The anthology features the works of 125 poets from seven of the eight SAARC nations

By Shakil Kalam | Bangladesh

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), established in 1985 under the visionary leadership of leaders like President Ziaur Rahman of Bangladesh and President Hussain Mohammad Ershad, aims to foster economic, social, and cultural development among South Asian nations. Its objectives include promoting regional prosperity, cultural exchange, peace, and cooperation, while safeguarding the independence and sovereignty of member states.

In this context, I embarked on an ambitious project: to compile a collection of poetry from the poets of SAARC countries, gauging how well their works reflect the organization’s goals and ideals. While it appears that such an anthology has not been previously attempted, I sought to explore how these poets perceive and embody the spirit of regional unity, progress, and cultural exchange.

The anthology features the works of 125 poets from seven of the eight SAARC nations, with the notable absence of Maldivian poets. Analyzing these poems provides valuable insights into each country’s poetic style, imagery, themes, rhythm, and sources of inspiration. Contrary to expectations, most poets have focused less on direct regional themes like cooperation, cultural harmony, and development—core objectives of SAARC—and instead emphasized universal themes such as love, humanity, social justice, peace, and human rights.

Interestingly, the poetry from these nations demonstrates a strong sense of internationalism, often transcending regional boundaries. Yet, there is also a noticeable strengthening of cultural bonds within each country, indicating a growing internal unity and shared literary identity. While regional literary and cultural issues are less prominent, the collective poetic expression suggests that literature can serve as a bridge, fostering harmony and understanding among neighboring countries.

The anthology underscores the potential of regional literature to contribute to global cultural dialogue. The poetic voices of SAARC countries, when unified by shared ideals and aspirations, can elevate South Asia’s presence on the world stage and highlight its rich cultural diversity.

In conclusion, I believe that poets and cultural personalities across SAARC will continue to cherish and promote the ideals of regional cooperation and exchange. Their literary endeavors can play a vital role in creating a sense of unity and pride, reinforcing the regions’ cultural and socio-economic progress, and paving the way for a respected and harmonious South Asia.

Read: Transformation Periods in Bengali Literature

__________________

Shakil Kalam, born in Feni district in Chittagong Division of Bangladesh, received a Master’s Degree in Governance Studies from the University of Dhaka. Having also a diploma course on IAS and IFRS from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB), he is known as a Central Banker, Corporate Governance and Internal Audit Specialist, Researcher, Poet, Translator as well as Child-Litterateur. He was engaged as an Additional Director in the Central Bank of Bangladesh. His book “A Handbook of Corporate Governance in Bangladesh” is enlisted as a reference books and taught in several universities including the University of Dhaka.