Valedictory Address of Dr.Siby K Joseph

Valedictory Address at Sahithya Samvad

Dr. Siby K. Joseph, Director of the Library and Research Centre for Gandhian Studies of Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan, Wardha participated in the valedictory function of Sahitya Samvad, organized by the Bharatiya Bhasha Parishad at Shakespeare Sarani, Kolkata, on June 14, 2025. He addressed the poets and participants of Sahitya Samvad, emphasizing that poems are powerful means of communication. He recited a couplet written by Kunjunni Mash, a well-known poet from Kerala, whose translation is as follows: "For Gandhi, Gandhi himself was the disciple; For Gandhi's disciples, the whole world should become their disciples. Except me, everyone should become Gandhi."

The poems recited and discussed here are reflections of the socio-political environment of society, serving a purpose beyond mere entertainment. Gandhi rejected the idea of "art for art's sake" and did not favour art solely for entertainment or pleasure. Instead, he viewed art as an expression of the soul or inner spirit. Although Gandhi was not a poet and did not write any poems other than  a prayer or lyric.Dr. Siby  Joseph noted that poets, like Gandhi, often possess sensitivity that allows them to reflect harsh realities and serve as agents for social transformation.

Referring to poets as introverts, Dr. Siby mentioned that Gandhi was also introverted at times for deeper reflections on society. Gandhi was one of the most sensitive personalities who understood the pulse of the people. Poets, too, are very sensitive, and their poems  are reflections the  of society, and they should play the role of catalysts for change.