Varuni B Makkannavar: Just 17 but Poems, 100+ and laurels

Varuni. B.Makkannavar is just in her teens studying in the 12th grade. She is only 17 years old and has evolved into a promising budding poetess for already having penned more than 100 poems. Not only writing them, she has even bagged a Certificate of Achievement with 133rd rank in the Hashtag Kalakar poetry and creative writing competition. The recognition letter also mentions-“It serves proof as her competence and writing skills”. This certificate has been awarded some time back.

Interest in poetry shocking: The upcoming poetess from Hubballi in the Dharwad district of Karnataka is herself surprised at her plunge into poetry as she admits-“Actually my interest in poetry was shocking to me as well because when I was a kid I didn't really like the idea of compressing all our thoughts into just a few lines while you can write pages together about a subject. However, as I grew up I understood that poetry was beyond just compressed writing, my interest in poetry was spontaneous and also was a need at the moment, Poetry helped me write down my feelings, and thoughts in the form of words on paper as I was struggling to express my thoughts or not comfortable communicating about it and today when I look back I feel I did a right job choosing poetry as my strength and peace”.

Thanks to the English Teacher: “I didn't really seek any kind of help or guidance as writing these poems was just my form of comfort and kept them shelled within me. But, when I was in the 10th grade my English teacher Kavita Hegde, who herself is a writer as well read my poem. In fact, I co-wrote it with a friend and she really appreciated it and this gesture of appreciation boosted my confidence about my writings’, recalled Varuni B. Makkannavar.

Inspiration from the situations: She opines-“My poems are basically inspired by what kind of situation I'm in. If I'm happy I write about it, if I'm sad I write about it, if I'm in love I write about it, if I find something interesting I write about it, write what I'm feeling at the moment is all I do and somehow they end up as poetry”.

100+ poems in two years: Varuni B Makkannavar informs-“I have written more than 100 poems just in the span of 2 years and I will try my best to write many more in future. This is the first step towards my dream and I will strive to make myself and my close ones proud. I also would love to make use of this opportunity to thank my friends for always being my number one support and I would like to thank my parents for their love, guidance and special thanks to my grandpa Basavaraj Masuti, who is a great source of inspiration in all my endeavours”.

Different meanings to different age groups: Krishna V Itnal, a septuagenarian Gandhian and former Administrative Officer of LIC, settled in Pune is full of praises to Varuni B Makkannavar-“In my review last time on Varuni’s poetry, I had mentioned that the essence of her poetry is metaphysical in nature. A very sensitive and highly intelligent brain can only go in for such miracle poems. Secondly; the basic truth of her poetry is that it gives different meanings to each reader in different age groups. At the age of 76 years, the poem appeared as a spontaneous call of the mind for the pure spiritual mingling of two souls. It is a prayer in earnestness. The devotion is filled with earnestness for pure joy…

…A great future in store: For the young ones, I presume, the poem is an earnest call for pure love. Any way pure love is also a prayer of devotion. Really I admire her grip over the subject and command of the language and melody, she brings in through words. I feel Varuni has a great future in store. A small suggestion, if she wishes to write one good poem, she must beforehand read a minimum of twenty poems of other poets. My blessings are always with her. God bless her abundantly”.

A poem in a poetry book of international level: “Varuni Makkannavar is an upcoming poetess whose poem has appeared in a poetry book of international level. I have expressed my views, depending on my age and its perception. She is from Hubballi and the granddaughter of Basavraj R. Masuti, who happens to be my classmate and friend for over fifty years. He is a retired Professor of Kannada from Sandur. Her father works as a Vice President in VRL logistics Hubballi and basically, he is an automobile engineer. This 17-year-old budding poetess deserves all encouragement to blossom her poetic talent in the years to come”, concludes Krishna V Itnal.

-Manohar Yadavatti