Socio cultural elements in the poetry of Dr. Shihab Ghanem and Satchidanandan

Abstract

This research, conducted under the guidance of Dr. Sabique. M. K., Assistant Professor, explores the poetic contributions of Dr. Shihab Ghanem and Satchidanandan within the context of Arabic and Malayalam literature. Dr. Shihab Ghanem, born in 1940 in Aden, Yemen, seamlessly bridges the modern and ancient Arabic poetic realms. His sophisticated, graceful, and fervent poetry, influenced by fifty years of poetic experience, has earned him international acclaim, including being the first Arabic poet to receive the Tagore Peace Award. Satchidanandan (born in 1946), a versatile bilingual poet and literary figure, has made significant contributions to Malayalam, Indian, and world poetry. With thirty poetry collections in Malayalam and nine in English, he has received numerous awards, including the Dante Medal from Italy and the Poet Laureate from the Tata Literature Festival, Bombay. Satchidanandan's poetry stands as a testament to resilience and the spirit of survival, offering hope and courage in the face of societal and cultural challenges. The research employs a comparative, analytical, and critical approach, focusing on the "collection of Poems" of both poets, recognizing that their creative works are ongoing. The study unfolds in six chapters, delving into the socio-cultural factors embedded in the poems of Shihab Ghanem and Satchidanandan. It begins with an introduction providing insights into the poets' lives, followed by an examination of socio-cultural factors in Arabic and Malayalam literature. The subsequent chapters intricately analyze each poet's life and literary career, culminating in a comprehensive comparison of the socio-cultural elements in their poetry.Key findings of the research include: • Dr. Shihab Ghanem and Satchidanandan actively participated in cultural exchange through translating and reading each other's poems at various forums and poetry gatherings. • The close relationship between Arabic and Malayalam poetry is strengthened through translations and poetry readings, fostering cultural connections. • The socio-cultural impact of their poems becomes evident in critical discussions and performances, especially in socially significant contexts. • Both poets have created opportunities for the translation of their poems between Arabic and Malayalam. • Dr. Shihab Ghanem and Satchidanandan address social and cultural factors in their poetry, sharing similarities in their thematic content. • While their social and cultural elements align, the poets differ in their poetic goals, encompassing both spiritual and political dimensions. • Cultural and social exchange between poets emerges as a vital factor influencing the development of literature and poetry, allowing them to draw from diverse experiences and enrich their creative expressions.