Jagriti"Author Lounge"

The Faridabad based, noted Hindi poet and novelist, Kamal Kapur was felicitated at the Cerritos residence of Kamlesh Chauhan on Sunday, October 4th. Kamal Kapur, who is on a private visit to S. California had contacted Chauhan upon hearing about the latter’s novel, “Saat Samundar Paar.”
The occasion was the charter of “The Jagriti Writers’ Lounge” under the aegis of the Jagiriti Foundation and its founder Kamlesh Chauhan. A brainchild of Harshi Gill, Dr. Deepinder Singh and Dr. Parvin Syal, the group aims to foster kinship among writers of Indian origin. TheWriters’ Lounge will have periodic meetings to provide a critical forum for exchange of ideas and the enjoyment of each others’ writings. The group also aims to publish an annual anthology of poetry, plays, short stories etc. The meeting was presided over by Dr. Syal, a published poet, playwright and screenplay writer. Other members included author, dramatist and poet Harshi Gill, poets Pum Sandhu and Dr. Deepinder Singh. Journalist J.S. Bedi, writing extensively on Punjabi military history was also in attendance. Members not present include novelist Gaytri Saggar, Minu Chauhan, Ranjun Chauhan, Malvinder and Nanni Sandhu.
The writers present read from their works and the recitals were also enjoyed by an audience comprising of Jagwinder Mann, Dimpy Gujral, Manjit Bhasin and Sulakshana Rajput.
Kapur informed this correspondent that she has a personal mission to propagate Hindi literature and that she was particularly enthused about the interest in Hindi writing in the Indian Diaspora. As the editor of Pehchan Patrika published monthly in New Delhi, she invited contributions from authors in the Southland. Kapur has also penned anthologies of poetry, namely “Zindagi kai Mod”, “Gulmohar has Uthae” and “Pal Do Pal.” Her novels include, “Katha Sangraha: Rishton kai Rang”, “Naahar Shuta Jayae”, “Ek Bheegi Saanjh” and the award winning “Chaavan.”
Those interested in the activities of the group may contact Jagritiusa@Gmail.com