Shimla:
Renowned poet and critic Prof. Satyapal Sehgal described the poetry of Ajey as carrying “epic qualities” while praising Prashant Raman Ravi for infusing his poems with the “energy of love and social consciousness” during the launch of their latest poetry collections at the historic Gaiety Theatre.
The event witnessed the release of Ajey’s poetry collection Who Will Sing These Dreams (In Sapnon Ko Kaun Gaayega) and Prashant Raman Ravi’s I Chose Love (Maine Prem Chuna). The literary gathering was jointly organised by Aadhar Prakashan Pvt Ltd and Himalaya Sahitya Sanskriti Paryavaran Manch.
Presiding over the programme, Prof. Sehgal said Ajey represents a distinct voice emerging from Himachal Pradesh’s tribal society, adding that his poetry stands apart from mainstream tribal writing in Hindi literature because of its thematic depth and expansive narrative style.
Speaking about Prashant Raman Ravi, Sehgal noted that while love remains central to his poetry, his work also reflects multiple dimensions of social life and contemporary realities.
Chief guest Rakesh Kanwar praised Ajey’s emotionally powerful poems on motherhood and memory. “After parents are gone, one often realises how much more deeply one could have shared life with them,” he remarked.
On Prashant Raman Ravi’s work, Kanwar said, “A young poet can emerge either through rebellion or through love. Prashant belongs to the tradition of poets shaped by love.”
Senior writer Meenakshi F Paul and noted author Ishita R Girish presented critical readings on both poets and their collections. Research scholar Neha Sharma recited selected poems from the books.
The programme was conducted by Professor Shravan Kumar and Deepti Saraswat. During the event, Desh Nirmohi, founder of Aadhar Prakashan, announced senior fiction writer Yogendra Ahuja as the recipient of the 2026 Aadhar Samman award.
The vote of thanks was delivered by noted Himachali writer S R Harnot, who expressed gratitude to all participants and literary enthusiasts present at the event.
