Pankaj Prasun connects with youth, bringing science, poetry on one plane
LUCKNOW: Kaise bane sahara dil Blood-pumping ka mara dil Pyaar ghata hai, fat badha hai Cholestrol ka maara dil
These lines recited by poet Pankaj Prasun, 32, which put a poetic spin on physiology and brought into focus lifestyle diseases, drew a thunderous applause from the audience, on Monday.
Prasun, working in the pharmacology department of the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), was speaking during Scientainment, which was part of the centenary celebrations of the Lucknow University.
Prasun, whose unique creations have been recited by Anupam Kher in Times Square, regaled the audience at Lucknow University with his unique creations merging science and poetry, and covering a wide range of topics, including atomic energy.
Prasun said that he had penned a collection of poetry on atomic energy ‘AAo parmanu se prem karein’, aimed at removing doubts about the use of nuclear energy.
His ability to connect with the youth is apparent in lines like
Samandar ki hai bechaini, use sahil nahi milta,
Yahan to aadmi ka aadmi se dil nahi milta
Jahan par khoon Hindustan Ka rag, rag mein behta hai,
Wahan ki pattiyon mein aaj chlorophyll nahi milta…
When he recited the lines above, he received a standing ovation from the youngsters.
“It’s nice to hear that I am the first person to write poetry and satire on science. This has brought me recognition. However, it’s difficult to write a satire on science, which is usually said to be a boring subject; you need to mix humour to attract youth towards science,” he said.
“I want to sort out all the wrong notions prevailing in our society,” said Prasun.
Professor Nishi Pandey introducing Pankaj Prasun on stage said, “In 2007, one young boy came running when our team was going to participate in an annual function saying that he wanted to participate in poetry competition. I asked him to recite one of his poetry which he did and I allowed him to board the bus. The boy was Pankaj Prasun. He bagged all the prizes in the literary section.”