Vidisha Celebrates the Spirit of Literature and Poetry as Indian Literature and Art Council Holds Its 37th Annual Event

A literary gathering dedicated to the memory of Bihari Lal Soni ‘Anuj’s’ parents brings together nearly 80 poets from different places for two engaging sessions of poetry and creative expression.

Vidisha (Shobhit Jain – City Correspondent): An evening filled with poetry, literary discussions and artistic expression marked the 37th special annual programme of the Indian Literature and Art Council. Organised at the residence of the council’s president, Bihari Lal Soni ‘Anuj’, the event was dedicated to the memory of his late parents, Babu Lal Soni and Leela Devi Soni. The programme was conducted in two sessions and witnessed the participation of poets and literary enthusiasts from Vidisha and several other places.

The first session, titled ‘The Confluence of Ideas and Poetry’, was chaired by Gokul Soni, president of the Bankers Literature and Art Council and a senior literary figure. Dr. Rajesh Shrivastava, Director of the Ramayan Research Centre and Chief Executive Officer of the Tirth and Mela Development Authority, attended as the chief guest. Veteran lyricist Vimal Bhandari conducted the session with his engaging presentation.

The programme commenced with a Saraswati Vandana presented by Pratibha Dwivedi, followed by the welcome address from council president Bihari Lal Soni ‘Anuj’. In his presidential address, Soni observed that at a time when family bonds are increasingly facing challenges, programmes organised in memory of parents help preserve their values, contributions and memories for future generations while inspiring society. Chief guest Dr. Rajesh Shrivastava also highlighted the importance of such literary gatherings and initiatives that keep family memories alive.

The poetry segment brought a series of engaging performances to the stage. Poet Lion Arun Kumar Soni from Vidisha received appreciation for his ghazal, particularly the lines: “Dil-e-nadaan pe hum apna malaal-e-yaar likhte hain, udaasi mein bhi hum apna khushi se haal likhte hain.” Poet Rakesh Kumar Soni ‘Bindass’, who travelled from Kalapipal, presented his composition “Sukhanbaron ki Sohbat Mein Nikhar Raha Hoon”, adding another memorable moment to the session.

Several other poets and writers, including Anisha Jain, Dr. Amit Malviya Harsh, Kamlesh Noor, Dinesh Gupta ‘Makarand’, Umesh Tiwari ‘Aarohi’, Ashok Gautam ‘Ghayal’, Ram Mohan Choukse, Ram Kumar Soni ‘Rahi’, Ashok Nirmal, Hariom Shrivastava, Mahesh Agrawal, Kishan Tiwari, Satyadev Soni, Dr. Pramod Saxena ‘Pushkar’, Pradeep Mohbe, Shivkumar Diwan and Chandrabhan Singh Pawar ‘Chander’, presented their poems and songs, keeping the audience engaged. Adding a touch of humour to the programme, O.P. Dwivedi, known for his appearance on ‘Laughter Challenge’, entertained the gathering with witty satirical verses and mimicry, drawing rounds of laughter and applause.

The second session was organised as an elaborate poetry gathering. Dr. Sanjay Saxena, Deputy Minister-Director of Hindi Bhavan, presided over the session, while senior poet Bherulal Sunar from Manasa attended as the chief guest. Poet Satyadev Soni ‘Satya’ conducted the proceedings in a lively and poetic style.

The second session featured performances by several prominent literary personalities, including Dr. Mohan Tiwari ‘Anand’, National President of the Tulsi Sahitya Akademi; Suresh Patwa; Dr. Rajesh Tiwari; Ashok Dhamaniya; V.K. Shrivastava; Shriram Maheshwari; Hoshiyar Singh Patel; Hariom Shrivastava; Kavita Sirole; Ashok Vyas; Umesh Tiwari; Sushma Anil Shrivastava; Pratibha Dwivedi; Pramila Jharbade; Kshama Nimaure; Ramkishore Shrivastava ‘Ravi’; Dr. Ramesh Bhumarkar; Praveen Sharma; Bhanwarlal Shrivas; Kailash Shrivastava ‘Aadmi’; Chandrahas Shukla and Dr. Ashok Vyas. Their creative presentations received an enthusiastic response from the audience.

The presence of literary enthusiasts and family members from Vidisha and distant locations added warmth and distinction to the occasion. Continuing late into the night, the programme featured nearly 80 poets who presented their compositions in an atmosphere filled with literary enthusiasm. Attendees widely appreciated the initiative of poet Bihari Lal Soni ‘Anuj’ and praised his efforts in bringing together such a large gathering of creative minds.

The event concluded with senior journalist Ram Mohan Choukse expressing gratitude to all the guests, poets, participants and attendees for making the programme a memorable success.

(SDNA | Truth with Society’s Voice)