In brief: Inspiring poems with Deep ideas in simple words – a must read for people of all ages.
In detail: I read Govind’s book of poetry from cover to cover and totally loved it; after buying it today itself.
I shared screenshots of several poems via WhatsApp with friends and family and they too, totally loved Govind’s themes and elegantly simple yet super-expressive descriptions that many of his poems carry.
Since the Amazon Kindle sample doesn’t let us see or read any of the poems, I share as image of this book review.
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But before I share the poems; a little more context and background about Dr.Singh as well as about my decision to purchase his book.
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I have known Dr.Singh as an environmentalist and as a birdwatcher and environmental activist since around 2007 or 2008 when I first read his name mentioned in context of a survey of birds in Delhi/NCR and crossed paths with him when I needed help identifying a caged bird that was gifted to a family member.
I subsequently had a chance to hear him as a speaker as well as to participate in a bus ride regarding Delhi’s evolution as a city as well as it’s ecology over the ages including about the yamuna flood-plain and his NGO’s efforts in re-wilding a forest along the banks of river yamuna – an effort which was so successful that it attracted leopards to migrate to that forest.
When I first got an email about Govind’s book; saying “if possible, buy and read it; and then review it – so that you have actually read it and are listed as a verified buyer” – I looked at the Rs 150 price tag and hesitated – wondering if it’s worth it; and also wondering whether or not the poems would be interesting to me.
My doubts however were misplaced and as mentioned I totally enjoyed the book; and literary merit apart the poems are mind-expandingly beautiful and inspiring and worth far far more than what we pay as price of the book.
Themes touched upon include not just the environment but also first love; ideas about freedom; ideas about ideals of friendship and of love and loyalty as well as poems that emphasise the importance of seizing the moment and seizing the day to do something and make an impact.
There are also poems that talk about the nostalgia of passing through school as well as poems that talk of how the struggle for survival leaves many many people anchorless and desperate and forced to part with the things they value the most – just to survive.
This book is a must read and a must buy for one and all of all age groups.
Collage of Poems from book Planting a Sapling – by Dr Govind Singh
Mazhab Nahin Sikhata – a Poem by Govind Singh
