As part of its literary programmes at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026, Sahitya Akademi organized a Face-to-Face programme followed by a Story Reading session on January 11, 2026, at Hall No. 2, Bharat Mandapam.

The Face-to-Face programme featured Ms. Rashmi Chaudhary, eminent Bodo writer and Sahitya Akademi Award winner, and Shri Mohan Singh, eminent Dogri writer and Sahitya Akademi Award winner.

Sharing his literary journey, Shri Mohan Singh said that he began writing by closely following the masters of Dogri literature. He remarked that being a writer is not about earning a livelihood through writing, but about spending one’s earnings on writing. He spoke about his Nukkad Natakas and also recited several of his poems, including “Ghera,” “Shraap,” “Ma Ke Marne Par,” “Potiyan,” “Ilzam,” “Saath Na Chhod Dena,” and “Ped Aur Aadmi.”

Ms. Rashmi Chaudhary shared that she began writing in 2006 following a personal crisis. Through her writings, she said, she strives to highlight the plight of 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 Ms. Nasira Sharma. Shri Avdhesh Srivastava and Shri Harisuman Bisht participated in the session.

Shri Avdhesh Srivastava read his story “Khel Khel Mein,” which depicts the innocent bond that develops between young children of a residential colony and newborn puppies living in a vacant plot. Shri Harisuman Bisht narrated his story “Tumne Kuchh Nahin Kaha Tha,” which explores the living conditions of people in slums and their expectations and disillusionment with the structures of democracy.

In her presidential address, Ms. Nasira Sharma emphasized that in contemporary times it is more important to nurture the human aspect within citizens and remain connected to one’s roots, rather than merely striving for a global dream.

Both programmes were convened by Shri Anupam Tiwari, Editor (Hindi), Sahitya Akademi, who thanked the participating writers and the audience on behalf of the Akademi for making the programmes successful.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

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