NEW DELHI – The BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute in New Delhi held its first “Keshav Kavya Kalarav” poetry symposium on May 5, 2024, at the Swaminarayan Akshardham complex. The event provided a platform for poets of all ages to present original works, drawing a diverse audience of 200 academics, students, and community members.

The symposium, named for the spiritual head of BAPS, Mahant Swami Maharaj (Keshavjivandasji), featured original poems in Hindi, English, and Sanskrit. A selection committee chose 20 finalists from a large pool of submissions to present their work at the event. The poets, whose ages ranged from 12 to 91, explored themes such as mentorship, self-realization, and inner peace.

“This event was a unique academic convention,” said Dr. Jyotindra Dave, Director of the BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute. He noted the event was inspired by Mahamahopadhyaya Bhadreshdas Swami, the head of the BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute.

The program began with an inaugural lamp-lighting ceremony led by senior swamis from Akshardham, including Munivatsaldas Swami, the head of the Akshardham temple. A welcome address by Dr. Gyanananddas Swami preceded the poetry recitations.

Distinguished guests included the Hon. Abhilasha Kumari, former Chief Justice and Lokpal of India, who also presented a poem. Several prominent academics were in attendance, including Dr. C. Upender Rao, Senior Professor in the School of Sanskrit and Indic Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University; Dr. Girish Chandra Pant, Head of the Department of Sanskrit at Jamia Millia Islamia University; Dr. Bhagirathi Nanda, Professor at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University; and Dr. Sunil Joshi, Assistant Professor at Hindu College, University of Delhi.

The symposium concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing exceptional talent. Kamal Shrimali was named “Sarvottam Kavi” (Best Male Poet), and Dr. Purnima Sharma received the “Sarvottam Kavayitri” (Best Female Poet) award. Akshaj Srivastava and Angel Diyora were honored as the top youth poets. Additional awards were presented to Dr. Yuvraj Bhattaraiji, Raghuveer Singh Multhan, and Anju Tiwari for their contributions.

Volunteers were also recognized for their efforts in organizing the successful event. The BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute plans to host future events to continue fostering artistic and academic talent.