Three-Day ‘Jashn-e-Adab’ Begins with Storytelling by Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi
– A gathering of artists, litterateurs, and poets begins at IGNCA
– Performances by ‘Padma Bhushan’ Pt. Sajan Mishra, ‘Padma Shri’ Ustad Ahmed Hussain-Mohammed Hussain, and ‘Padma Shri’ Malini Awasthi
22nd February, New Delhi: The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) is resonating with the essence of art, literature, culture, and music as it hosts the three-day Jashn-e-Adab literature festival from 22nd to 24th February. The 14th edition of the festival was inaugurated on Saturday with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by renowned ghazal singer ‘Padma Shri’ Ustad Ahmed Hussain-Mohammed Hussain and IGNCA Member Secretary.
The first session of the festival, titled ‘Kahani Ek, Kirdar Anek’ (One Story, Many Characters), featured a storytelling session by Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, who captivated the audience with his narration of three stories and a poem. Engaging in a conversation with Anas Faizi, he shared insights into his journey as a writer, emphasising that stories exist everywhere and that everyone has a story to tell—only a few put them into words. Reflecting on the challenges of sustaining oneself solely through writing in India, he noted that writers often have to pursue alternative professions for livelihood. He also shared an anecdote about his mother, the eminent writer and ‘Padma Shri’ awardee Malti Joshi.
Following this, the audience was enthralled by ‘Mehfil-e-Ghazal’, a mesmerising ghazal session by the celebrated singer Javed Hussain. The event continued with poetry recitations by visually impaired poets, leaving the audience deeply moved. Literature enthusiasts also witnessed the confluence of Indian and Western music through ‘Opera Fusion’, while the dance presentation ‘Nritya Dhara’ infused the atmosphere with vibrancy. The first day also featured ‘Khawateen ka Mushaira’ (a symposium of female poets), ‘Likhe Jo Khat Tujhe’, and a special session ‘Rangeela Re’ dedicated to the birth centenary of renowned poet and lyricist Neeraj, which saw participation from esteemed poets like ‘Padma Shri’ Surendra Sharma and ‘Padma Shri’ Ashok Chakradhar.
Over the next two days—23rd and 24th February—audiences will be treated to soulful performances by the acclaimed ghazal duo Ustad Ahmed Hussain-Mohammed Hussain and Malini Awasthi, while renowned actor Rajesh Tailang will recite his poetry. The festival will also feature qawwali, ‘Sham-e-Ghazal’, ‘Dastangoi’, poetry recitations, and more. Additionally, there will be a theatrical performance of Dharamvir Bharati’s iconic play ‘Andha Yug’. The grand finale of the three-day event will witness a spellbinding recital by eminent classical vocalist ‘Padma Bhushan’ Pt. Sajan Mishra, accompanied by Swaransh Mishra.
