Even though I occasionally post some of my published poetry on social media, I always prefer more conventional publishing techniques.
Sonnet Mondal is an eminent Indian English poet from Kolkata and the director of Chair Poetry Evenings – Kolkata’s International Poetry Festival. He has read as an invited poet in over 20 countries and has been translated into over 20 languages. Sonnet Mondal’s poetry is characterized by a blend of simple yet profound language, offering readers an accessible yet contemplative journey through his verse. His writing frequently combines personal reflection with broader social commentary, touching on topics such as human connection, introspection, and the complexities of modern society.
Considering the space and the commercialised surroundings of life, how far has poetry come?
Poetry is related to the space that is not inherently commercialized. As the saying goes, ‘Art is for Art’s Sake.’ Perhaps why, people still find it relevant to venture into dissent, nostalgia, solitude, mysticism and spirituality through poetry. It offers the most conducive space for ideas to grow out of all the literary forms. The concept of poetry has evolved to include common language and disjointed stories. Many contemporary poets embrace the idea that poetry is not just about words on a page but can include the layout, typeface, and visual arrangement of the text itself. The role of poetry in protests and movements has been amplified. Poetry is still a profoundly intimate and transforming art form that resonates with readers because of its ability to convey the complexity of the human experience, even in the face of widespread commercialisation.
The world currently is rent with busy schedules and distractions and there’s hardly any scope for people to sit with stuff that requires lot of attention. In this context how do you derive daily inspiration to write poetry?
The phenomena of inattentional blindness highlights the value of taking the time to notice minute details, even amid busyness. The remarkable can be difficult to find in a busy world, but the ordinary can have great power. These moments, whether they involve a passing train, a cup of coffee, or your daily routine, often have greater significance than we may realise. It is possible to discover poetry that relates to the common human experience by seeking beauty in the ordinary. Distractions that act as a deterrent to creativity might encourage it. It all comes down to granting yourself permission to write without feeling obligated to always produce flawless work. Sometimes all you need to do to let loose your creativity is to sit down and write a few lines. Every effort doesn’t have to be revolutionary. The act is a practice in and of itself, and throughout the process, inspiration may strike without warning. Poetry itself is the inspiration for me to write more
Do you think about your readers while writing?
Poetry for me is not about tailoring content. I simply cannot do that. Poetry acts more through inspiration than invention. In this sense, I can never relate something that arises out of need to something that comes spontaneously. I place more emphasis on creative inquiry or self-expression than I do on the audience. To me, poetry is more than just intentional communication; it’s about bridging the gap between perception, language, and expression. Nonetheless, observing how your readers react to your work aids in your craft improvement. Ultimately, anything we or I write is mostly prompted by our inclination to create images that somehow relate to the world around us.
You have received lot of international attention for your poetry, and you have also travelled to several countries in their poetry festivals. How is travel important to you when it comes to poetry?
What matters more than the attention I get is how open my senses are when I’m travelling. These days, it’s common to hear that the world needs religious unity and fraternity, but what’s really needed is cultural sharing and understanding. The origins of all forms of disinformation, propaganda, hostility, and polarisation lie in changing a region’s cultural past and customs. Additionally, travel is essential for understanding and fostering cultural harmony within oneself. Empathy is connected to understanding and understanding diverse cultures is only possible by being there. Travel inspires admiration for other cultures, awakens your inner rebel, and ignites your free spirit.
In this world of digitisation, how do you prefer writing and sharing your poetic works and why?
Even though I occasionally post some of my published poetry on social media, I always prefer more conventional publishing techniques. The internet world has given poets a plethora of opportunities to publish their work, but most social media posts are more random thoughts than poetry. The physicality of these mediums can make the poetry feel more lasting, allowing for a sensory engagement that digital texts can’t always replicate. Traditional methods often involve more selective sharing. For instance, publishing a poem in a literary journal or getting a book published by a traditional publisher means the work has been chosen, which might engender confidence in its calibre.
Do you think that Indian English poetry is too complex to comprehend for readers?
Surprisingly, even well-known Indian poets make a conscious effort to complicate the language. Complexity is not important; clarity is. While one can think of adding depth or layers of meaning through complex turns of phrases or even words, the weight of words shall not juggernaut the flow of emotions and images. It should not diminish the space to resonate. Clear poetry can be just as profound as intricate verse, perhaps even more so because it leaves space for the reader to find their own interpretations.
How does being a poet or even being a reader of poetry affect life in general?
Everyone is a slave of their own perspectives. It is impossible to give a generalised response. Poetry, in my opinion, is our engagement with reality and everyday life rather than with an idealised one. It necessitates a constant awareness of the surroundings. Participating in poetry, whether as a poet or a reader, brings about an inner light and vitality, especially in dreadful circumstances where words or straightforward factual expressions fall short. Poetry has a unique way of helping us pause, breathe, and observe the world more purposefully. In our fast-paced lives, it allows us to notice intricate details—the ephemeral moments and feelings—that we might otherwise overlook.
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