Sandeep Kumar Mishra’s poem Ashes and Echoes has been selected to be featured in a prestigious travelling exhibition throughout the Netherlands, organized by Utrecht University. The poem was shortlisted in the university’s Poems for Human Rights international competition, which aims to celebrate poetic creativity and advocate for social justice.
Sandeep’s poignant verse combines vivid imagery with a powerful human rights message, earning praise from the jury and securing its place among the six exceptional poems chosen from a global pool of entries. The competition attracted submissions from diverse poetic traditions, making the final selection a challenging but rewarding process for the panel of esteemed judges.
The jury, which includes prominent figures such as Geert Buelens and Antoine Buyse, commended the shortlisted poems for their depth, originality, and ability to inspire. Ashes and Echoes was singled out for its rich symbolism and profound impact, with the jury noting that its reflections on human rights violations resonate deeply in today’s world.
The exhibition will showcase the works of the six shortlisted poets, including Sandeep Kumar Mishra, alongside two ex aequo winners—one in English and one in Dutch. The winning poets will receive cash prizes supported by various institutions and will have the opportunity to perform their works during Impact Night 2024: Human Rights, for Present and Future Generations on Human Rights Day in December.
Ashes and Echoes, along with the other shortlisted poems, will be displayed in a travelling exhibition across Utrecht, with scheduled stops at prominent locations such as Janskerkhof 3, University Library City Centre, and Bibliotheek Neude. The exhibition aims to amplify the voices of poets who have transformed human rights advocacy into a poignant art form, reflecting Utrecht University’s commitment to fostering dialogue on human rights issues through creativity.
In addition to being featured in the exhibition, Sandeep’s poem will also be included on the competition’s website and in an anthology that will be shared with a global audience. This recognition solidifies Sandeep’s position as a compelling literary voice and a fierce advocate for human rights.
As the world prepares to celebrate Human Rights Day, Sandeep Kumar Mishra’s Ashes and Echoes serves as a beacon of creativity and compassion, reminding us of the enduring power of words to ignite change.