Pune: The Aksharyatri Foundation and Vishva Sahitya Sanskriti Movement recently hosted the 26th India-Sri Lanka Literary Conference in Pune, an event promoting global harmony, understanding, and friendship.
At this gathering, literary luminary Iroshini Galhena emphasized the event’s impact in fostering worldwide peace through a blend of literature and culture from various nations.
Speaking further, she praised former Foreign Secretary Dr. Dnyaneshwar Mulay and poet Dr. Swati Shinde-Pawar for organizing the event, facilitating a literary exchange between India and Sri Lanka.
Supported by the Sabuddhi Foundation, the Sri Lankan government, and heads of multiple universities, this cross-cultural exploration of India was notably fulfilling for attendees.
Chief guest Arumugam Niroomi highlighted the inspirational collaboration between Indian and Sri Lankan literary figures, commending Indian women for their courage and recognizing the unity and contribution of women in Maharashtra’s literature.
Inaugurating the conference, Prof. Milind Joshi expressed delight that the Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad hosted the event in Pune, crediting the Aksharyatri Foundation and Vishva Sahitya Sanskriti Movement for bringing this honor to the city.
He remarked that the contributions of Dr. Swati Shinde-Pawar would be a notable part of Maharashtra’s progressive history. Through this literary conference, Indian culture has gained a new global dimension.
Sunita Raje Pawar, chair of the welcoming committee, extended a warm reception to the team from Sri Lanka and literary guests from Maharashtra.
She remarked on the boundless enthusiasm and empowerment of women witnessed at the Aksharyatri literary conferences, noting that this year’s event was attended by over 80 literary figures from across Maharashtra.
Initially established to celebrate the birth of a girl child, the Aksharyatri literary movement has grown to address global literature and culture.
Last year’s silver jubilee conference took place at the Nepal embassy, featuring contributions from distinguished writers representing 25 languages. This year, the poetry session was chaired by Mrunalini Kanetkar.
Sri Lankan thinker Ransingh and Kerani Sinhal delivered a talk on "Sri Lankan Poetry and Its Features." Eleven poets from Sri Lanka and 21 from India took part, presenting a diverse array of perspectives.
Sri Lankan poets shared their works, translated into English, with Indian translations planned for publication. Dr. Swati Shinde-Pawar and Dr. Dnyaneshwar Mule announced that Marathi poems would also be translated into English and Sinhala and published in book form.
Notable poets included Balika Jnandev, Asha Dange, Dr. Amarasiri Wickramaratne, Dr. Pradeep Gunaseena, Prof. Dr. Preeti Shinde-Patil, Ransingh, Priyanta Bandara, Rahul Kale, Prof. Girija Shinde, Upul Guruge, Asmita Chandane, Thamira Manju, Dr. Smita Patil, Savita Karanjkar-Jamale, Dr. Prasad Pitigalarachchi, Jyotsna Chandugade, Anjali Dhamal, Thushan Nisansen, Dr. Vilas Patil, Sandun Jayawardana, Nisargaraje Shinde, Aparna Patil, Dr. Snehal Taware, Datta Kenjale, and Dhanashri Patil.
