FCI academic illuminates lifelong learning through poetry at international seminar

Dr Saraswathy Thurairaj from the Faculty of Creative Industries was honoured to be a distinguished speaker at the international seminar titled “Climate Change, Pandemic, and War: Re-reading Poetry in the 21st Century”, held at Bodoland University, India, from 2 to 3 April 2024. Her online presentation, titled Empowering Minds, Inspiring Change: Lifelong Learning, delved into the transformative power of education through the evocative medium of poetry.

Dr Saraswathy reciting her poems and aligning them with her theme of Empowering Minds, Inspiring Change: Lifelong Learning

Dr Saraswathy shared four poignant poems, each authored by herself, illustrating the themes of lifelong learning and its transformative impact. The first poem, Lives of Teachers, celebrated the profound influence educators have on their students’ lives, portraying teachers as mentors who impart valuable life lessons and foster a culture of lifelong learning.

In her second poem, Malaysia’s Symphony Amidst the Floodwaters, she depicted the resilience of Malaysian communities in the face of natural disasters, highlighting how adversity brought Malaysians together to rebuild and support each other. Heartstrings of Home, My Father’s Legacy, her third poem, explored the concept of home as a nurturing environment where all family members feel a sense of belonging and acceptance, emphasising the importance of inclusive learning environments in education. Lastly, Hope underscored the role of optimism and determination in shaping individuals’ educational journeys, celebrating hope as a powerful motivator.

Dr Saraswathy concluded her presentation by emphasising how lifelong learning through poetry empowers minds and inspires positive change. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever,” she reiterated the significance of continuous learning for personal growth and societal progress.

Through the pillars of accessibility, relevance, flexibility, inclusivity, and continuous improvement, Dr Saraswathy highlighted how education becomes a transformative force. It enables individuals to seize opportunities, contribute meaningfully to society, and work towards a brighter future.

The seminar at Bodoland University was a testament to the enduring power of poetry and education in fostering global understanding and unity. Dr Saraswathy’s presentation left an indelible mark, inspiring all participants to reflect on the profound impact of lifelong learning in shaping a more enlightened and inclusive world.