Writers and poets play an unmatched role in preserving cultural heritage, says DC Anupam Kashyap
Shimla: A vibrant Mushaira-cum-Kavi Sammelan brought together literature enthusiasts, poets and cultural figures at the historic Gaiety Theatre as part of the International Shimla Summer Festival 2026, transforming the venue into a confluence of poetry, culture and creative expression.
Deputy Commissioner Shimla and Chairman of the International Shimla Summer Festival Organising Committee, Anupam Kashyap, attended the event as the chief guest and felicitated participating poets for their contributions to literature and culture.
Addressing the gathering, Kashyap said the role of litterateurs in preserving and promoting cultural heritage is incomparable. He noted that while discussions on cultural preservation are common, writers and poets are actively contributing to this cause through their literary works and creative expressions.
“The International Shimla Summer Festival has provided a platform to connect poets and writers who are dedicated to safeguarding our cultural roots and enriching society through literature,” he said.
The event featured 17 renowned poets from different parts of Himachal Pradesh, who captivated the audience with their verses, creating a rich poetic atmosphere. During the programme, several litterateurs also presented copies of their books to the Deputy Commissioner.
The presidium included retired IAS officer Dr Vinod Prakash Shukla, Dwijendra Dwij and Zahid Abrol.
Among the poets who participated were Ramesh Dadhwal (Dharamshala), Kuldeep Garg Tarun (Arki), Anant Alok (Nahan), Vikas Rana (Baijnath), Rajneshwar Chauhan (Shimla), Javed Ulfat (Nahan), Navneet Sharma (Dharamshala), Pratap Jaryal (Kangra), Pawanendra Pawan (Nagrota), Naresh Deog (Shimla), Sumit Raj Sumit (Shimla), Satpal Khayal (Badi), Kartik Sharma (Shimla) and Shahid Anjum (Sujanpur).
The Mushaira emerged as one of the cultural highlights of the festival, celebrating the enduring power of poetry and literature in strengthening cultural identity and social harmony.
