The Austin Public Library (John Gillum Branch) hosted an event titled “Poetry in Many Voices” on Saturday, April 25, 2026. This gathering was truly unique, as individuals from various nations came together in one venue to recite poetry in their respective native languages. It proved to be a novel experience to witness people from diverse backgrounds reciting poems in their mother tongues, while others—regardless of their linguistic background—listened with appreciation and applauded. It would be no exaggeration to describe this event as a celebration of global unity, serving as a powerful reminder that poetry possesses a distinct essence of its own—one that requires nothing more than an open heart to be truly appreciated, even in the absence of linguistic understanding. In addition to our own Tamil language, participants from various countries shared renowned poems—and in some instances, original compositions of their own—in a multitude of languages, including Arabic, Cantonese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, Turkish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese. 

Representing the Austin Tamil Sangam, poets Ram Srinivasan and Mee. Manikandan participated in the event. Poet Mr. Ram began by offering an exposition on the Thirukkural—our globally revered ethical treatise and a source of immense pride for the Tamil language—before selecting one verse from each of its three major divisions – Muppaal to share three exquisite couplets with the audience. Similarly, Poet Mr. Me. Manikandan captivated the audience by reciting two deeply evocative poems he has authored himself: “Tamizhalli Thaa Thamizha” and “Akkavukku Paasamudan Thambi.”