Review of Indian poet Ranjit Das’ poem ‘Sherlock Homes’ India trip

Review of Indian poet Ranjit Das’ poem ‘Sherlock Homes’ India trip I request readers to read his poem first from the link below and then only my review. Thanks. https://www.poetryinternational.org/pi/poem/30267/auto/0/0/Ranajit-Das/SHERLOCK-HOLMES-INDIA-TRIP/en/tile The poem communicates strongly plainly, so I would highlight the poet’s choice of the form for the content and why he preferred to spell out the message directly. A work’s artistic value enhances to the extent it is abstract and subtle; Das has done a rich collection of poetry, hence certainly seasoned and very creative. Decades back there was a prolonged debate in literary circles debating which of the following was correct: 1.Art for art’s sake 2.Art for the welfare of society At the outset I would mention that art is so vivid, profound and infinite in the canvases it offers to the creators that none can limit it to a purpose or visible boundaries. Still, the debate is more about the creator and his quest. Doesn’t the creator or artist owe it to the society to highlight the reforms needed and lament for inclusiveness, human values and empathy. If a creator is so human and is able to feel the pain of the marginalised and the victimised, why can’t we expect his works to heal the wounds and wake up the masses against the social ills? This expectation is fine but the other side of this is dictating a creator what he must write and thus interferes with his creative freedom. In the nineteenth century the opponents of 'Art for art's sake' were eager to impose some moral codes for creations. It's needless to mention a writer or artist is no way less concerned about social welfare compared to their adversaries. But a creation throws light on all dimensions of life and the characters depicted. It doesn't shy away from exposing the grey side within and society at large. Morals are often basic and a writer is on a quest to ponder on the ethical questions which are complex and dealing with the subconscious mind. Similarly the cry ‘Art for art’s sake’ revolves around the intricate process of creation. A work of art never shouts or shows but kindles a creative reading/appreciation in the reader/viewer to understand the theme in its entirety, creatively visualizing all its dimensions. Art is not a robe a creator can put on when needed and disrobe after the project. He is deeply into the world of art and never carried away either by the expectations of the society or his own emotions. But there are moments when a poet chooses to be the core of his personality, yeah, a child. Every poet is a child. So the child can for a while cease to be precocious and enchanting and pour out. Before I conclude I would mention the satire in this poem is its distinction. It doesn’t need a Sherlock Holmes' genius in investigation to see clearly the plight of the majority of women denied minimum care and life standards because of poverty and ignorance.