Bhopal's Cultural Landscape Set to Sparkle with All-India Poets' Meet
The historic city of Bhopal is poised for an enchanting evening that promises to shimmer with laughter, deep emotion, and exquisite lyrical flair. The much-anticipated All-India Poets' Meet is scheduled to come alive at 7 PM today at the prestigious Anjani Auditorium, located within Ravindra Bhavan. This grand literary gathering, presented by the Department of Culture, is a tradition-steeped celebration that transforms a crisp winter night into a living mosaic of imagination, humour, and heartfelt reflection. It serves as a perfect and poignant cultural warm-up to the upcoming Republic Day festivities.
A Constellation of Poetic Luminaries to Grace the Stage
Leading this festive constellation of voices is the immensely cherished Hindi poet, Ashok Chakradhar. Renowned for his playful insight and intellectual warmth, Chakradhar has earned widespread admiration across the nation. In an exclusive conversation with TOI, he expressed his excitement about performing in Bhopal. "Bhopal audiences possess a unique understanding of subtle musings and a genuine appreciation for tongue-in-cheek humour, making them truly discerning listeners," he remarked. "Therefore, along with presenting some of my evergreen creations, I plan to recite several new, experimental works. Since I am visiting the City of Lakes just ahead of Republic Day, I earnestly pray that our air, aura, and surroundings remain light-hearted, benign, and benevolent."
Sharing this illustrious platform will be the comic genius and Padma Shri awardee, Surendra Sharma. Famous for his 'Char Laina' brand of humour that playfully dances across the absurdities of mundane life, Sharma is expected to bring waves of laughter to the audience. The evening will also be graced by the soulful presence of Urdu maestro Wasim Barelvi, whose deeply moving ghazals have touched countless hearts over the decades.
A Diverse Palette of Poetic Voices and Emotions
Adding further richness to the program is a host of accomplished poets, each bringing their own distinctive palette of emotions, vivid imagery, and creative sparkle. The lineup includes the talented voices of Dr. Sita Sagar, Kailash Mandella, Shailendra Singh, Himanshi Bawra, and Shraddha Shaurya. This diverse ensemble ensures the evening will traverse a wide spectrum of poetic styles and themes, from reflective and profound to witty and contemporary.
Entry to this grand cultural spectacle is completely free, operating strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. Patrons are advised to arrive early to secure their seats for what promises to be an unforgettable night celebrating the power and beauty of Indian poetry in the heart of Bhopal.
