Salaam readers,
Datuk Usman Awang was
a Malaysian poet, playwright and novelist. He is popularly
considered, and most justifiably too, as perhaps the best poet in the Malay
language. He began to form his name in the Modern Malay literary world by
writing poetry. His poetry is not only written in Malay, but also translated
into Mandarin, English, Iban, Kadazan and Tamil language. For further reading,
click HERE. The Poetry Appreciation: Kekasih – A Tribute to Usman Awang
and Peace was held last year in September, organized by Soka Gakkai
Malaysia (SGM). This event was a celebration of Usman Awang’s life and poetry,
with the aim to explore the themes of love, peace, friendship, compassion and a
universal Malaysian identity in his works. The event was a good platform for
SGM in showcasing how literature can be, as Soka Gakkai International (SGI)
President Daisaku Ikeda says, “an artistic expression of faith, an
irrepressible outflow of the human soul with energy to move the minds of
others.”
In an increasingly
turbulent age, the ideals of peace as expressed in Usman Awang’s poetry become
even more relevant today. The event has created a greater awareness in the role
of literature in fostering peace and brought a successful end to SGM’s Month of
Peace. Also, that was also their way of celebrating Malaysia Day (which
actually falls on September 16). In conjunction with the event, I was
given opportunity to recite one of his works which has been translated into
Bahasa Kadazandusun entitled, "Boros Do Tina." Reciting
a poem, though not easy, rather meticulous, is a journey all in itself
that presents struggles as well as surprises.
Anyway, it was a delightful and
meaningful experience for me. This year (2012), SGM once again invited me to
recite the same poem during the Himpunan Sejuta Belia held in
Putrajaya recently. Heartfelt thanks to SGM for the kind opportunity (Puan Haslina Usman Awang, Dinesh Chandran, Jerisson and everyone).
Boros
do Tina (Kadazandusun language)
Pinghuyud
olumis sumiliu boros osonong
Osodu
lomohou momogawoi pulao
Kataos
minsiriba minsawat orulan
Osodu
somorosop mongibit kosimbayanan
Haro
timpu osikit momuapui
Monuduh
tapui sonduan tinaru
Popoloput
gorud momiyonod koinsanai
Osiliou
kakamot magawoi kagabasan
Soribu
kowoyon mongigit loyou
Powonsoyon
di yumandak sisio’on do langad
Biniru-buru
tanak wagu mamgayat koupusan
Tinugkusan
ra’ayat mingingibit koubasanan
Soribu
boros poboroson tokou
Nombo nangku ka’agal boros tina
Jaku
Kitai (Iban language)
Tesusun
manah nyadi rambai jaku
jelai
pangka mereka pulau
ayun
bealun lembut bebungai
jauh
meresap mai penyamai
Bisi
maya mau nyelar
merechika
api semengat bansa
meletup
beguntam ngerengkap semua
nyadi
senyata ngulihka merdeka
Seribu
tingkah mansutka lagu
dikerindu
ke indu ti benung berambau dara
nyadika
senjata bujang biak nanam pengerindu
pesaka
rayat pengempung budaya
Seribu
jaku kitai berandau
nadai
ngelui jaku kitai.
Bahasa Bonda (Malay language)
Tersusun indah menjadi madah
jauh mengimbau menjangkau pulau
ayun beralun lembut membuai
jauh meresap mendakap damai.
Ada ketika marak menyala
memercik api semangat bangsa
meletus gemuruh menyadap segala
menjadi alat perjuangan merdeka.
Seribu tingkah membawa lagu
mainan gadis diusik rindu
senjata teruna menawan cinta
pusaka rakyat pendukung budaya.
Seribu bahasa kita bicara,
manakan sama bahasa bonda.
Mother
Tongue (English language)
Arranged
beautifully forming words of wisdom
calling from afar to all the islands
swaying
in waves swinging softly
diffused
deeply hugging peace.
At
times the flames spread high
spattering
fires on the nation's spirit
erupting
thunders slashing all
becoming
tools in the fight for freedom.
A
thousand rhythms creating song
played
by maidens in the throes of longing
weapons
of youths in winning love
the
people's heritage, the bearer of culture.
A
thousand languages we may speak
none
so sweet as our mother tongue.
Photo galleries and newspaper cutting
Salaam readers,
Datuk Usman Awang was
a Malaysian poet, playwright and novelist. He is popularly
considered, and most justifiably too, as perhaps the best poet in the Malay
language. He began to form his name in the Modern Malay literary world by
writing poetry. His poetry is not only written in Malay, but also translated
into Mandarin, English, Iban, Kadazan and Tamil language. For further reading,
click HERE. The Poetry Appreciation: Kekasih – A Tribute to Usman Awang
and Peace was held last year in September, organized by Soka Gakkai
Malaysia (SGM). This event was a celebration of Usman Awang’s life and poetry,
with the aim to explore the themes of love, peace, friendship, compassion and a
universal Malaysian identity in his works. The event was a good platform for
SGM in showcasing how literature can be, as Soka Gakkai International (SGI)
President Daisaku Ikeda says, “an artistic expression of faith, an
irrepressible outflow of the human soul with energy to move the minds of
others.”
In an increasingly
turbulent age, the ideals of peace as expressed in Usman Awang’s poetry become
even more relevant today. The event has created a greater awareness in the role
of literature in fostering peace and brought a successful end to SGM’s Month of
Peace. Also, that was also their way of celebrating Malaysia Day (which
actually falls on September 16). In conjunction with the event, I was
given opportunity to recite one of his works which has been translated into
Bahasa Kadazandusun entitled, "Boros Do Tina." Reciting
a poem, though not easy, rather meticulous, is a journey all in itself
that presents struggles as well as surprises.
Anyway, it was a delightful and meaningful experience for me. This year (2012), SGM once again invited me to recite the same poem during the Himpunan Sejuta Belia held in Putrajaya recently. Heartfelt thanks to SGM for the kind opportunity (Puan Haslina Usman Awang, Dinesh Chandran, Jerisson and everyone).
Anyway, it was a delightful and meaningful experience for me. This year (2012), SGM once again invited me to recite the same poem during the Himpunan Sejuta Belia held in Putrajaya recently. Heartfelt thanks to SGM for the kind opportunity (Puan Haslina Usman Awang, Dinesh Chandran, Jerisson and everyone).
Boros
do Tina (Kadazandusun language)
Pinghuyud
olumis sumiliu boros osonong
Osodu
lomohou momogawoi pulao
Kataos
minsiriba minsawat orulan
Osodu
somorosop mongibit kosimbayanan
Haro
timpu osikit momuapui
Monuduh
tapui sonduan tinaru
Popoloput
gorud momiyonod koinsanai
Osiliou
kakamot magawoi kagabasan
Soribu
kowoyon mongigit loyou
Powonsoyon
di yumandak sisio’on do langad
Biniru-buru
tanak wagu mamgayat koupusan
Tinugkusan
ra’ayat mingingibit koubasanan
Soribu
boros poboroson tokou
Nombo nangku ka’agal boros tina
Jaku
Kitai (Iban language)
Tesusun
manah nyadi rambai jaku
jelai
pangka mereka pulau
ayun
bealun lembut bebungai
jauh
meresap mai penyamai
Bisi
maya mau nyelar
merechika
api semengat bansa
meletup
beguntam ngerengkap semua
nyadi
senyata ngulihka merdeka
Seribu
tingkah mansutka lagu
dikerindu
ke indu ti benung berambau dara
nyadika
senjata bujang biak nanam pengerindu
pesaka
rayat pengempung budaya
Seribu
jaku kitai berandau
nadai
ngelui jaku kitai.
Bahasa Bonda (Malay language)
Tersusun indah menjadi madah
jauh mengimbau menjangkau pulau
ayun beralun lembut membuai
jauh meresap mendakap damai.
Ada ketika marak menyala
memercik api semangat bangsa
meletus gemuruh menyadap segala
menjadi alat perjuangan merdeka.
Seribu tingkah membawa lagu
mainan gadis diusik rindu
senjata teruna menawan cinta
pusaka rakyat pendukung budaya.
Seribu bahasa kita bicara,
manakan sama bahasa bonda.
Mother
Tongue (English language)
Arranged
beautifully forming words of wisdom
calling from afar to all the islands
swaying
in waves swinging softly
diffused
deeply hugging peace.
At
times the flames spread high
spattering
fires on the nation's spirit
erupting
thunders slashing all
becoming
tools in the fight for freedom.
A
thousand rhythms creating song
played
by maidens in the throes of longing
weapons
of youths in winning love
the
people's heritage, the bearer of culture.
A
thousand languages we may speak
none
so sweet as our mother tongue.
Photo galleries and newspaper cutting
I am wearing the traditional Dusun Tindal costume of Kota
Belud during the poetry recital event at Himpunan Sejuta Belia held
in Putrajaya recently.
Mr. Andy Romeo and Ms.
Fiona Kab were among the invited reciters. They are both Sarawakian who
are currently studying and working in Peninsula Malaysia.
From left : Mr.
Andy Romeo, Datuk
A. Samad Said and his wife.
Ms. Fiona Kab and Prof. Siti Zainon Ismail (Reciter
for poem "Surat Dari Masyarakat Burung Kepada Datuk Bandar")
Ms. Fiona Kab reciting her poem entitled, "Jaku
Kitai" during the Poetry Appreciation: Kekasih – A
Tribute to Usman Awang and Peace, held in September 2011.
Above and below :
I am reciting Datuk Usman Awang's poem entitled, "Boros Do Tina."
Above and below : Ms. Fiona Kab and I. Fiona is wearing the
contemporary Melanau traditional costume.
Ms. Fiona Kab and
other invited reciters (Chinese and Indian friends).
I am reciting my poem
during the Poetry Appreciation: Kekasih – A Tribute to Usman Awang and
Peace,held in September 2011. I am wearing the
traditional Kadazan costume of Penampang.
Datuk A. Samad Said and I.
Mr. Andy Romeo is reciting a poem (Tanahair) during
the Poetry Appreciation: Kekasih – A Tribute to Usman Awang and Peace, held
in September 2011.
No matter if you're in elementary school or college,
you may at one point have to memorize and recite a poem in front of a group of your peers.
Sincerely yours.
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