Munish Sood
Mandi
A literary symposium and poets’ conclave were organised in Mandi on Monday to commemorate the third death anniversary of noted journalist, litterateur and folk culture scholar Late Hemkant Katyayan. The programme, organised by the Hemkant Memorial Trust, brought together eminent writers, poets, journalists and literary enthusiasts from across the region to pay tribute to the veteran cultural figure.
Joint Director of the Himachal Pradesh Information and Public Relations Department, Manjula, attended the event as the chief guest. Senior novelist Gangaram Raji and noted litterateur Rekha Vashisht presided over the programme, while District Language Officer Revati Saini attended as the special guest.
The gathering began with a two-minute silence in memory of Hemkant Katyayan and late litterateur K.K. Nutan.
Addressing the audience, Manjula described Hemkant Katyayan’s life and work as a lasting inspiration for society. She said his contribution to journalism, literature and preservation of Himachal’s folk culture remains invaluable and continues to inspire future generations.
She lauded the Hemkant Memorial Trust for carrying forward his legacy through literary and cultural initiatives. During the poetry session, she recited poignant lines reflecting on human relationships and memories, saying that emotional bonds transcend physical absence and continue to live through memories and shared experiences.
The literary session was conducted by writer and commentator Bhagat Singh Guleria, who highlighted the multidimensional personality of Hemkant Katyayan. He said that although Katyayan earned recognition as a journalist, his literary contributions were equally significant, spanning poetry, short stories, folk literature, children’s literature, film scripts and radio drama writing.
Speaking on the occasion, Gangaram Raji recalled Katyayan’s deep interest in filmmaking and television production alongside his journalistic career. He said Katyayan remained actively engaged with creative and cultural pursuits throughout his life.
Hemkant Memorial Trust vice-president Birbal Sharma said the organisation has been consistently working towards the preservation and promotion of literature and culture through year-round programmes and community initiatives.
Trust president Nirmala Katyayan thanked writers, intellectuals and participants for their continued support and participation in the trust’s activities.
The poets’ conclave featured recitations by poets and writers from Mandi and Sundernagar, including Rekha Vashisht, Dr Rakesh Kapoor, Murari Sharma, Jagdish Kapoor, Krishna Chandra Mahadevia, Nirmala Chandel, Vidya Sharma, Ratan Lal Sharma, Surendra Mishra, Prakash Chand Dhiman, Krishna Thakur, Anil Mahant, Dr P.C. Kaundal, Dharam Chand Verma and Latesh Sharma.
Among those present on the occasion were former SVM Management Committee president Balveer Sharma, District Public Relations Officer Hemant Kumar, trust member Purushottam Sharma, Shamsher Minhas — grandson of freedom fighter Bhai Hirda Ram — besides members of the SVM School management and staff.
