Indian-American doctor is Ohio’s first Poet Laureate

WASHINGTON: A 36-year-old Indian-American doctor has been named the first Poet Laureate by the US state of Ohio for showcasing a variety of styles in his poetry.

Amit Majmudar, a diagnostic nuclear radiologist, was named to the two-year honorary position by governor John Kasich who created the honour.

“Our first poet laureate will bring a unique perspective to this new role and is a powerful example to our young people that regardless of what career path they choose to pursue, they always can tap into their other passions,” Ohio governor John R Kasich said on Wednesday.

During his two-year term beginning January 1 next year, Majmudar said he intends to bring an interdisciplinary approach to promoting poetry by establishing a link with the existing, thriving Ohio arts community, a media release said.

Another important component of his outreach will be engaging Ohio high school students through a variety of means to encourage the future of poetry in Ohio. As a poet, Majmudar has taken a nontraditional path, the governor’s office said.

Majmudar is a medical doctor and serves as a diagnostic and nuclear radiologist in Columbus. The legislation creating the position of the State’s official poet was passed in 2014.