DGP of 1996 IPS batch Alok Kumar has penned down his thoughts in a poetic form. His poetry collection titled ‘Saajhe Lamhon Ki Mahak’ releases today
SMRITI KOTHARE MARDOLKAR
Police and poetry – how do the two connect? Penning poetry is often referred to as the job of the heart. How do you connect with poetry?
There is no contradiction in policing and poetry. There is infinite creativity in the universe which is expressed in various hues, forms, smells and flavours. Just pause and observe around and you can see how creative the universe is. Human beings are also a creative expression of the universe. So creativity is embedded within us. When we find that creativity within, we start expressing it through literature, painting, dance, music etc.
I have been writing poems since 2022. For me, writing poetry is very spontaneous. It emerges suddenly from a visual, a conversation or an emotion.
Once, while crossing the River Ganga, I noticed a few birds playfully gliding and frolicking in the flowing water. The central thought of the poem ‘Nadi aur Samay’ where I found a similarity in the flow of time and flow of a river, flashed before me. Also while in Goa, at Joggers Park, Altinho, the sound of the new shoes of a person walking ahead of me raised the thought of the oppressive equation of shoes vis a vis the earth. This year, Goa received scanty rainfall, but one night, around 12.30 a.m. I woke up to the sound of a heavy downpour. The sound of the rain connected me to the cosmic dance and the cyclical transformation of matter and energy explained through the journey of a raindrop.
One of my poems ‘Sirf Tum’ emerged from a conversation with a friend about the many layers of human personality.
With regards to ‘Saajhe Lamhon Ki Mahak’, does it reflect any special moments of your life? What is the significance of the title?
I consider every moment of life to be precious. Nobody is alone in this world, one is always surrounded with animate and inanimate things which all have energies interacting with our energy. Whenever you feel alone just step into nature and soak in the energy of plants, flowers, butterflies, squirrels, clouds, rivers, and so on. They make a striking difference in you, helping you remain active and happy. And, then we have beautiful human binds which we remember throughout our life, its fragrance never fades. That is why I titled the book ‘Saajhe Lamhon Ki Mahak’ — fragrance of shared moments. Make every moment of your life meaningful, beautiful, and fruitful.
What role does poetry and literature in general play in your life?
Literature helps one build a positive and constructive mind, one that is transparent and beautiful. Art forms refine our inner self helping us to navigate through the maze of life.
What do you wish to convey to your readers through these poems?
The first thing is to learn to build a respectful and loving relationship with your surroundings, and a relationship of love with your family. Do not put limitations on those whom you love. Has the fragrance of a flower ever been selective? Those who don’t love plants also enjoy the fragrance of flowers. My message is the same. Extend your hand of friendship to all. Some may gain, some may make you gain something. What is important is selfless love. Do not imprison yourself just because you could not achieve something in life. Every course of action will take place at its own pace. If we are on the right path we can reach all our goals.
(The book will be released today at 10 a.m. at Vivekananda Hall, PES’s RSN College of Arts and Science, Farmagudi, Ponda)
