Words Against Violence: Poetry Slam contest | Call

13th November 2024

Sub: Words Against Violence: Poetry Slam contest – Reg.

The Office of Public Diplomacy of the U.S. Consulate in association with The Aseema Trust, Chennai is planning to host a poetry slam competition for students and youth (18-25 years) titled “Words Against Violence” to commemorate 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence (an initiative of the United Nations Women which takes place every year from November 25-December 10).

Students from MCC are invited to register for this competition which will be held in English and Tamil.

Registration Deadline: Monday, November 18, 2024

Interested participants must register on this link

https://amcenchennai.typeform.com/to/lqTiTqLh

Event: Words Against Violence: Poetry Slam contest

Dates

November 25, 2024 (12:00 to 5:00 p.m.) – Preliminary round during which 30 participants will be shortlisted to compete in the next/final round. 

November 26, 2024 (2:00 p.m. to 5:00) Top 10 finalists will be chosen (5 each in Tamil and English)

Venue: U.S. Consulate General Chennai, Auditorium, 220, Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, Chennai 600006

About the Poetry Slam:  Poetry Slam is a competitive art of poetry that emphasizes both writing and performance. It encourages poets to focus on what they are saying and how they are saying it. Participants are encouraged to write original poems and present them with passion, intelligence, creativity, honesty, and power. The poetry slam is an open stage that provides budding young poets a platform to share their work, allowing people from varied backgrounds to find their voices and engage with issues they had previously felt powerless about.

About the theme: According to multiple reports, one in three women are victims of verbal, physical, and mental abuse and violence. This not only hinders their full participation in society, affecting families, communities, and countries, but also incurs significant costs in healthcare, legal expenses, and productivity losses.  Youth, civil society organizations, government agencies and other institutions can play a key role to prevent and counter gender-based violence through early education, and promoting respectful relationships. This Poetry Slam is a step towards building awareness on this issue and encouraging youth to take action.

Participation Guidelines:

The theme of the Poetry Slam is on raising awareness and countering Gender Based Violence (GBV)

Participants will be invited to recite an original poem in English or Tamil, in performance style (without paper), for a maximum of two minutes.

Each participant may present only one poem.

A jury comprising eminent poets and writers will judge the winners.

Nomination Request: We request you to nominate two students from your institution (one each in Tamil and English categories) to participate in the poetry slam.

Registration Deadline: Monday, November 18, 2024

Interested participants must register on this link:  

https://amcenchennai.typeform.com/to/lqTiTqLh

Registered participants will receive further guidance from Consulate to help them prepare for the competition.

We look forward to receiving nominations from your institution.

If you have any questions or require additional information about the poetry slam, kindly reach out to my colleagues Mr. Thiyagarajan Roopsingh (Email: roopsinght@state.gov ; Cell: 73581 26222) and Mr. Gokula Krishnan Selvarajan (Email: SelvarajanGK@state.gov: Cell: 99526 89631)

Best wishes,

Office of International Programmes

MCC