Dubai: The 13th edition of ‘The Poetic Heart – Connecting Humanity’, the annual poetic convention organized by SGI-Gulf is taking place on February 8th 2024 in Dubai. This unique cultural convention encourages the reading, writing, and teaching of poetry amongst students across schools in the UAE on themes which focus on building friendship and cultural ties in the communities. The theme for this year’s edition of the Poetic Heart is ‘Building a sustainable future together’ and champions the cause of sustainability.

On the day of the symposium, students from over 40 schools in the UAE will recite poems written in Arabic and English on themes such as sustainability, peace, hope, happiness, and friendship, amongst others. Some of the schools  participating include Abu Dhabi Indian School, Manor Hall International School Al Ain, ⁠Al Diyafah High School, ⁠Al Mawakeb School- Barsha, ⁠Emirates International School Meadows, ⁠Middlesex University to name a few.

Students will get to witness poetry recitations from renowned poets such as Dr. Shihab Ghanem, Silavana Salmanpur, Dr. Padmaja Sharma, Nizar H S Abu Nasser, Dr. Haseena Begum , ⁠Idris Mears, Heba Al Faqi and Sheikha Al Mutairi. Poems written by Dr. Daisaku Ikeda (2 January 1928 – 15 November 2023) a Japanese philosopher, educator, author, and nuclear disarmament advocate and founding president of the Soka Gakkai International will be recited by Tomoko Kikuchi.

The Poetic Heart is dedicated to fostering inclusivity as one of its core principles. Emphasizing the importance of building a platform that embraces everyone, the event will feature poetry and music performances by students of determination from notable institutions including The Al Noor Training Centre, Manzil, and the SNF Development Center.

Poetry and music have been intertwined for thousands of years as both share the same characteristics of rhythm, flow, heartfelt expression and deep meaning. One of the highlights of the symposium is the SGI-Gulf’s chorus group ‘Naseem’. Naseem, meaning ‘Breeze’ in Arabic, is a chorus consisting of volunteers of SGI Gulf. Ever since its successful debut at the 3rd edition of The Poetic Heart in 2014, Naseem has sung songs on the themes of mother, peace, friendship, hope, happiness, and invincible humanity and become an integral part of this poetic symposium. Naseem also participated at the EXPO 2020 event.

Speaking on the occasion, SGI Gulf Chairperson Suresh Premkumar says “In the 13th year of Poetic heart we will witness poetry with the musical interludes, an artistic endeavor that seeks to explore the profound values of humanity and sustainability through the lens of art and culture. In today’s world, it is essential to pause and reflect on the enduring principles that unite us as human beings. Through the universal language of music and the power of poetry, we embark on a journey that transcends borders and speaks of our shared humanity. Today as we join hands with young talent and celebrated poets, we are reminded of the interconnectedness of every element around us and our collective responsibility to safeguard the precious resources of our planet.”

The Poetic Heart 2024 is taking place on 8th February at the Emirates Institute of Finance (EIF) auditorium, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m UAE

About The Poetic Heart:

The Poetic Heart symposium was conceived in 2012 by SGI Gulf in collaboration with UAE’s well-known poet, Dr. Shihab Ghanem with the vision of becoming one of UAE’s, and subsequently the region’s leading festival that celebrates poetry and embraces different cultures. Every year the convention comes together through an inspiring theme which focuses on building friendship and cultural ties in the communities. To know more, visit www.thepoeticheart.com