Dehradun, Uttarakhand:

The serene setting of Lekhak Gaon in Thano, Dehradun, came alive on Friday evening with the powerful echoes of poetry as the seven-day Virāsat Kala Utsav opened to a grand start. Amid the glow of ceremonial lamps, the inaugural session unfolded into a vibrant celebration of literature, culture, and artistic expression.

Organized jointly by the North Central Zone Cultural Centre (Ministry of Culture, Government of India), Sparsh Himalaya University, and Lekhak Gaon, the festival was inaugurated by chief guest Om Prakash Jamdagni, Minister of State, Uttarakhand Government, along with dignitaries including Ganesh Khugshal ‘Gani’, Vice-Chairman of the Ecotourism Council, Dr. Sarvesh Uniyal, Programme Officer, Tourism Department, and Sudesh Sharma, Centre Director. Together, they lit the ceremonial lamp, marking the beginning of the cultural extravaganza.

The highlight of the evening was a Kavi Sammelan (poets’ gathering), where eminent poets from across India enthralled the audience with verses ranging from patriotic fervor to biting satire and lyrical tributes to social themes.

• Dr. Rasik Gupta (Delhi) set the tone with his stirring lines on the eternal power of the pen:

“Path pradarshak bani yugon se, hai kalam ki dhaar hi…”

• Dr. Arjun Sisodia (Uttar Pradesh) delivered sharp satire on contemporary contradictions:

“Seene mein nafrat rakhte ho, hothon par Gandhi rakhte ho…”

• Rakesh Dangi (Madhya Pradesh) invoked cosmic harmony in his verses, while Sarala Mishra (Delhi) moved the audience with her ode to womanhood:

“Prabhu ki ek alaukik rachna, do kul-taari hai…”

• Humor blended with wit in Shrikant Shri’s playful satire, drawing waves of laughter and applause.

• From Uttarakhand, Dr. Ritu Singh infused patriotic zeal, while Rajesh Chetan reminded listeners of poetry’s role in shaping national consciousness.

The auditorium reverberated with applause as each poet left the audience spellbound. The evening was anchored by Shivam Dhoundiyal, with representatives including Rajkumar and others present to witness the literary spectacle.

The Virāsat Kala Utsav, now underway, promises a week-long celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage, blending poetry, art, and tradition in the heart of Uttarakhand.

Disclaimer: This news is written on the basis of information received from different authentic sources.