CHANDIGARH SAHITYA AKADEMI
ANNUAL ROUND-UP AND HASYA KAVI SAMMELAN
27 MAY 2010
Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi (CSA) is now a well-known name in the city. It has made its presence felt through its regular programmes – book launches, publications, awards, workshops, panel discussions, seminars, national / international conferences and, above all the First Chandigarh LitFest held in February this year. In addition to regular snail-mail invitations, it keeps its followers abreast of its activities through the internet, using email, a blog, and the Facebook. There is even a Chandigarh Writers’ Directory that is now available on its blog. There is no denying that the Akademi has made history; it has made a difference to the intellectual and cultural ambience of Chandigarh, giving the city a place on the national and even international literary map. This was evident in the Annual Round-Up of the CSA held this evening.
The Chairperson, Prof Manju Jaidka made a power-point presentation on the activities of the CSA over the last one year. Without too much of hype or fanfare, the Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi has been doing its job, bringing people and minds together in get-togethers that are stimulating and enriching. An illustrated Brochure summing up the year-long activities was released by the Mayor, Anu Chatrath, who presided over today’s event.
In the coming year the CSA has elaborate plans to hold top level activities including a National Seminar in November 2010 and the 2nd Chandigarh LitFest in January 2011.
Following the annual report was a Hasya Kavi Sammelan that kept the audience in splits. The participating poets were Dilbar (from Sirsa), Yogendra maudgil (from Panipat), Virendra Madhur (from Rohtak), Master Mahendre (from Jhajjar), Sufi Jagjit Singh (from Ambala) and TN Raaz (local). Laughter seems to be the best medicine to drive away the summer blues!
On this occasion awards were also presented to some budding writers who had competed in Creative Writing Competitions held by the CSA. Abhilasha (DAV Public School, Sector-8), Ankita Sethi (Mount Carmel School, Sector-47), Charmi Sahni (Shivalik Public School, Sector-41), Ashita Singla (St.Joseph Sr.Sec.School, Sector-44-D), and Pooja (Shri Guru Harkishan School, Sector-38), were given prizes.
Today’s function was a special one well-attended by intellectuals and writers of the city who were all praise for the achievements of the CSA which is headed by Prof Manju Jaidka, ably supported by Madhav Kaushik (Secretary) and D.S. Gupt (Vice-Chairman).
Photos online: http://picasaweb.google.co.in/105464712099114161998/RounduppicsMay2010#
