Navkriti, an organization of poets of Hindi, Urdu and Rajasthani in association with the Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Rajasthan organized a poet’s conclave – a Kavi Sammelan and Mushayara to celebrate the foundation day of the city of Udaipur.

The programme was held at the open air auditorium of the Department of Information and Public Relations, Mohata Park. The Mayor of the town Chandra Singh Kothari who was supposed to Preside over , came sharp on time but due to the apparent delay in the programme left with a promise that he would come back.

The Kavi Sammelan and Mushayara was later presided over by the noted poet Abid Adeeb known for his revolutionary and unconventional voice in poetry and social movements. Pushkar “Gupteshwar” recited Saraswati Vandana in his melodious voice  which was followed by the recitation of Hamz by Iqbal Hussain “Iqbal.” Thus a unique combination of faiths reflecting the Ganga-Jamuni tradition of India got reflected in the beginning itself.

Pushkar Gupteshwar’s Gazal _”Avval Ala Shahar Udaipur “, Iqbal Hussain “Iqbal” s Gazal_ ” Khoob Taufeeq de har Kalamkar ko, nafraten chod kar thaam len pyaar ko” Abid Abeeb’s Gazal -” Jaise kisi gouri ke sar peg agar, vaisa khubsoorat fatehsaagar”, Dr. Pramila Singhvi’s ” Baat Kuch Khne ki ho to kaho, varna hoth seeker chup raho”, Asha Pandey Ojha’s poems on women and Aina Udaipuri’s Gazals attracted a loud applause from the audience who stayed till the end of the kavi sammelan at 1.30a.m.

The Chief guest Manik Arya , former Director All India Radio and the Deputy Director of Public Relations department Gaurikant Sharma also recited poems and Gazals. Among others who presented their writings were Chandresh Khatri, Khursheed Nawab, Khursheed Ahmad Khursheed, Anita Bhanawat “ANNA”, and many more. The Kavi Sammelan was ably convened by Rao Ajatshatru who recited his poems also.

Contributed by: Dr H.S. Chandali