Introduction
L D Arts College, known for its commitment to fostering literary and cultural excellence, organized Kavya Sangam: A Confluence of Poetry, a poetry recitation event on January 28, 2025. The event aimed to celebrate the rich traditions of poetry in multiple languages, providing students with a platform to express their creativity and engage with literary art in an immersive manner.
The event brought together aspiring student poets and admirers of literature from the Departments of English, Hindi, and Gujarati. The highlight of the program was the esteemed presence of Shri Pratapsinh Dabhi, an eminent poet, who graced the occasion as the Guest Poet.
Program Highlights
Inaugural Session
The program commenced with a warm welcome address by Dr. Jenny Rathod, Head, Department of English, who emphasized the significance of poetry as a means of self-expression and cultural preservation. She spoke about how Kavya Sangam serves as a confluence of artistic voices across languages and traditions, enriching the literary environment of the college.
The Master of Ceremonies for the inaugural session, Dr. Shubha Nigam from the Department of English, conducted the event with grace and eloquence, ensuring a smooth flow of proceedings.
This was followed by a detailed introduction of the Guest Poet, Shri Pratapsinh Dabhi, given by Dr. B. A. Rohit, Head, Department of Gujarati. Dr. Rohit provided an insightful account of Shri Dabhi’s literary contributions, emphasizing his influence in contemporary poetry and his ability to bridge classical and modern themes in his work.
Address by the Guest Poet
Shri Pratapsinh Dabhi delivered an inspiring keynote address, speaking on the transformative power of poetry and its role in shaping individual thought and cultural consciousness. He reflected on the evolution of poetry across languages and urged students to embrace poetic expression with sincerity and passion. His words deeply resonated with the audience, leaving a lasting impact.
The vote of thanks for the inaugural session was delivered by Dr. J. D. Bhola from the Department of English, who expressed gratitude to Shri Dabhi for his presence and inspiring words. He also thanked the faculty members and students for their enthusiastic participation in making the event a success.
Student Recitation Session
Following the inaugural session, selected students from the English, Hindi, and Gujarati departments took the stage to recite poems. The recitations featured both original compositions and works of renowned poets, showcasing the diversity of poetic forms and themes.
- English Recitations: Students presented powerful pieces on themes such as nature, love, identity, and social change. Some chose to recite works of renowned poets such as William Wordsworth, A E Houseman, and Maya Angelou, while others shared their own thought-provoking verses.
- Hindi Recitations: The Hindi segment was rich with classical and contemporary poetry, featuring works of Harivansh Rai Bachchan, Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, and original compositions by students. The poems touched upon themes of patriotism, human emotions, and philosophical reflections.
- Gujarati Recitations: The Gujarati section was a vibrant celebration of the language’s poetic tradition, featuring works of renowned contemporary Gujarati poets Students also presented their own compositions, reflecting on cultural heritage and personal experiences.
Each recitation was met with enthusiastic applause, and the passion displayed by the students was a testament to their deep engagement with poetry.
Interactive Session with the Guest Poet
One of the most engaging moments of the event was the interactive session with Shri Pratapsinh Dabhi. Students eagerly participated, asking insightful questions about the creative process, poetic inspirations, and the relevance of poetry in contemporary society. Shri Dabhi generously shared his experiences, encouraging students to cultivate a habit of reading and writing poetry regularly.
Shri Pratapsinh Dabhi honoured the finest students for original compositions and recitation of poems by other poets with awards on behalf of the Hiramul Foundation with which he is associated. Krishna Gauswami, Sujal Thakore and Arab Affan received awards for original compositions in Hindi, Gujarati and English respectively. Meet Vegad and Daniel Jasper received awards for outstanding recitations.
Conclusion and Vote of Thanks
At the conclusion of the event, Professor Suresh Chaudhari, Head of the Department of Hindi, delivered the final vote of thanks. He expressed deep appreciation to Shri Pratapsinh Dabhi for his invaluable contributions to the event and acknowledged the efforts of faculty members, student participants, and organizers. He emphasized the importance of poetry in education and encouraged students to continue engaging with literature as a means of personal and intellectual growth.
Impact and Outcome
The event successfully:
✔ Enhanced students’ appreciation for poetry and literary traditions.
✔ Provided a platform for students to showcase their poetic talents.
✔ Fostered interaction between students and an eminent poet, inspiring them to explore creative expression.
✔ strengthened the cultural and literary fabric of the college, encouraging further participation in literary activities.
Final Remarks
Kavya Sangam: A Confluence of Poetry was a deeply enriching and memorable experience for all attendees. The event not only celebrated poetic artistry but also reinforced the college’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant literary culture.
With the overwhelming response and enthusiasm displayed by students and faculty alike, the college looks forward to making Kavya Sangam an annual tradition, continuing to inspire and cultivate a love for poetry among future generations.