Poetry Is A Critical Part of Activism

Today I am thinking back to how my adventures in the world of Poetry and Poets actually started. Several years ago while I was studying at the University of Toronto, I was discriminated against a lot—the hints were usually subtle and indirect and sometimes direct! I didn’t know what to do so I prayed to God. Pretty soon, I was able to write poetry. This still surprises me a lot because up till today I have completed only one serious university course in English Literature. I think the fact that I am related to some very creative people including poets and musicians is also tying into this but only to some extent—I am a Rajput by birth. I strongly feel that my poetry is related to my prayers. Read “How I Started Writing Poetry“.

I waited years and years for great teachers and prepared for years and years. I studied Philosophy at the university since this subject teaches how to ask questions and use logic and emotions while activating deep thinking—I was one of the top students in my Philosophy classes. In Nov 2017, I had a lucid dream during which I met Dr. Craig Considine who is an American Professor and Activist; he works on Interfaith projects trying to connect the Christians and Muslims. I met Dr. Craig in Nov 2018 at an Interfaith event; and, I am still in the process of studying his works. I came across Journalist and Activist CJ Werleman while I was reviewing Craig’s Twitter account. I had a great feeling about CJ Werleman when I thought about him and his works; and, I also had a good lucid dream about him. So I connected with him as well and started reading his works in detail. Gradually, I was able to see through some of their teachings properly. Thus, I was able to continue working on one of my older projects, “poetry dedicated to human rights issues”. I was actually pursuing this project when I paused this project for years so that I may get involved in deeper thinking and analysis, which will eventually help me move this project forward.

Today, occupied Jammu and Kashmir is being abused by India; thus, I feel compelled to write this post. I feel its my destiny to speak out! One of my ancestors who was a Medical Doctor earned Sword of Honour for his services during the WWII. Also he was captured by the Nazis and later released alive. Oh! I heard that he could also write poetry! So obviously, the need to work on Human Rights is in my blood! Furthermore, one of my distant relatives—I have never met him but only heard about him—belongs to Lollywood (Pakistani cinema) and Bollywood (Indian cinema). I don’t bring up his name on purpose because I don’t want to be linked to such singers and poets. Read “Why I Would Not Sell Any Of My Work To Lollywood Or Bollywood“. Bollywood is silent over this issue although some actors discuss the beauty of Jammu and Kashmir. Read “Sonam Kapoor Trolled For Saying It’s “Better To Be Quiet” On Kashmir Conflict. Defends Comment Anyway!” and “Bollywood movies shot in Jammu and Kashmir“; also watch YouTube video “How is Bollywood related to the Kashmir dispute?”. I thought about what was going on here. You see Bollywood—and also Lollywood—have a lot of very lame stories that they can easily sell because they have some great poets and singers at their end. Songs are their secret ingredient! I am calling songs a secret ingredient because human brain cannot fight back poetry. According to “The Human Brain Is Hardwired for Poetry” poetry increases stimulation of mind and sense of mental reward while challenging the existing mindset.

Thus, it has become clear to me that sociological norms and stereotypes, which are basis of racism and war, can easily be challenged through poetry. So that was the real answer given to me by God through my prayers! Therefore, I have decided to continue using poetry for activism—I am currently working on a poem about occupied Jammu and Kashmir for my first book “Intertwined“. Human Rights Activists have a very valuable weapon in the form of poetry. You know the secret ingredient behind the freedom of Pakistan was a poet named “Allama Iqbal“. And, he is still considered an Indian icon; see article “Why Pakistan’s spiritual father Allama Iqbal will remain an Indian icon“. But do you know that he is a Kashmiri by birth?