Ma is the Word

At an intimate book release function on Monday evening,renowned Punjabi poet Surjit Patar,writer Imroz and dancer Suchitra Mitra wove a tapestry of dance,poetry and reflections,as Sandhu read out some powerful yet sensitive poems from her collection — like Lakshman Rekha,Thuran,Guru Dakhna and Bona Bhag.

While some poems have a historical basis in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata,others have originated from the love legends of Heer-Ranjha. “Others come from life — pathos,people and experiences that touch you,’’ says the poet,as she dedicates the book to her late mother. “She taught me everything,including every word of Punjabi. Some of the poems come from the stories ma would narrate to me. I feel she is writing through me,” says Sandhu.

Sadhran comes two years after Safina,and Sandhu describes it as a labour of love,since the poetry is not situational. This is Rajkamal’s first Punjabi publication,and they will soon translate it to Hindi as well.

Patar said,“Sandhu’s poetry has the fragrance of earth. You can feel the warmth of her words and revisit so many experiences in her book since it’s written in the language of the people.’’

Imroz has been a constant motivation for Sandhu,and apart from illustrating the book,he has also designed its cover. “Words are for speaking,and their meanings are for living,’’ says the poet-artist,who is a man of few words.