The Ministry of Art, Culture, and Language, Department of Hindi Academy, organized the National Poets’ Conclave at Town Hall, Chandni Chowk, as a part of the Republic Day celebrations. Poets from various fields across the country actively participated in the program. Notable poets included Padma Shri Dr. Surendra Sharma, poet Ashok Chakradhar, Dr. Vishnu Saxena, Shri Arun Jaimini, Shri Rajendra Malviya, Dr. Praveen Shukl, Shri Sarvesh Asthana, and Professor Prem Singh.
The event was hosted by renowned poetess Dr. Kirti Kale. Each poet presented their gems of poetry before a diverse audience of hundreds at the Town Hall.
The entire hall resonated with applause for the outstanding poems of all the poets. Saurabh Bhardwaj, the Minister of Art, Culture, and Language, graced the occasion as the chief guest. Sanjay Garg, Secretary of the Hindi Academy, welcomed Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj with a shawl and a potted plant.
Addressing the audience, Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj mentioned that this poetic gathering is often referred to as the Red Fort Poetry Conclave. Traditionally, the event takes place near the Red Fort every year, but due to certain issues, this time the poetry conclave is being held at the Town Hall, Chandni Chowk. He expressed gratitude to the people of Delhi for their historical interest in poetry, mushairas, etc., and emphasized that the citizens of Delhi are true connoisseurs who eagerly await such poetry events.
Welcoming all the esteemed poets on stage, Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj expressed his gratitude and acknowledged their valuable contributions. He mentioned that poets were selected with diverse perspectives to cater to all kinds of audiences. He hoped that the audience, who came to listen to the poets, would enjoy the poems presented by the poets representing various ideologies.
Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj acknowledged that due to the rushed preparations for this first-time event at the Town Hall, there might be some shortcomings in arrangements. However, he assured that efforts would be made to ensure better organization and extensive promotion so that a larger audience gathers at the next poetry conclave.
The tradition of such gatherings has been an age-old heritage of our country. However, this tradition is gradually fading away in the present times. The art and culture of this country are our ancestral legacy, and preserving this heritage is our collective moral responsibility. In this context, the Ministry of Art, Culture, and Language of the Delhi government is organizing various programs at different locations in Delhi, involving different cultures and religions. Delhi is hosting events related to poetry gatherings, mushairas, kavi sammelans, qawwalis, raginis, thumris, classical music, plays, and traditions associated with various communities. The purpose of organizing all these programs is to enable the younger generation to understand and recognize our ancient culture, appreciate the heritage of our ancestors, and provide a platform for the present-day youth who still hold a passion for the arts such as poetry, dance, music, etc.
The minister said that for the youth who have an interest in dramas, poetry, music, dance, and shayari but face challenges due to financial constraints or lack of guidance, the art, culture, and language ministry of Delhi government is striving to provide a platform through such programs. The goal is to showcase their talents before the society and make the Delhi government a medium through which their artistic abilities can be presented to the public. Those in the younger generation who are inclined towards arts and culture, poetry, music, dance, and shayari, but are unable to showcase their talents due to financial difficulties or lack of guidance, are not able to present their talents to the country and its people.
He said the Ministry of Art, Culture, and Language in Delhi is making efforts to provide a stage for such individuals through programs like these. The aim is to create awareness about our culture and heritage among the youth and encourage them to carry forward the legacy of our ancestors to every corner of the country and beyond. Through these programs, the Ministry seeks to foster an interest in our culture among the youth and inspire them to take our cultural heritage forward, reaching every corner of the country and even across the globe. The ministry’s endeavour is to generate interest in poetry among the youth through these programs and continue organizing poetry gatherings in the future as well.
