all Its national movements and great historic occasions. The amount of emotion and ecstasy surrounding the two-day annual poetry festival which is being held in February coinciding the month of our national glory is a testament to our passion for poetry.

As usual organized by the National Poetry Council the poetry festival, is taking place at its traditional venue, on the campus of the Dhaka University.

Though the festival was scheduled to be inaugurated by the pre-eminent poet of the country Shamsur Rahman in absence the opening was performed by National Professor Kabir Chowdhury who hoisted the national flag in the melody of the national anthem. But the ailing poet, being compelled by the inclination he feels to the festival, came to the spot and performed the Inauguration once again.

'Let poetry triumph in the light of the mother tongue' — is the slogan of the on-going festival. Poets, both young and old. from home and abroad arrived at the centre to participate in the festival. Among the most prominent poets were Shamsur Rahman. Nirmalendu Gunn. Rafique Azad. Rafiqullah Khan. Sunil Gangopadhaya. Samarendra Sengupta. Druba-jyoti Bandopadhaya. Chan-drakanta Murasing. Joydev Bashu. Mandakrantra Sen. Shebonti Ghosh. Ratul De-vbormon. Stephen Muldoon.

In his inaugural speech poet Shamsur Rahman, upholding the role played by the poets in I shaping the national history. . said that "Though it goes [ against the nature of the poets who are basically loners, they took active part in the movement against autocratic forces." He also expressed his deep sor-row pointing at the fact that the nation is now in the grip of fundamentalists and religious fanatics." He called upon the poets to come forward spontaneously to rescue the country from these dark forces.

Reading out the declaration. Sayed Shamsul Haque said that something novel and fresh should be initiated in every sector so that "the world may become a place more enriched, peaceful, and developed in every field . About poetry Haque observed "Poetry assumes the subtlest expressions and remote signals of language and desires. He concluded by expressing his optimism that "Let every corner of the world be Illuminated in the light of poetry."

Samudra Gupta, the Jointconvener of the festival, in his address, said in his usual optimistic note. 'The poetry festival, surmounting many obstacles. has stepped into Its 14th year, and now we can announce with considerable confld nee that it will make its centenary as smoothly as it is enjoying its present success In our cultural firmament."

"In spite of the despondency, frustration, uncertainty, and grief that exist in the society, there is no cause for succumbing to these as long as poets live. concluded Samudra Gupta.

Highlighting the recognition of the 21st February as the International Mother Language Day. the convener of the National Poetry Festival Council-2000 Rabiul Hussain said, " poetry is a constant companion to men in both well and woe. As long as persecution, maltreatment. despicable Intentions, poverty, starvation, anti-democratic activities exist in the national. social and personal life, poetry will work as the so rce of salvation." He also expresses the hope that the festival will one day proclaim Itself as an internationally celebrated one.

The Joint-Secretary of the "Council. Mohammad Samad said, 'The poets are always conscious of the sovereignty of the motherland and also of dreams and aspirations of her people". The president of the council Belal Chowdhury said. The zeal and enthusiasm that is observed surrounding this memorial poetry festival is rare in the whole world,"

The second session of poetry recitation commenced in the afternoon and many poets from different parts of the land recited many poems. Their recital was really worth hearing. Mother tongue. 2'st February dedication for the motherland, pangs and problems of modern life — these were the main themes of most of the poems. Beside these, some funny and laughter -inspiring objects of life, bond between individuals, dreams, aspirations etc had made room in some of the poems.

One. occupying a seat in the festival, while listening to the recitation, not only enjoys the mellifluous language replete with rich imagery, but also knows about the numerous ways of looking at a thing, at life from various perspectives. The fluctuation in tone and on>o(1 al the recitation creates a kind of unidentified sensation within. One's attention is easily arrested by the heart-touching melody and rhythms of composed words.