Attending an evening brimming with thought-provoking commentary on society, politics, and culture was a true pleasure, showcasing the profound power of comedy to reveal truths and spark meaningful conversation. This vibrant event, organized by the International Hindi Association (IHA), featured a lineup of satirists, poets, and stand-up comedians who took the stage to address today's pressing issues with their unique blend of humor and critique.
Founded in 1980 in Roselyn, Virginia, USA, the IHA was established with the noble aim of safeguarding and celebrating the rich tapestry of Hindi culture and literature. Over the years, it has evolved into a dynamic and well-respected cultural institution, consistently bringing together eminent Hindi poets from India to orchestrate vibrant Kavi-Sammelans (poetry symposiums) across the United States. The IHA's stages have been graced by luminaries such as the esteemed Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Kaka Hathrasi, Dr. Brajendra Awasthi, Dr. Gopal Das 'Neeraj,and the prolific Dr. Som Thakur, who, through their verses, illuminate audiences and enrich the cultural landscape with their creativity and insight.
The latest program, held on Friday, May 17, 2024, at a hotel in Falls Church, Virginia, continued this tradition of excellence. Three satirists and poets delivered a captivating blend of insightful humor and artistic expression, making for an unforgettable evening that highlighted the enduring relevance and impact of Hindi literature and comedy in today's world.
Arun Gemini kicked off the program with a captivating blend of humorous and satirical poetry and jokes, immediately engaging the audience. Hailing from Haryana, India, Arun Gemini is a multifaceted personality acclaimed as a writer, poet, satirist, and TV presenter. He has been honored with prestigious awards, including the Kaka Hathrasi Award from the Hindi Academy, Government of Delhi, and the Haryana Gaurav Samman from the Haryana Sahitya Akademi, Government of Haryana. Among his notable literary works are "Filhaal Itna Hi Hai," "Khoon Bolta Hai," and "Hasya Vyangya Ki Shikhar Kavitaaye." Arun Gemini is a distinguished member of the Kavi Sammelans, where his contributions are highly esteemed. In the realm of television, Arun Gemini has left an indelible mark both as a host and a participant. He has led various shows, including "Dharti Ka Aanchal" on Doordarshan, "Darasal" on Zee TV, "Taal Betal" on DD Metro, and "Yahi Hai Politics" on Zee India. Additionally, he has made memorable appearances on popular programs such as "Wah! Wah! Kya Baat Hai!" and "The Kapil Sharma Show."
Shambhu Shikhar embarked on his career as a stand-up comedian on "Wah! Wah! Kya Baat Hai!," before gaining further recognition on StarPlus's "The Great Indian Laughter Challenge." Beyond comedy, Shikhar is a prolific writer, having penned numerous novels and poetry collections. His recent novel, "Organic Love II," published by Harf Publication, adds to his repertoire, joining earlier works like "Silwaton Ki Mehak" and "Sanyasi Yoddha." Currently, he is engrossed in crafting his forthcoming book, "Chini Ko Jama Karke Fir Se Ganna Bana Du," promising yet another insightful and entertaining addition to his literary legacy. Shambhu Shikhar's influence extends beyond borders, with his participation in Kavi Sammelans at iconic venues such as the Red Fort and various cities across India, North America, and the UAE. His flawless delivery of satirical jokes encompassing politics and social aspects of life, including making fun of his Bihari origin, provided laughter and entertainment to the audience as he recited his long poem, "Chini Ko Jama Karke Phir Se Ganna Bana Dun."
Kavyitri Mumtaz Naseem is celebrated for her exceptional voice and captivating performances, mesmerizing audiences with her evocative poetry. Her writing style, marked by simplicity yet profound depth, resonates across generations, evoking powerful emotions in readers. Naseem's recitations at Kavi Sammelans are renowned for their energy and impact. With a diverse repertoire that includes geet, ghazals, and nazms, she ignites immense enthusiasm among listeners, earning thunderous applause and heartfelt appreciation. Having graced over a thousand such gatherings, her influence transcends borders, attracting invitations from Dubai, Qatar, Pakistan, Oman, the UAE, and other countries. Her talent is effortlessly reflected in her performances, captivating the ears and minds of her audience with every verse. Her poetry carries a deep emotional resonance, leaving a lasting impression on all who hear it.
Dr. Narendra Tandon introduced the poets, while Mr. Pratap Singh, president of the IHA DC Chapter, served as the master of ceremonies with light-hearted introductions. The Embassy of India was represented by Ms. Neha Singh, First Secretary (Culture and Education), Mr. Ravish Kumar, Second Secretary (Press, Information and Culture), and Mr. Rajiv Ahuja, Attache. The event was sponsored by the National Council of Associations in America (NCAIA), GIA, Association of Indian Muslims (AIM), The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO)-Metro DC, Dr. Vivek Vaid, Dr. Suresh Gupta, and Mr. Maninder Singh. Many distinguished personalities from the Metro Washington area enjoyed this memorable evening, including Dr. A. Abdullah, Dr. Harihar Singh, Dr. Rafat Husain, Dr. Renuka Misra, Dr. Suman Vardhan, Dr. Tahoora Kawaja, Dr. Zafar Iqbal, Mr. Kaleem Kawaja, Mr. Sunil Singh, Mr. Tribhuvan Singh, and Ms. Nuzaira Azam.
The author is thankful to Dr. Suresh K. Gupta and Ms. Vandana Singh for their input.
Zafar Iqbal, Ph.D.
1509 Coat Ridge Road
Herndon, VA 20170
240-328-0162; raabta.india@gmail.com
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