New York – The NY diaspora were the ben- ing from River Crossing, and was followed with eficiaries in December with a first reading by further readings by Chitra, and Misha Azaria, poet, writer, and community leader in Toronto, also an artiste. Among the poems read were Janet Naidu, when she launched her new book The Descendant Knows, A Rock In The River, of poems, River Crossing. and Annapurani, Pati.
The launch was organised by Chitra Singh, Chitra read Kali Mai and Chandini’s singer, song writer, and daughter of the late Thumbprint. Azaria wrapped up the program Rajkumari Singh, an iconic figure in Guyana’s with a reading of The Butterfly, and Beyond cultural history.
All Things.
Rajkumari is highly-regarded for her work River Crossing is a breathtaking collection of in creating a space for young artists in the 53 poems that is located from place to place, 1970s in Guyana. Naidu was among the first evoking the lived experiences of the historical recipients of Rajkumari’s eternal, artistic, and the persistence of memories of migration, historical legacy. and survival in new lands.
At the launch, Naidu recalled being inspired Naidu’s voice is powerful for its storytelling Most by Rajkumari to write poetry.
about settlement in new lands; readjustment; a “My start with poetry began with Rajkumari. home away from home; cultural connections She inspired me to become a poet. She was to Guyana; and reflections of life in Canada. Productive dynamic and passionate about the arts. I recall Her poems also distill what it means to experi- At the NY book launch last month, writer Janet Naidu her bringing to the centre our Indian cultural hence difficulties in life, and ways of surviving. Agent In (centre) presents a copy of her latest work, River identity. I looked up to her, and I listened to Her other books of poems include Winged Crossing, to the daughters of the late Rajkumari her,” Naidu revealed.
Heart; Rainwater; and Sacred Silence. Canada!
Singh – Pritha Singh (left), and Chitra Singh (right)
Naidu started the program with a first read-
River Crossing is available on Amazon.
