New Delhi, May 7: A grand literary event was held at the Samvet Hall of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts to celebrate the first anniversary of ‘Operation Sindoor‘. The event featured the launch of the book ‘Operation Sindoor: 100 Best Poems’, edited by renowned author Dr. Harish Chandra Barnwal and published by the esteemed Prabhat Prakashan.
The ceremony was presided over by Ram Bahadur Rai, the chairman of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts. Distinguished guests included former army officer Colonel Pradeep Khare, Executive Editor and Anchor of Aaj Tak, Syed Ansari, senior satirical poet Sudip Bhola, and well-known poet and Uttar Pradesh’s State Information Commissioner Virendra Vats, who added prestige to the event.
During the launch, Ram Bahadur Rai praised Dr. Barnwal’s continuous creative efforts and emphasized that the ‘Operation Sindoor‘ initiative is far from over, suggesting it could resume at any time. He assured that poets participating in the competition would continue to have opportunities for creative expression.
Colonel Pradeep Khare described the poetry collection as a living document of valor, highlighting the Indian Army’s swift action against nine terrorist and military targets in Pakistan within just 25 minutes, an event that Pakistan will not forget for centuries.
Syed Ansari remarked on the patriotic essence of every book published by Prabhat Prakashan, which aims to convey national sentiment to the world. He acknowledged his indirect involvement in the publication and commended Dr. Barnwal’s generosity towards poets who did not win awards, offering them certificates and honorariums to elevate their work.
Dr. Harish Chandra Barnwal introduced the book, explaining its purpose and background. He noted that the ‘H.B. Poetry’ organization had hosted the ‘Operation Sindoor’ poetry competition, which saw enthusiastic participation from 361 poets across the country. This platform provided a powerful expression for poems infused with national sentiment. He stated that through the collaboration of ‘H.B. Poetry’ and Prabhat Prakashan, the works of 100 esteemed and emerging poets have been compiled, ensuring that the heroic saga of ‘Operation Sindoor’ reaches future generations.
The event featured several prominent poets reading their inspiring works, filling the auditorium with patriotic fervor. A notable highlight was the presentation of certificates to over 80 poets from across the country, enhancing the event’s significance with the presence of well-known figures from literature, journalism, and the arts.