Kritya to us is a dream realized – she has now become the godchild of a number of poets, artists and patrons from all over the world. She has been lucky enough to be led firmly even amidst quite a few obstacles. And now she has reached a stage when an international poetry festival is held in her name. So, as on the occasion of any joyous festival, my dear friends, let us rejoice in the name of poetry. Let us acknowledge the fact that poetry is going to be celebrated through all lands and climes and forever.

At Kritya, we are sure that this is going to be a unique occasion when the east and the west meet and interact against a background of some of the greatest poems penned. What can be more relaxing than to turn the leaves of a volume of poetry or even better, to listen to the poems from the mouth of their own creators?

For me – a daughter of Rajasthan, rain has a significant meaning, and my love for Kerala is because of its rain and sea. That is why, when we thought of a festival, I preferred this time – July—the monsoon time. I feel that the plants, trees and even sands of Kerala enjoy this moment. That is why I chose to invite my poet friends at this particular time to feel Kerala’s spirit while enjoying its literary feast.

Yes, we are ready to welcome you all dear poet friends, with lots of poetry and with lots of love and fun. This festival is a dream project for Kritya, which is a very young and totally independent organization. We are not rich in kind but very rich in our hearts. We wish and hope that all our guests will enjoy our hospitality.

When I dreamed for Kritya I did not dream about an International Poetry Festival. When I am working for this international poetry festival, I do not have any idea about its future. But I am sure Kritya is now, not only my dream but also the dream of so many poets and artists who are helping Kritya in so many ways.

So I will pray—Let our dream grow into a universal dream.

This issue of Kritya is dedicated to our dream for poetry.


Rati Saxena