Poetry's role and the financial struggles of poets today

NT Bengaluru: In today’s digital age, poetry remains a powerful tool for exploring complex emotions and offering a nuanced understanding of the world. Monica Mody, a celebrated poet and author, believes that poetry continues to play an essential role in society, offering insights into humanity, womanhood, and our relationship with the earth. However, while poetry’s relevance endures, the financial viability of making a living as a poet is increasingly challenging, especially in India. Mody, known for works such as 'Songs of Moojaw' and 'Renewal', recently discussed the difficulties poets face in the modern world during an interview with News Trail. She emphasised that although digital content is flourishing on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Netflix, the economic recognition for poets is still limited. “Art has never been widely celebrated in India outside of specific eras, like the medieval period,” Mody remarked, adding that making a sustainable living as a poet is difficult, even in today’s content-driven society. In India, where access to free content is widespread, particularly through digital platforms, it can be hard for poets to monetize their work. While influencers and other digital creators are often able to turn their content into profitable careers, poetry remains a niche art form that struggles to garner the same financial support.

Mody remains hopeful, though, expressing that poets and other artists can leverage these digital platforms to reach new audiences, but the path remains steep. "It’s crucial for poets to create high-quality content to stand out and receive recognition,” she explained. Kannada poet Prathiba Nandakumar shared similar views, acknowledging the difficulty of gaining visibility as a poet in the digital age. She noted that while there are opportunities for poets to share their work through online platforms, the competition is fierce, and only those who consistently produce engaging, impactful content are likely to succeed. Urdu poet Shaista Yusuf also commented on the issue, pointing out that modern Urdu poetry plays a significant role in shaping national identity. However, the shift from classical to contemporary poetry has led to new challenges. Yusuf highlighted how modern poets must adapt to changing tastes while also finding ways to reach wider audiences.

“Today’s Urdu poets face difficulties in bridging the gap between tradition and modernity, especially in a world where free content is readily available,” Yusuf said. Despite these challenges, poets like Mody, Nandakumar, and Yusuf believe that poetry can remain relevant in this digital era. Mody emphasised that poetry’s power lies in its ability to connect deeply with people, transcending mediums. “Poetry is not just words on a page, it is an exploration of truth and emotion, and it offers a more comprehensive way of experiencing the world,” Mody said. As poetry continues to evolve alongside digital content creation, there is hope that poets will find new ways to make their art more accessible and profitable.