Gonda: A grand poetry gathering titled ‘Voices of Freedom’ was organised at Phulwari Public School, Gonda, on Saturday to mark Independence Day. The school premises were decorated in the colours of the Tricolour and resonated with patriotic songs throughout the programme.
The event was inaugurated in the presence of chief guest Professor R.B. Singh Baghel, Rashtriya Sahara Bureau Chief P.P. Yadav, Suresh Singh, Inquilab Foundation president Avinash Singh and Pramod Nandan. They jointly lit the ceremonial lamp along with Sahitya Bhushan awardee Shivakant Mishra ‘Virodhi’, Captain Kranti Kumar Singh and programme coordinator Dr Neeta Singh.
Dr Neeta Singh honoured the invited poets by presenting them with traditional stoles. The poetry session formally began with a soulful Saraswati Vandana presented by poet Shipra Singh.
Poets Shivakant Mishra ‘Virodhi’, Rajesh Ojha, Brijlal Tiwari, Chandan Tiwari ‘Rudra’, Shivam Mishra, Ashutosh Tripathi ‘Alok’ and Vaishnavi Singh captivated the audience with powerful compositions centred on the sacrifices of martyrs, national unity and the integrity of the country.
The recitations evoked an enthusiastic response from the audience, with the auditorium reverberating with slogans of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram.”
Speaking about the purpose of the programme, Dr Neeta Singh said such literary gatherings play an important role in nurturing patriotism among the younger generation. She also recited her own compositions, including ‘Bittu Ke Papa Achhe’ and other patriotic poems, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience.
A large number of students, teachers and prominent citizens from the city attended the event. The programme concluded with the collective singing of the National Anthem.
