World Poetry Day is a day to express appreciation and support for poets and poetry around the world. It provides an opportunity for children, in parficular, to be introduced to poetry at home and in schools.

Classrooms all over the world will be busy with lessons that seek to equip students with the necessary tools to identify the various types of poetry, examine the works of poets, and engage in writing their own poetry.

Literary circles and organizations will launch books of poetry and/or invite famed poets to read and share their work with audiences at book stores, cafes, and schools. Awards and other forms of recognition will honor poets and their work. Exhibitions and poetry evenings will showcase the work of poets on or around March 21 to mark World Poetry Day. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) will promote the efforts of small publishers to publish poetry.

Prior to the 20th century, World Poetry Day was generally celebrated on the 5th of October. The world community later came to celebrate it on the 15th of October to commemorate the day Virgil, the Roman epic poet and poet laureate, was born. In 19999, the UNESCO designated March 21 as World Poetry Day. The first observance was made in 2000.

Poetry remains very much alive and relevant in our age. It continues to draw inspiration from the Muse of the Art, employ the language of the soul, and weave a beautiful tapestry of images. It is a powerful instrument for change as well as for preserving the identity of a people.

As we mark this year's World Poetry Day, we enjoin everyone, especially those who are engaged in the various forms of arts, to exert conscious efforts to strengthen the fiber that binds poetry and all other art forms. Poetry not only enriches the socio-cultural landscape of our country but, more importantly, also forges unity amidst diversity and promotes peace and understanding among our people and the peoples of the world.