25-year-old Telugu writer and poet Ramesh Karthik Nayak is set to appear at this year's Bengaluru Poetry Festival.
Ramesh has authored three books in Telugu. (Supplied)
In a fast-paced world of visual content, the art form of the written word, especially poetry, is sadly witnessing a gradual decline. What is alarming is that regional literature is being considered “a thing of the past”, particularly in South India. The success is being attributed solely to noted names from the pages of history.
But young poets like Ramesh Karthik Nayak are determined to present the beauty of the Telugu language through poems and short stories.
The 25-year-old, who calls himself an indigenous writer, is the author of three books in Telugu. This month will see the release of his debut collection of poetry, Chakmak.
Nayak is set to share the stage with noted names and legendary artistes at the upcoming Bengaluru Poetry Festival, happening on 5 and 6 August 2023.
South First sat down with him for a quick chat to know more about his inspiration and passion for spreading the beauty of the Telugu language. Excerpts from the conversation:
Q. What inspired you to write poetry, particularly in Telugu?
A. When I was looking for Telugu literature on my own community, which is the Banjara community, I could not come across any works.
Ramesh is set to release his debut collection of poetry, ‘Chamak’. (Supplied)
I was then reminded of Toni Morrison’s quote, “If you find a book you really want to read but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”
So, I thought I should go ahead and write about my community myself, in various languages, if possible.
Q. Do you think Telugu poetry, as an art form, is popular in India?
A. While I can’t really comment on whether this art form is popular or not, I think the one thing which can help in making Telugu literature more popular is translation.
We have an abundance of Telugu literature, which comprises so many great works, but their translations are hardly available.
I also think the present generation needs to go beyond contemporary literature and start digging up the great works by noted authors and poets from our past.
But here again, the issue of lack of translation can be attributed to this apparent disinterest in classic Telugu literature.
I have often been taken aback by the abject surprise I receive when I discuss Telugu literature with people. So many do not even know of its existence. Clearly, this stresses the importance of translations.
There is little to no literature available on Ramesh’s Banjara community. (Supplied)
Q. Do you think poetry in South India is a dying art form?
A. I don’t think so because these days, thanks to social media, poetry has become more accessible to people.
Even works by great artists are now easily accessible in multiple languages. This inspires others to read more and, in some cases, write themselves.
Yes, poetry has its own secret language that many might not be able to decipher. But regardless of that, this art form is now accessible to people across the social strata. From an autowallah or a coolie to a college kid, everyone can indulge in reading and writing poetry whenever they want.
Q. In the age of social media and visual content, how do you think the art of poetry can stand on its feet
A. As a Telugu writer and poet, I can confidently state that young writers are using the power of social media to spread their magic. Writers like Mercy Margaret are inspiring the younger generation and drawing them towards the world of literature and poetry through social media.
I have noticed that during social movements across our country, like the Telangana movement and the ongoing issue in Manipur, people take to writing about it in the form of stories and poems. And through the power of social media, the world sits up and takes notice of the issues.
Ramesh believes that poetry now has inclusive platforms. (Supplied)
Q. As someone who is just in his twenties, do you think your age acts as an obstacle when it comes to people, especially the older generation, taking your work seriously?
A. Most people, when they used to read my poetry on Facebook, have the image of a very senior person writing it.
I started writing at the age of 15 and when I started putting my work out there, no one imagined that a teenager was behind such works. When they meet me, they are taken aback. They find it hard to believe that I am behind those poems they have read.
I want people to know about my community and I want to do it myself through my work. The intensity behind my intention has made my writing appear to be slightly more mature than my age.
Q. Could you tell us about your work and which particular piece is closest to you?
A. As a person from a tribal Banjara community, I wanted my history to appear in my works. I wanted my tribe to appear as the central character of my book, which strongly reflects in my writing.
His best work is ‘The Story of a Birth.’ (Supplied)
The style of magical realism appears a lot in my works because, in tribal communities, we have a tradition of narrating stories. A lot of my poems and short stories talk in detail about our customs, festivals, outfits, food and beliefs.
My writing reflects who I am and where I come from, it’s that simple.
My best work is The Story of a Birth, which was published last year. It was translated into English by Sowmya VB. The book was published in a journal at the University of Iowa.
The story was about the process of childbirth in tribal communities and how it changed through the years, from ancient times to modern times.
Q. Talking about the upcoming Bengaluru Poetry Festival, how do you feel about being the sole poet from Telangana?
A. I am over the moon. Period! The thought of sharing the stage with so many great and noted names makes me very excited, as I will be learning so much.
Also, I am happy to represent not only Telangana but also the Telugu language and both Telugu-speaking states. I am also representing several dialects and a tribal community, so it’s a great feeling. There is excitement and nervousness!
I hope when I recite my works at the festival before scores of people, my language, and my community is promoted. People should see its beauty and uniqueness.
Ramesh feels proud to represent both the Telugu-speaking states. (Supplied)
Q. How can one make the platform of poetry more inclusive?
A. Social media plays an important role in this regard. Irrespective of one’s age, gender, sexual orientation or which state they hail from, a person can always put out their work on the Internet.
There are so many contemporary writers and poets who achieved success and recognition through the power of social media. They represented their communities and put them on a global platform for the world to see.
Even if publishing is not an option, social media is the best example of inclusivity.
Catch Ramesh Karthik Nayak at the Bengaluru Poetry Festival.
Date: 5 and 6 August 2023
Timings: 10 am – 8:15 pm
Venue: Grand Mercure Bengaluru, Gopalan Mall, Opp RMZ Infinity Techpark, Old Madras Road, Bengaluru
For information, contact: Subodh 98450 19705
For registration, visit: www.bengalurupoetryfestival.org
Entry to the festival is free
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