Humans have an innate desire to belong, whether it be within our family, tribe, or even in places we only imagine. This sense of belonging is crucial for our well-being. In 1989, while living in student housing at Stanford University as a new immigrant from India, I felt a deep sense of isolation due to the lack of Indian presence in Silicon Valley at the time. However, a chance encounter with a friend reciting Hindi poems sparked a lifelong love for Hindustani poetry. This experience led me to discover the works of renowned poets such as Premchand and Faiz Ahmed Faiz, opening up a whole new world for me.
Over the years, the landscape of Silicon Valley has changed significantly with the influx of Indian professionals and the rise of the Internet, making Indian culture more accessible than ever before. This newfound accessibility inspired me to create a literary gathering in my living room where poetry lovers from all backgrounds could come together and share their work. This initiative eventually evolved into the Poetry of Diaspora in Silicon Valley, a community where poets of various cultural backgrounds could come together and express themselves through the art of poetry.
Attending events like the South Asian Literature and Art Festival (SALA) allowed me to connect with fellow poets and artists who shared a similar passion for creative expression. The experience of hearing Pulitzer prize-winning poet Vijay Sheshadri read his work was particularly inspiring, as it highlighted the power of poetry to transcend cultural boundaries and bring people together.
Being part of a community of artists and art aficionados who shared similar cultural experiences was a liberating and empowering experience. The conversations and connections formed at these events reaffirmed the importance of creative expression in shaping our identities and fostering a sense of belonging.
Through poetry, I found solace and inspiration during both the challenging and joyful moments of my life. Hearing the stories of other artists and poets at events like SALA reinforced the transformative power of poetry in shaping lives and connecting people from diverse backgrounds.
In conclusion, poetry has the ability to empower outsiders and create safe spaces where individuals can find a sense of belonging and connection. By coming together to share our stories and experiences through poetry, we celebrate our unique identities and collective humanity. As I reflect on my journey with poetry, I am filled with gratitude for the sense of community and creativity it has brought into my life.
