“Bhasha & Beyond 3.0”: A Grand Celebration of the Timeless Power of Art, Literature & Culture

Pune (Maharashtra), [India] October 25 : Pune,YASHADA Campus: The Literary festival of the year “Bhasha & Beyond 3.0,” which took place on the 4th and 5th of October, brought together literary enthusiasts from across India for a cultural confluence at the Maharashtra’s cultural hub, Pune. The 48-hour festival transformed into a colorful convergence of art, literature and culture — an eloquent testimony to the indestructible potency of creative expression.

 The Legacy of LWG

The Literary Warriors Group (LWG) was founded by 2011 as an inspiration to keep creativity going and have a public platform to shared among writers, poets, and storytellers among drawings, paintings. Based on the philosophy of “quality trumps quantity”, the LWG family has evolved to an international community of more than 2,96,000 active members. Over the years, it has spread its wings too beyond India's borders and patronized creative voices from around the world.

After the successful runs of Bhasha & beyond in Lakhnow, Delhi, Mumbai and CME Pune last year; this 3rd chapter at YASHADA Campus, Pune added another feather to the plush hat of LWG times.

 Inaugural Ceremony

The festival was opened, granted with honors, by:

• Sms Mr. Niranjan Kumar Sudhanshu, IAS Director General YASHADA
• Dr. Sujata Jadhav, Head – Libraries & Documentation Centre, NCPA
• Mr. Sunil Deodhar, famous writer and radio personality

Their appearance was an inspiration for the ensuing celebration, wherein literature and creativity seamlessly met with thought and dialogue.

 Highlights of Day One

The much awaited session of day 1 was an interesting interactive meeting with seasoned actor and director – Amol Palekar and Sandhya Gokhale on their bestseller -” Viewfinder.” The event was hosted by author Neelam Saxena and they both indulged in a nostalgic chat talking about their journey in the world of art -cinema, theatre along with an insight into the ethos which gives birth to creativity.

The event was presented by Page to Stage, NCPA Mumbai, and Literary Warriors Group (LWG) with the kind support of Mr. Khushroo Suntook, Chairman, NCPA and organized by Dr Sujata Jadhav.

A panel discussion on “Enhancing Creativity through Reading” brought an intellectual dimension to the day. The panel had Dr. Padmaja Iyengar-Paddy, Hema Ravi, Madhumita Bhattacharya and Urna Bose in discussion moderated by Dr. Koyal Biswas.

Book Launches and Author Interactions

A highlight of the day was the release of several books under LWG, but the focus remained on the bi-lingual poetry anthology Kacche Dhaage – Strings of Connections.” Neelam Chandra curated and Dr Renu Mishra and Asha Singh Gaur edited the anthology which beautifully stood for language and emotional bonding.

Other titles also released with live author provocations:

• Meri Aankhon ka Mahtaab by Neelam Saxena
•    Anamika – Dr. Renu Mishra
• Nirjhar Man - according to Dr. Aparna Pradhan
• Fifteen Days & Seven Stories – Asha Singh Gaur
• Baadalon ke Peeche Ek Ghar Hai – Koyal Biswas
•    Momentum – Nisha Motghare
• Download the ‘Kuchh Ishq to Kuchh Ajib’ e-book by Ankita Verma – Download Mayan Routes, Indian Roots – Vineet Kumar

The guests for the function were Dr Sujata Jadhav, Sanjay Chandra and Dr Renu Mishra.

Creative Workshops

The festival also included a few interactive workshops to promote and polish the literary expression:
Haiku Writing Workshop by Srinivas Rao was about brevity and imagination.

“Shabd Sadhana” (Word Craft) by Hemant Deolekar, who helped the participants explore newer facets of linguistic expression.
(Dance Workshop by Aparna Rao, from Aamna Foundation. Participants could soak into the rhythm and grace of storytelling through movement.
The evening was indeed vibrant with a mesmerising Kathak Performance by Aparna Rao and Nandita, who were followed by scintillating drums of Ojas from Project Kalakriti that set the tone for excitement in rhythm in the auditorium.
Day Two – A Literary Feast

The second day of the festival followed suit in creative inspirations as more literary works were presented. The showstopper was the story anthology “Curry for the Spirited Soul,” conceptualized by Neelam Saxena, and edited by Nitya Shukla and Dr. Maitreyi Joshi.
Other books released included:
* Berang-si Duaaein – Archana Jain
• Luminara- Poetry That Lights The Soul – Bindu Unnikrishnan
• The Last Wish – Jasbir Basu
•  Midnight Reflections – Maria Hussain
•Sine Ginton ki Swarswaadan aur Alankarik Bhasha: writers Prof. Nirmala Rajpoot
• A Pocket Full of Limericks – Waheeda Hussain
•  Avisha and the Kaalkoot Assassins by Siddharth Sujir
The chief guests for the session were Maya Jaju Maheshwari (Principal Chief Income Tax Commissioner, Mumbai) along with Dilip Mohapatra, Surekha Sahu, Dr. Aparna Pradhan.
Dialogue and Reflection
An insightful session entitled 'Drishtikon – Perspectives' was moderated by Col. Salil Jain; the speakers included Neelam Saxena, Hemant Deolekar and Rahul Mahiwal (YASHADA).
We talked about the struggle between practice and profession, “and how poetry is a reflection of truth reflected.”
Pune’s Voice – Some Special Doses of Mail for our tired brains!
Dr. Sunil Deodhar, well known Pune litterateur, conducted an another event “Pune Ki Aawaaz – Khaas Aawaaz”, turned out to be one more jewel in the crown of the day.
Maddy Christy and Swarangi Sane kept reciting some heart-rending poetry.
The segment was coordinated by Dr. Renu Mishra.

Cultural Evening and Awards Ceremony

The members of the LWG took the stage as darkness fell, presenting soulful performances — from enchanting dances and meaningful plays to touching musical numbers. Applause and creativity filled the auditorium.

The event concluded with the most anticipated activity, “Aarambh” Award Ceremony — that did not it mark an end, but a new hopeful beginning. Victors of online and offline competitions were awarded to much applause.

DRM Rajesh Verma, Surabhi Alpesh and ADG (YASHADA) Shekhar Gaikwad honoured as Chief Guests at the function.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Vinita Sharma in recognition of her extraordinary contribution to literature. Distinguished achievement award was conferred on Padmaja Iyengar-Paddy.
 
 Acknowledgment and Closing

At the end, co-founder Dr Renu Mishra thanked the organising team on a personal level for their immense commitment and zeal.
Special thanks to Dr. Aparna Pradhan, Lt. Col. Salil Jain, Sunil Joshi, Juhi Gupte, Nitya Shukla Waheeda Hussain, Asha Singh Gaur Tejal Bhosle Veena Dixit Shweta Bhide Priyanshu Saxena Akshainie Dr Koyal Biswas Dr Maitreyee Joshi Ashu Ratra Pooja Dhadiwal Surekha Sahu Anjali Bajpai Archana Jain Purna Parikh Meera Bhansali Meghna Bhakat Dr Purnima Kulkarni Rashmi Sabale Nishad Bhide Mariya Hussain And the other members for tremendous Support and help you all gave.

The LGW family also expressed the gratitude towards NCPA, Mumbai for ongoing support which has added value to group’s literary journey. Design Media was the Photography Partner for the event.

With Bhasha & Beyond 3.0, the Literary Warriors Group not only elevated the status of literary discussion to a level on par with other art forms but also brought together music and words in perfect harmony — a real fiesta of creativity, inspiration and culture.