The second day of 'Sahitya Aajtak 2025' in the nation's capital, Delhi, is alive with vibrant energy. Held at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, this festival of literature has become an invigorating celebration of knowledge, words, and expression. The session 'Poets' Gathering: A New Spring of Poetry' has gathered young, talented poets from across the country, known for their powerful compositions.
In this session, poets like Swayam Srivastava, Varun Anand, Abhisar Shukla, Manu Vaishali, Manika Dubey, and Kaynat Shahida presented their works. These poets delivered unflinching and beautiful poetry on themes of love, society, politics, empathy, irony, and everyday life experiences.
Applause echoed throughout the venue. Day two provided an exceptional opportunity for literature enthusiasts, where the new generation of poets not only charted new directions with their words, but infused them with a contemporary spirit that left listeners spellbound.
Source: aajtak
Poet
Kaynat Shahida
presented beautiful compositions and received much praise. She recited:
He's crossed the limits of this world Those who call him crazy, they're behind the times
Understand the value of our presence, world Where will you find emotions like ours trailing off?
This fire that burns in water is fine That single flower blooming in a desert is delightful
Let us come forth in open animosity Displaying love isn't our forte anymore.
Following Kaynat, poet Abhisar Shukla shared his verses. He recited:
Trickling like a river's flow Similarly, pain finds a way to eyes
In job, poetry, love and country All these burdens now placed on youth's shoulders.
I have kites and spools but forget to fly them Confess my love for you, but fail to mention it
A letter I've cherished for eight years Yet often forget to burn while reading.
Madness will cradle its head and love will prevail This world will be a man first, then a woman.
Abhisar continued with a deeply appreciated composition titled 'One Name, Ram'
Source: aajtak
Young poetess
Manu Vaishali
captivated listeners with her performance. Her poetry, weaving spirituality with nature, flowed like a river into the minds of the audience. Her words held classical beauty as well as contemporary sentiment that touched deeply. She recited:
For celebrating the joy of the universe The body turns saintly, and life becomes fragrant
The anklets' gongs are harbingers Of unrestrained dance by these feet
Why worship those peaks without flowing streams? Who would revere shores that aren't kissed by rivers?
To the sea that stands with patience, waves gave movement Bounded velocities, yet rivers nurtured the earth
When rivers streamed, why clouds in the sky? Though water is perpetual, why is the chatak perturbed?
Why do roaring rivers get depressed by peaks? Why do tranquil shores get dialogue from waves?
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After Manu Vaishali, poet
Swayam Srivastava
took the stage. His work provided a straightforward, sharp, and impactful commentary on time, society, and politics. His presentation balanced satire with the weight of emotions, mesmerizing the hall. His writings included:
We're not asking for the entire sky Just our rightful share
Govern with jobs, please A little salt for bread we're asking.
These are times for discussion and conjecture On the funerals of living, it's the era of sweets
Oceans they got for satisfaction While thirst circles amidst entertainment.
No destiny like Alexander's was found Doors left, yet another door not found Each day we think of returning But at home we found not our own home
Neither in winning, nor in leaving does joy lie The thrill is in quenching the fire within In life's game, oh gamblers Realize the thrill is in placing bets.
Perhaps it's a shade, perhaps a flower His love follows its own rules He said, can you walk with me? I said, for seven lifetimes, I will.
He concluded with a mesmerizing song, reading:
With just some songs and a flute to play In front of this melody, a belly stands tall How can I, sinking myself, offer hope?
In the mirror corners of the mind, resides an incomplete quest No matter how much the moon desires, the star keeps its distance
How could I hold the hand of destiny's daughter? Found her, who had fully formed fate lines
Whether or not the heart's mate is found, life's journey continues Why should I pay debts meant for you?
Source: aajtak
Next, poetess
Manika Dubey
was welcomed. Her words intricately wove themes of waiting, love, and pain, painting vivid stories in the listeners' eyes. Her verses included:
What could he be seeing, what could he be thinking now? He must be asleep, or perhaps awake
In our town, the rain pours fiercely If it rains there too, does he get drenched?
I search for him everywhere without pause It's madness to search someone relentlessly
While sleeping or waking, I gaze at his picture Does he ever accidentally see mine?
This question often troubles me: If tears flow for him, will anyone wipe them?
She concluded with a song, see its verses:
Some pains are alleviated by speaking them out From the office, come share your heart with me Be my partner in sorrow as well as in joy It seems necessary for you to share the burden that comes upon you.
Source: aajtak
Finally, poet
Varun Anand
was invited. His poems evoked the mischievousness of young love and the depth of relationships, causing smiles to spread among listeners. Varun recited:
Eye contact won't solve anything Excuses won't lead anywhere
Embrace me so that my heart finds peace Just shaking hands won't be enough
If you're mine, proclaim it loud to the world Just saying it to me won't suffice
Know someone deeply, then make them your life Not everyone can be made your life.
Henna adorns her feet, indeed Henna decorates her feet
Sadness follows our trail Even when happiness does too
With whom she planned to flee His feet, too, have henna now
Tell the sea to come meet The river's adorned with henna
Some feet wade through blood While some, beautifully adorned with henna
Though all claim to walk with me All have henna on their feet
Smile, and everything’s alright Draw near, and everything's made right
Chai’s not usually my thing But if you brew it, everything's made right.
