The 61st public event organized by the Regional Committee of Hamazkayin in Lebanon and “Aztag Daily” took place on Wednesday, November 9, 2011, at 8:00 PM at the Punig Hall of the editorial offices of “Aztag Daily.” The event celebrated Vahan Zanoian’s poetry volume, “Outside the border.”
On behalf of the organizers, Sarkis Giragossian delivered the opening speech and said that in the 1970s Zanoian had published articles in “Aztag Daily,” and was published in “Pakin” Literary Magazine as a young writer.
Mr. Giragossian added that decades later Zanoian’s need of living with poetry in the United States erupted like a volcano last year, when he published the poetry book, “Return,” and also this year with “Outside the border.”
Mr. Giragossian said that the poet has found the golden meaning of classicism and modernism and that his poetry is bright, with rhythmic language, smooth flow, and a simple style, and bonds closely together the living and the literary language.
Afterwards, Elo Sarajian-Hergelian said it is not necessary to know the details of a writer’s life to evaluate his works, but it is enough to read and commune with his thoughts.
Ms. Sarajian-Hergelian said that Zanoian began writing four decades ago and that his works have maturity, courage, and universal approaches.
She also said that Vahan Zanoian has written on topics related to national and philosophical themes, as well as yearning, parenthood and childhood. She stated that both his recent volumes have been a bridge back to literature.
Afterwards, Silva Kurkjian and Araxia Poladian read excerpts of poems from “Outside the border.”
Toward the end of the meeting, Vahan Zanoian delivered his heartfelt words. He thanked the Regional Committee of Hamazkayin in Lebanon, “Aztag Daily,” and all the event participants, as well as his teachers.