CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: The National Vishnu Khare Poetry Award Ceremony was grandly organized at Vanmali Auditorium, Scope Global Skills University, Bhopal with great dignity. The event was conducted under the Vanmali Srijanpeeth, an institution dedicated to art, literature, and culture, in memory of Vishnu Khare, a renowned poet, critic, translator, and journalist.
Writers were honored in four different categories for their contributions to literature:
Vishnu Khare Criticism Award: Nandkishore Acharya (Bikaner) – Senior Critic, Poet, Translator.
Vishnu Khare Translation Award: A. Aravindakshan (Kerala) – Senior Translator.
Vishnu Khare Poetry Award: Leeladhar Mandloi (New Delhi) – Renowned Literary Figure, Poet, Translator, Critic.
Vishnu Khare Young Poetry Award: Parvati Tirkey (Jharkhand) – Emerging Poetess.
Literature as a Mirror of Society
Presiding over the event, Radha Vallabh Tripathi, a distinguished literary figure, stated:
“Literature is not just an arrangement of words; it is a mirror and a guide for society. Events like the Vanmali Katha Samay and the National Vishnu Khare Poetry Award bring together writers and thinkers to engage in meaningful discussions on contemporary social challenges and possibilities. The honored writers today have given voice to social sensitivities through their works, enriching literature while shedding light on the complexities of our times.”
In his welcome address, Santosh Chaubey, Director of Vanmali Srijanpeeth, emphasized:
“This event is not just an award ceremony but an intellectual symposium where literary perspectives confront the most complex questions of our era. In the changing landscape of language, literature, and society, such platforms play a crucial role.”
Vishnu Khare’s Legacy in Literature
Chief Speaker Mamta Kalia remarked:
“Literature is not merely a medium of entertainment; it is a powerful tool for awakening social consciousness. Vishnu Khare’s poetry reflects his unwavering commitment to truth and his fearless expression of social contradictions. This honor is dedicated to writers who firmly address social concerns through their work.”
Delivering the keynote address, Nilesh Raghuvanshi noted:
“Poetry is not just a play of words; it is a way of life. Vishnu Khare’s writings teach us that a writer’s duty is not just to express beauty but also to resist injustice. In an era where literature is being sidelined, such events expand the horizons of poetry and reinforce its significance.”
Honored Writers’ Thoughts & Contributions
The honored poets and critics shared their insights:
Nandkishore Acharya (Criticism Award): Highlighted the role of literature in democracy and social justice.
- Aravindakshan (Translation Award): Discussed the importance of translations in bridging linguistic and cultural gaps.
Leeladhar Mandloi (Poetry Award): Presented poetry reflecting the folk essence of Chhattisgarh.
Parvati Tirkey (Young Poetry Award): Shared poetic expressions of tribal life and struggles.
Special Performances & Presentations
🔹 International Hindi Olympiad 2025 Poster Unveiling: A special unveiling ceremony was held during the event.
🔹 Poetry Reading Session: Eminent poets recited their works, including Santosh Chaubey, Jitendra Srivastava, Balram Gumasta, Nilesh Raghuvanshi, Niranjan Shrotriya, Ramkumar Tiwari, Mahesh Verma, and Wajda Khan.
🔹 Theatrical Presentation of Vishnu Khare’s Poetry:
A shadow theater performance titled “Aur Naaz Main Kis Par Karoon” was staged, directed by Manoj Nair. The performance creatively presented poems such as “Agle Savere,” “Koshish,” “Awaazahi,” and “Ameen.”
This grand event reaffirmed the central role of literature in shaping thought and culture, inspiring future generations of poets and writers.
#MotherLanguageDay #LanguagePreservation #VanmaliAuditorium #CulturalHeritage #LinguisticDiversity
