Gallery ONKAF hosted a unique event, Anjuman-i-Kehkshan, a medley of poets and their verse in the form of a multilingual mushaira. This event emulated a journey through the poetic styles of eight poets namely Iqbal Ashhar, Inder Salim, Manjari Srivastava, Dibyajyoti Sarma, Mayank Bokolia, Gayatri Mehta, Karanjeet Komal and Abhimanyu. The event was conceptualised by Zooni Tickoo as a way to initiate a gathering and a symposium of poetic multiverse where Gallery ONKAF celebrated the diversity of Hindi, English, Urdu and Punjabi poetry. The event was graced by the august presence of Mrs. Usha Malik and eminent theatre personality, film writer and director Mr Ranjit Kapoor, who also enthralled the audience with his own lively recitation.

Short biographies of poets

Iqbal Ashhar is a recognized and leading poet and formidable voice at Urdu mushaira and mehfils. His powerful recitation has long earned him great laurels and appreciation among his contemporaries.

Dibyajyoti Sarma has published three volumes of poetry and an academic book, besides numerous writing credits in edited volumes, journals and websites. A journalist in his day job, he runs the independent publishing venture Red River.

Mayank Bokolia is an indie Film-maker and Poet. Recently his film “Aadha Chand Tum Rakh Lo” was screened at 71st Cannes film festival. Active across literary circles, Mayank is known for his new metaphoric poetry and unique style of recitation.

Manjari Srivastava is an eminent young Hindi poet, thespian and theatre critic, has been working with NSD and Jamia Milia Islamia, etc. She is also founder of a cultural organisation KALAVEETHEE and a publication house Sappho Books.

Karanjeet Komal hails from Moga district of Punjab and is currently pursuing his PhD in Punjabi poetry from Delhi University. He has been awarded and recognised for his genre of romantic poetry.

Inder Salim hails from Kashmir and is a well-known performance artist who also dabbles in spoken verse and poetry. He has performed and presented his poetry across the globe.

Gayatri Mehta hails from Haryana and published her first collection of poems at the tender age of 15. An architect by profession, she peruses poetry and recitation as her deeply held passions.

Abhimanyu Kumar is a journalist based out of Delhi. He has published a book of poems Milan and the Sea. He also likes to sing Leonard Cohen’s songs in his free time.