UP Association hosts laughter-filled poetry event in Illinois

Three poets from India, namely Arun Gemini, Shambhu Siikhar and Mumtaz Naseem, were invited to perform at the event.

Dr Subhash Pandey, the chairman board of trustees, Sanjeev Kumar Pal, Consul of cultural affairs, Consulate General of India, and poets Arun Gemini, Shambhu Sikhar and Mumtaz Naseem, along with the president Uma Agrawal, at the poetry event. / UP Association

A traditional poetry performance on the theme of laughter, commonly called ‘Hashya Kavi Sammelan’, was organized by the UP Association of Greater Chicago on Apr.21 in Illinois.
Three poets from India were invited to perform at the event. Arun Gemini, Shambhu Sikhar and Mumtaz Naseem performed poetry filled with satire and comedy in front of the audience for about three hours. Traditional songs such as ‘gazals’ and ‘geets’ were also performed at the event.
Dr Subhash Pandey, chairman of the association, said that the tradition of ‘Kavi Sammelan’ was started in 1991 by members to promote and preserve the Hindi language outside of India. The association’s president Uma Agrawal added that the poetry performances were part of a signature event held regularly by them.
Also attending the event was the Consul of Cultural Affairs at the office of the Consulate General of India, Chicago, Sanjeev Kumar Pal, who appreciated the support of the Indian community in its efforts to promote the language of Hindi.
An audience of over 300 people was present at the event to watch the artists perform.