Poetry recitation fuels students' patriotism

Poetry recitation is more than just beautiful verses; it's a powerful medium for nurturing patriotism, expressing love for the nation, and fostering an appreciation for language and literature among the youth. This sentiment was evident at the Sayembara Deklamasi Puisi Kemerdekaan (SDPK) competition, which showcased not only recitation talent but also served as a platform to elevate literature as a means of conveying messages of struggle, independence, and national sovereignty.

Adeed Haikal Muhammad Asri, the champion of the 2026 Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya level competition, found his victory deeply meaningful as it was his first participation. He shared his joy at being crowned champion, crediting his sister's extensive preparation assistance. "My interest in poetry recitation began at 13 after watching my sister read and recite poetry. My father and sister have been my biggest supporters, always encouraging me to pursue this passion," he told Utusan Pelajar.

The 16-year-old student explained that he deeply understands the meaning of each verse before reciting to fully convey patriotic spirit. "The field of literature can broaden knowledge, especially in language, and open people's eyes to the beauty of language they might have overlooked. Some perceive literature as declining in popularity because they haven't explored it. Once they delve deeper, they'll realize the beauty of our language," he stated.

Adeed, from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Seri Tasik, hopes for more events like SDPK to draw young people towards literature and promote a reading culture that encourages understanding the works of national writers. Runner-up Adyana Nafiesya Ady Rizalman, 15, has been participating in poetry and syair competitions since age six, with her talent honed by teachers and her mother, who is also a teacher and her constant companion at events.