Aligarh Alumni Association, Washington (AAA-DC) and Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO)-Metropolitan Washington Chapter organized the 9th Annual Mushaira-Kavi Sammelan here at the Arlington Central Library.
More than 120 writers and poets attended the event on August 20 – a getting together, which according to organizers transcends political, religious, regional, and geographical boundaries.
In addition to sharing poetry, this event also recognizes local poets and authors by releasing their recently published books.
In the recent past, a number of poets and authors have released their books through our program. Some of them are: Professor Satyapal Anand, Professor Asghar Wajahat, Dr. A. Abdullah, Dr. K. Mohan, Mr. Raj Kumar Qais, Mr. Anadi Naik, Mrs. Rashmi Sanan, Mrs. Daler Deol Aashna, and Mr. Surender Deol.
This year, recently published books by three poets, namely, Dr. Astha Naval, Ms. Daler Deol Aashna, and Mr. Dhananjaya Kumar were released. Commenting on Ms. Aashna’s book Tu Hi Tu: Rumi and Tagore, Dr. Harswarup Singh, a former Vice-Chancellor and ambassador, said that Ms. Aashna has done a great service as she brings these two great poets in a language that appeals to the reader.
Remarking on Dr. Astha Naval’s book Visthaapit Man, Ms. Sukesh Chopra appreciated the blooming of the young poet.
This year the poets who shared their poetry with the audience included A. Abdullah, Abdur Rahman Siddiqui, Astha Naval, Bina Goindi, Daler Doel Aashna, Dhananjaya Kumar, Khurram Yousuzai, Qaisar Abbas, Rashid Jamal, Saqiq Bajwa, Sukesh Chopra, Vandana Singh, Vipin Tripathi, Vishakha Thakar, and Yousuf Rahat. Dr. Moazzam Siddiqui, who was rightfully introduced at the podium as “walking and talking library,” discussed Mr. Dhananjaya Kumar’s books, Lambi Udan Tak and Adh Khuli KhirkiyaN. His comments can be summarized as, “Dhananjaya Kumar’s poetry captures large meanings in very few words”.
The poetry recitation session was presided by a senior poet, Mr. Abdur Rahman Siddiqui.
Mr. Masood Farshori, AAA President and Dr. Renuka Misra, GOPIO Chairperson welcomed the participants and audience on behalf of their associations. Coordinator, Dr. Zafar Iqbal thanked everyone for their continued support for the program, which was conducted by Dr. A. Abdullah.
