Chandigarh
5 July 2021
DIVYA AZAD
Inspired by her experience in India , the Embassy of Ireland’s Head of Immigration – Emer Davis(54) has penned two books which are both collections of poems. She wrote these to encapsulate her love for Indian culture , traditions & way of life during her stay in India, where she is part of the top echelons of the Embassy of Ireland, New Delhi. The two books ‘Chaat’ & ‘Postcards from India’ were formally unveiled during a ‘virtual book launch’ event, put together by The Narrators, a performing arts society of Chandigarh.
Emer Davis has been writing poetry and short stories for over thirty years. Emer Davis says, “The poems in ‘Chaat’ were written by me in India and the poems explore my experiences and thoughts while living here. I was left in awe of the pulsating life that reverberates from every street and corner, of this diverse & enchanting country.”
Adding further about her other collection of poems – in ‘Postcards from India’ she says,” Once ,when I was in Chennai ,I stumbled upon a set of 50 literary postcards, these ignited in me a desire to write the poems for ‘Postcards from India ‘. Both the anthologies include my poetic work spanning over nearly 3 years of stay in India .”
While ‘Chaat’ comprises 60 poems , ‘Postcards from India’ includes 51 poems.
A very unique session was held in the form of ‘Performed Poetry’ which showcased a presentation by a very talented contemporary ‘performance artiste’ Puneet Jewandah. The showcase encompassed exhilarating movements & expressions by Puneet on a poem from ‘Chaat’ – ‘Do I Look Sexy In My Saree?’ narrated by Emer Davis. The performance was directed by Nisha Luthra, Founder, The Narrators. Says Nisha Luthra, “I felt that if poetry can be read or heard, then why can’t it be felt and seen too. This feeling gave me the motivation to direct the ‘Performed Poetry’ session during the virtual books’ launch.”
The virtual launch saw an address by Brendan Ward, the Ambassador of Ireland to India. Dirmuid Hegarty, Founder & President , Griffith College , Ireland recited two poems from Emer’s collection.
The session also showcased an engaging interaction – a behind the book chat of the poetess Emer Davis with Nisha Luthra.
The other eminent persons who took part in the virtual session were Nicola Pierce, a famous Irish writer. Sudeep Sen, Author & Editorial Director, AARK Arts also took part in the virtual session. Sudeep called the occasion historic as two books by the same author were being unveiled together. Gabriel Rosenstock, an Irish writer & translator of over 180 books, recited Emer’s poem – ‘The Whistleblower ‘.
The books are being jointly published by Nisha Luthra , Co-Founder of The Narrators and The Browser. Pankaj P. Singh, CEO, The Browser shared details on availability of the books both in India and Internationally.
The books will also be translated into Nepalese language by Yuyutsu R D Sharma a Nepalese Indian Poet & Editor, Pratik who was also part of the virtual launch.
Two top literary personalities -Sanjoy Roy, MD, Teamwork Arts, Jaipur Literature Festival and Vivek Atray, Ex IAS, Author & Motivational speaker too participated.
