Share your poetry, join Dombivli poetic gang on Fridays

DOMBIVLI: A café near Dombivli station was bustling with activity last Friday. The crowd mostly students were eager to share their thoughts on girl child, transgenders and the changing society.

This was the fourth time the group was meeting and it is slowly gaining popularity.

Poetic Friday, as the event is known, is a gathering of likeminded talented people who express themselves through poetry. It is held every third Friday of the month.

“Poetry is an expression of your soul. The initiative helps us recite, discuss and share the love of poetry with other enthusiasts in the city,” said Vinay Naik, 19, who started the initiative with his friend Pushkar Kalkar.

Both are students of Nandurkar College, Dombivli. Naik and Kalkar started the event so that it would help people take a break from the monotonous schedule.

“The two-hour session sees a lot of participation,” said Naik. “The idea is to explore your creative side, make friends and spend some time connecting with people.”

The topic is decided at the session, said Kalkar. “It can be anything ranging from traffic issues to civic problems. It should be something that interests us or bothers us,” he said.

The two had never imagines that idea would be a big hit. “We started with seven members and have 40 now. It’s not the number count which drives me, but the enthusiasm and energy of participants which bring us under one roof,” said Naik.

The group said they are apolitical and discuss only social issues through their poems.

Harshal Sawkare, 19, a guitarist and music lover from Dombivli feels that this is the perfect setting for people to express their views. “This is the time we get to introspect and discuss,” said Sawkare.

Poetic Friday is open for all and entry is free.

Shalaka Lalit, 25, a resident of Dombivli, has got a platform to share her views. “I write poetry in advance, mostly on trending issues,” said Lalit.

Those who want to participate, can get in touch with Vinay Naik at 07506377654.

RISHIKESH CHOUDHARY A group of youngsters attend a session of Poetic Friday at a cafe in Dombivli. A young girl reads out a poem during the meet.