Poetry session in Memory of Dom Moraes http://www.konkaniworld.com/news/index.asp?ID=863&next0=863
An analysis and the session on the poems of a prestigious Indian journalist and poet Late Dom Moraes was held on 2nd June 2005 at Theosophy Hall, Fort Mumbai. Mr. Ranjit Hoskote, Jerry Pinto and Savio Lobo analysed the poems of Dom Moraes and presented them to the fans of Dom Moraes. Dominic Francis Moraes (Dom Moraes), a prestigious Indian journalist and poet, died on June 2, 2004 following a heart attack. He was 66. Dom was born in Bombay in 1938. He was the son of Frank Moraes, a famous Indian newspaper editor and author. He spent the majority of his childhood abroad. His mother, Dr. Beryl Moraes, was institutionalized for mental instability when he was a young boy, so Dom accompanied his father on jaunts to Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia and Britain. Moraes was only 12 years old when he first starting writing poetry. By the time he was 15 W. H. Auden had read and liked his poems. Stephen Spender and Karl Shapiro published them in "Encounter " and in "Poetry Chicago" rewpectively. At 19, he published "A Beginning," his debut book of poems with the Parton Press in London which won Britain's Hawthornden Prize for the Best Work of Imagination in 1958. Moraes was the youngest, and the first non-English person, to win this award. For the next half-century, Moraes became one of India's leading literary figures. He published more than 30 books, including a biography of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, several travelogues, two memoirs and scripts for more than 20 documentaries, which aired on the BBC and Britain's ITV. Moraes visited every country on the planet, except Antarctica (which he liked to note was not actually a country). As a journalist, he covered wars in Algeria, Israel and Vietnam; as an editor, he worked on magazines in London, Hong Kong and New York. In 1960 his second collection, "Poems," became the Autumn Choice of the Poetry Book Society. In 1965 his third book of verse, "John Nobody" appeard to much critical acclaim. Apart from these three volumes, he published a pamphlet of verse, "Beldam and Others" in 1967. In 1983 he published a privatly printed book of poems, "Absences. In 1987 his "Collected Poems" appeared. He continued to publish bringing out "In Cinnamon Shade", "Typed With One Finger" and "Collected Poems" appeared in 2004 the year of his death. Only few months before his death Moraes was diagnosed with cancer. Knowing that his remaining time was limited, he refused treatment and focused all his energy on completing his final books. Thus his death anniversary was celebrated in a meaningful way by his fans through by analysing his poems. Report By: Ancy Paladka (Note: In picture from LtoR Ranjit Hoskote, Jerry Pinto and Savio Lobo analysing and reading the poems of Dom Moraes) ___________________________ Ancy Paladka E2-139 Diwan Apt III, Vasai Road East, Thane Dist - 401 210, Maharashtra, INDIA Tel: 0250-2390225 / 95250-2390225 Cell : 0 9422 4922 41 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Url: http://www.konkanifoundation.com/ancy/ o o o o o o Remembering Dom Moraes... A STAFF REPORTER | Friday, June 03, 2005 13:36:59 IST http://www.cybernoon.com/DisplayArticle.asp?section=fromthepress&subsection=inbombay&xfile=June2005_inbombay_standard6837 Great writers never die. The book launch of Open Eyes, the book by late Dom Moraes, yesterday, to commemorate the author's first death anniversary proved this fact. Sarayu Ahuja launches Open Eyes as Paul Smith, director, British Council, looks on.Held at British Council, the evening saw some of the greatest works of Moraes being read aloud. The book was launched by late Moraes' friend, muse and companion for many years, Sharayu Ahuja as Renuka Chatterjee of Roli Books announced that they would publish some more books of the great poet and writer in the near future. Readings of the works were done by Rajat Kapoor, Avantika Akrekar, Viveka Kumari and Zafar Karachiwala who brought the tales that Dom spun in words to life. Among the works read were his travel tales with Ved Mehta to Delhi, Nepal and Calcutta and his poetry including 'Letters to my Mother.' The audience lost themselves in the beautiful world that Dom created through his writings. At the end of all the readings came the surprise. In absolute silence one heard the unflinching voice of Dom Moraes talking about his passion for poetry and how people often told him that poetry alone wouldn't offer a decent living. The celebration of the work of one of India's greatest writers saw various industry professionals and Dom's admirers come together. Among them were Dolly Thakore, Shyam Benegal, Jehangir Sabbawala, Lillete Dubey, Gerson Da Cunha, Anish Trivedi, Charles and Monica Correa among others. Rahul Da Cunha, who conceptualized the entire evening, said, "Dom was a great writer, poet and person and it became necessary to be part of this group to honour him." The event brought back fond memories for Jehangir Sabbawala. He said, "I have known Dom's father and have seen him since he was a small boy. He has closely followed my work and has written about it too. Above all I came here because of a great friendship with Dom." For some, it was the first encounter with the literary legend. "I haven't read Dom much but I am glad I agreed to be a part of this celebration. He has an amazing sense of cynicism and his poetry is lovely," said Zafar Karachiwala. As the evening progressed, one couldn't help but realize that death is significant but not necessarily a tragedy. ------------------------ Yahoo! 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