"Bhavanjali" Honors Phoolchand Yadav at Kasturi Event

Mahesh Dhoundiyal - Delhi

*Bhavanjali*

On October 19, 2024, the program "Bhavanjali," organized by Kasturi, honoured the late Phoolchand Yadav through his work "Ek Thi Chidiya." The event began with a welcome speech by Kasturi's president, Divya Joshi, who emphasized the importance of a son remembering his father and nurturing the values imparted to him. Following this, Dr. Mahasheer Hussain recited Phoolchand's poem "Yuva." Linguist Kamlesh Kamal introduced the book and connected Phoolchand's vision to the Ramcharitmanas.

Phoolchand Yadav's son, Subhash Yadav, gave a heartfelt speech, reflecting on the beautiful education and values his father instilled from childhood. Kalpana Manorama discussed the significance of word sounds and highlighted that the eight poems in this work establish moral values. 

The second speaker, Vandana Yadav, analyzed the poems, stating they are relevant for all ages and possess foresight. Chief speaker Prof. Sandhya Vatsyayan delivered an insightful lecture on the book, pointing out the faith in Lord Ram reflected in Phoolchand's writings, which celebrate patriotism, love for nature, and moral values.

Senior children's literature author, Divik Ramesh, chaired the event, categorizing these poems among the best and expressing the need for such works in children's literature today while hoping for future publications of Phoolchand's writings. 

The program concluded with a vote of thanks from literature scholar Aditya Nath Tiwari and was conducted by literature and art scholar Vishal Pandey. The event took place at the Sahitya Akademi, Rabindra Bhawan, New Delhi.