Wed Mar 12 14:04:15 UTC 2025: ## Bengaluru Conference Explores Poetry and Resistance
**Bengaluru, March 12, 2025** – Mount Carmel College’s Department of Communication Studies recently hosted “Discourses ’25,” a two-day conference exploring the intersection of poetry and resistance. The event, the third in a series (following a climate-focused film festival in 2024), featured a diverse range of speakers including rapper Arivu, activist Tenzin Tsundue, and poet Mani Rao.
The conference, inspired by the work of slain journalist Gauri Lankesh, aimed to amplify voices challenging political and ecological issues. Rapper Arivu critiqued the limited portrayals of societal realities in entertainment, advocating for a more holistic representation. He emphasized the power of education and highlighted how rap, despite its origins, can serve as a tool for resistance and self-expression, drawing parallels to Tamil traditions.
Tibetan activist Tenzin Tsundue shared his perspective on poetry as a personal expression, emphasizing its authenticity over forced political statements. He stressed the importance of Indian youth understanding Tibet’s significance for India’s security, highlighting the need for increased awareness.
Conference organizer Sharon Lopez explained that “Discourses” strives to feature artists and scholars who are actively engaging with societal issues. The conference provided a platform for these individuals to share their lived experiences and perspectives on resistance, fostering crucial dialogue and challenging conventional forms of expression.
First Piper 