Extracted Insight:

  • A solemn memorial event titled “Shrikant Verma Smaranjali” was held at Mavalankar Hall, Constitution Club, Rafi Marg, New Delhi, to commemorate the 40th death anniversary (punyatithi) of late Shrikant Verma, a noted poet, journalist and politician of the 1970s‑80s.
  • The ceremony was organized by the Shrikant Verma Trust in collaboration with Vishva Hindi Parishad, which is affiliated with the Ministry of Home Affairs Rajbhasha Samiti, and attracted a jam‑packed audience of approximately 600 attendees.
  • The programme included an introduction to Verma’s life and literary contributions, ceremonial lamp lighting by senior literary personalities and members of the Verma family, a four‑minute documentary on his legacy, poetry recitations, and memoir sessions.
  • Dr. Bipin Kumar, National General Secretary of Vishva Hindi Parishad, welcomed guests, highlighted Verma’s courageous voice against societal pain and power, and appealed to the Government of India to honour Verma with the Bharat Ratna, stating that a formal memorandum will be submitted.
  • On behalf of the Trust, Dr. Abhishek Verma (son of Shrikant Verma) presented gold‑alloy statues of Shrikant Verma and his poetry collection “Magadh” to distinguished guests, and announced a forthcoming special programme on 18 September (Verma’s birth anniversary) to recognise excellence in literature, journalism, art and young literary writing.
  • The proposed awards include:
  • Shrikant Verma Shikhar Samman for Literature – Rs. 21 lakhs
  • Journalism Samman – Rs. 5 lakhs
  • Art Samman – Rs. 2 lakhs
  • Yuva Kavi Samman (writers below 45) – Rs. 2 lakhs

(Total cash awards: Rs. 30 lakhs)

  • Dr. Abhishek Verma described “Magadh” as an extraordinary work of Hindi literature that transcends literature to become philosophy.
  • Smt. Anca Verma, daughter‑in‑law of Shrikant Verma and Managing Trustee of the Trust, spoke emotionally about his enduring influence and inspiration.
  • Chief Guest Shri Ashok Vajpeyi, eminent litterateur, praised Verma as a combative poet who never diluted his ideological or poetic intensity, noting his role in articulating the darkness of the 20th century.
  • Eminent writer and art critic Shri Vinod Bhardwaj delivered an address on “Art and Criticism,” highlighting Verma’s distinct creative temperament.
  • Former Jansatta editor Shri Om Thanvi discussed “The Intellectual Temperament of Shrikant Verma,” emphasizing his dual legacy as a journalist and politician, and recalling his association with the political magazine DINMAN of the 1970s.