Delhi, 11 January (H.S.): Sahitya Akademi organised a Face-to-Face programme followed by a Story Reading programme during the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 on Saturday at Hall No. 2 of Bharat Mandapam.

The Face-to-Face session featured eminent Bodo writer and Sahitya Akademi award winner Rashmi Choudhary and noted Dogri writer and Sahitya Akademi award winner Mohan Singh. Speaking on the occasion, Mohan Singh said his literary journey began by closely following the masters of Dogri literature. He remarked that being a writer was not about earning a livelihood through writing, but about spending one’s earnings on the craft. He spoke about his nukkad nataks and recited several poems, including Ghera, Shraap, Ma Ke Marne Par, Potiyan, Ilzam, Saath Na Chhod Dena and Ped Aur Aadmi.

Rashmi Choudhary shared that she began writing in 2006 after experiencing a personal crisis. She said her writings attempt to highlight the hardships faced by women living in remote areas. She recited her Bodo poems Dalbar, Akeli, Chidiya Ud Gai and Jeewan, followed by their Hindi renditions.

The Face-to-Face session was followed by a Story Reading programme chaired by eminent Hindi writer Nasira Sharma. Writers Avdhesh Srivastava and Harisuman Bisht participated in the reading session. Srivastava narrated his story Khel Khel Mein, depicting the innocent bond between children of a residential colony and newborn puppies found in an empty plot. Bisht read out his story Tumne Kuchh Nahin Kaha Tha, which focused on the living conditions of slum dwellers and their hopes and disillusionment with the democratic system.

In her presidential address, Nasira Sharma said that in present times it was essential to nurture the human aspect within citizens and stay connected to one’s roots, rather than solely chasing global aspirations.

Both programmes were convened by Anupam Tiwari, Editor (Hindi), who thanked the participants and the audience on behalf of Sahitya Akademi.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar