By Dr Avi Verma, Vandana Jhingan
On April 21, 2024, the Uttar Pradesh Association (UPA) orchestrated a lively Hasya Kavi Sammelan at the Ashiana Banquet in Downers Grove, Chicagoland. UPA is the only organization that organizes this very popular Kavi Sammelan every year and brings acclaimed poets from India to promote and celebrate the richness of our motherland language through Kavi Sammelan.
The success of this event owes much to the dedicated efforts of the key organizers mainly Subhash Pandey, Rajkumar Upadhyay, Taruna Gupta, Vivek Varma, Rani Trivedi, Rameshwar Prasad, and Sanjeev Pandey.
The artists captivated the audience with a captivating array of poignant and patriotic compositions. Arun Gemini, renowned for his humor, delighted the crowd with his witty anecdotes, especially expressing the joy and excitement of his suitcase for the first program after Covid. His unique style infused lightheartedness into the atmosphere, creating a sense of joy and celebration.
Shambhu Shikhar, a masterful satirist, mesmerized the audience with his sharp wit and clever humor. His jokes, like “Cheeni ko jama ke phir se ganna bana doon” (turning sugar back into sugarcane), elicited laughter and applause, showcasing his knack for blending humor with social commentary.
Mumtaz Naseem, a distinguished lyricist, enchanted everyone with beautiful and soulful couplets and poems, such as “Azizo.” Her poignant verses resonated deeply with the audience, evoking emotions of love, nostalgia, and patriotism.
Together, these talented artists showcased their exceptional skills, each leaving a memorable impression on the audience. The Sammelan was a resounding success, with over 400 guests attending from across Chicagoland and neighboring areas, testament to the enduring appeal of their artistry.
The Uttar Pradesh Association (UPA) of Greater Chicago started in 1991 with a vision of bringing together people interested in Uttar Pradesh by promoting Indian music, art, and culture globally. Their website www.upassociation.com is dedicated to all the people interested in these objectives. It provides a platform for dissemination of the information for the people in Chicago land under the aegis of the Uttar Pradesh Association of Greater Chicago. Their cultural programs, Kavi Sammelan, and picnics are big attractions in Chicagoland and draw participants from all over the country and India as well.
The team at IndoUS Tribune, including the Publisher, Avi Verma and Senior Journalist Vandana Jhingan, feels immensely honored to have the opportunity to cover the Hasya Kavi Sammelan, a dynamic celebration of culture and art. We eagerly anticipate covering more events like this that foster cultural exchange and community engagement, enriching our readers with diverse perspectives and experiences.
