Poems are an integral part of our English syllabus. Poetry helps students analyze language in unique ways, understand symbolism, build vocabulary, and develop a deeper appreciation for literature. While a poem can offer a pleasing aesthetic experience, its ability to communicate deeper meaning is central to its purpose and power. Poetry that is meaningful enriches the reader by fostering a deeper understanding of themselves, others, and the world. To highlight the deeper importance and purpose of poetry, Sanskrit says ;
काव्यप्रपञ्चचञ्चू रचयति काव्यं न सारविद्भवति |
तरवः फलानि सुवते विन्दति सारं मतङ्गसमुदायः ||
Kaavyaprapanchachanchoo rachayati kaavym na saaravidbhavati. Taravah phalaani suvate vindati saaram matangsamudaayah.
KaavyaprapanchChanchoo = Kaavya + Prapanch + Chanchoo
Kaavya = poetry.
Prapanch = deceit, verbose
Chanchoo = money, renowned or famous for.
Rachayati = writes, composes.
Kaavym = poetry.
Na = not.
Saaravibhavati = saaravit + bhavati.
Saravit = meaningful, valuable.
Bhavati = becomes.
Taravah = trees.
Phalaani = fruits.
Suvate = bestow.
Vinati = seek, acquire.
Saarm = best part, essence.
Matanga = elephant.
Samuaayah = group, herd.
i.e. Poetry written with the aim of earning money and full of rhetoric is never substantial (effective, valuable and prestigious). For example, trees in the forest provide different types of fruits, but a herd of elephants selects only those fruits which have certain essences (qualities) and leaves other useless fruits.
For a poem to become popular, it must be simple, understandable, relevant, and imbued with a spirit of public welfare, which is called "prasadguna." This fact is emphasized in the following proverb. When the primary motivation is financial gain, it fundamentally alters the nature of the art form, shifting its purpose from expression to commerce.
The purest and most powerful poetry is born from intrinsic, not extrinsic, motivation. When a poet writes for love of the craft, or to make sense of the world, the work produced is far more likely to be authentic, meaningful, and enduring.