Bhubaneswar: The vice president of India M Venkaiah Naidu Sunday said, ” Artists are very often the conscience keepers of a society” and added, ” They constantly question the absurd and the illogical and help instil positive values in society.”
Addressing the valedictory function of the 39th World Congress of Poets (WCP), here on Sunday, the vice president said, “By sharing common cultural threads, art unites hearts and brings out latent human characteristics to the force. “
“Poetry is a powerful vehicle of intergenerational transmission of values and knowledge. Songs and poetry have been used to pass on traditional wisdom and lessons in morals and values from generation to generation. Indian tradition has relied on poetry for transmission of wisdom and even scientific knowledge. “
“Each and every one of you present here has the capability to be an influencer and opinion-maker,” Naidu told the poets adding, ” You have the unique potential to shape thoughts, feelings and attitudes.” ” I am confident that you will use this tremendous power at your disposal to build a better world,” he called upon them.
The vice president said, ” Poetry should promote peace, motivate people to cultivate universal brotherhood, social harmony and tolerance. “
The international conference of the Congress was held in India this year. The theme of this conference “Compassion through Poetry.”
Odisha governor Ganeshi Lal, union MSME minister Pratap Chandra Sarangi, Odisha minister for culture Jyoti Prakash Panigrahi, president of 39th WCP Achyuta Samanta were present on the occasion.
