Shimla, May 10
Gaiety Theatre witnessed a literary celebration on Saturday as the Himalaya Sahitya Sanskriti Evam Paryavaran Manch organised the launch of two books by noted writer Deepti Saraswat ‘Pratima’, followed by a poetry session featuring young and senior poets.
The books were formally released by Sanjeev Gandhi in the presence of renowned author S. R. Harnot and academician Prof. Meenakshi F. Paul.
The first book, Antar Geet, is a collection of poems by Deepti’s late father Som Sharma ‘Som’, edited by Deepti herself. The second, Kagazi Prem, is her own poetry collection published by Urmil Prakashan.
Speaking at the event, S. R. Harnot said it had been Deepti’s long-cherished dream to publish her father’s poems in book form. He added that Deepti Saraswat has remained actively involved in poetry, fiction and literary criticism and currently serves as a Hindi lecturer at Government Senior Secondary School Majhar in Himachal Pradesh. She has previously authored four poetry collections and a short story collection and has received several literary honours.
During her address, Deepti Saraswat emotionally recalled her father’s literary journey and recited two of his poems. She also presented poems from her own collection.
Chief guest Sanjeev Gandhi congratulated the author and organisers for the successful event and said writers have a major responsibility in today’s society. He remarked that literature not only raises its voice against social evils but also guides society towards positive change. Highlighting the role of youth, he urged young writers to use their creative expression to awaken social consciousness. Gandhi also recited one of his own poems during the programme.
Prof. Meenakshi F. Paul spoke in detail about Antar Geet, while Dr. Dev Kanya Thakur reviewed Kagazi Prem, discussing the various shades of love reflected in the poems. Kalpana Gangta presented a review written by Dr. Devina Akshayvar.
The programme was conducted by Dr. Rajan Tanwar. The second session, chaired by Anil Harta and Prof. Roshan Lal Jinta, featured poetry recitations by students, young poets and senior writers on diverse themes.
Concluding the event, Indra Suryan thanked all guests, speakers, poets, media representatives and the staff of Gaiety Theatre for their support in making the event successful.
