(last)Re. kaviraakshasulu.
STADIGAD.US.ORACLE.COM (STADIGAD@us.oracle.com)
24 Jul 96 12:06:41 -0700
Let me add my few last words before retiring from the debate which of late
has been found to be generating more heat that light unfortunately.
First, it has not been my intention to ridicule any person(s). I only
expressed anguish at some of the trends which decree things either in part
or in whole just because they are plain old. May be some do not accept my
view point. But surely I can not accept the accusation that I resorted to
"tiTTlu". I can not help if I can not convince some people with my argument.
Secondly, I am a bit uncomfortable that the debate has migrated the focus
into battling over the relevance of chandas ( a.k.a old style meter ) and
old principles of so-called-good poetry. As I expressed earlier in this
forum, chandas is a mere tool and the good use is in the hands of the poet.
So is the language. It depends on the mastery ( of this tool ) by the poet.
I do not think, those who advocate the need to preserve, respect or
continued use of the so-called-chando poetry also insist on the top merit
of rigid meter(s) - strict lakshana(saastra) obedience - outdated language
too. As long as the poet succeeds to convey his message, he can employ any
tool old or new and hopefully the criticism should be directed more
towards the message intended than the tools employed.
Another point. Several of the thinkers expressed that the poet has a
commitment to the needs of the society. As persons living in a society
poets naturally respond to the problems and needs of the society. If
they do not not, they are living in their own world and their poetry
faces the hazard of not reaching people. That is understandable.
But I am against judging poetry in terms of the social commitment
expressed as an exclusive measure. If poets must follow this or any
rigid measure, their liberty gets hampered. Let us try to respect the poet's
freedom in creating his work to his/her satisfaction. Poetry which fails
to satisfy the poet is doomed before delivery.
Last point. if we be little our heritage, we are cheapening ourselves.
I know. "puraaNa mityEva na saadhu sarvam". But, the way we all are
proud of our parents irrespective of their weaknesses, we are also
hopefully proud of our heritage. We try to better society by trying
to improve upon what was passed on to us by heritage. Even if we must
make changes to some aspects of it, we should exercise caution not to
disgrace them just because we must deviate from them.
In the process of the debate which I found useful and educating,
I may have hurt the feelings of some members of the forum.
I beg to be excused if such was the case.
Thanking you all.
Tadigadapa Syamala Rao.
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