KOTA: The Government Divisional Public Library, Kota, hosted a special literary felicitation ceremony celebrating the universal language of literature and the rich heritage of Hindi–Urdu poetry. Dubai-based mushaira organiser and digital content creator Rehaan Siddiqui was honoured with the International Hindi–Urdu Literary Bridge Award–2026 for his efforts to promote literature and bring poets and their work to wider audiences through digital platforms. Poet, thinker and Additional District and Sessions Judge Dharmaraj Bharat was also felicitated for his literary contributions.
The programme was organised on the initiative of Dr Deepak Kumar Shrivastava, Divisional Librarian and Nodal Officer, Public Libraries, Kota Region. Welcoming the guests, Dr Shrivastava emphasised the importance of creating inclusive platforms for writers, poets and readers to encourage literary dialogue and cultural exchange.
Addressing the gathering, Rehaan Siddiqui highlighted how digital platforms can help preserve and promote poetry beyond mushairas and literary gatherings. Working alongside his wife and creative partner, Shiaza Siddiqui, he has been presenting literary performances through engaging digital content, helping poets reach new audiences, particularly younger generations. He also recited couplets and expressed gratitude for the warm reception in Kota.
The event witnessed the participation of several prominent literary personalities, including Dr Atul Chaturvedi, Mahendra Neh, Jitendra Nirmohi, Rajasthani lyricist Mukut Maniraj, critic Vijay Joshi, Tarumeet Singh Bedi, Prem Shastri, Nishamuni Gaur, Dr Manisha Sharma and Dr Jagdish Nirala.
Poetry recitations and literary discussions added charm to the occasion. Mukut Maniraj presented romantic poetry, while Nishamuni Gaur and Prem Shastri shared their poetic expressions. Jitendra Nirmohi recalled the legacy of Urdu poet Kaifi Bhopali and reflected on the vibrant world of poets and shayars.
Presiding over the ceremony, Dharmaraj Bharat spoke about the relationship between Kota's history and its literary heritage. His contribution to the city's literary community was appreciated, particularly as he had recently been transferred from Kota to Bhawanimandi. Tarumeet Singh Bedi also presented his poetry collection, Tasavvur, on the occasion.
The programme highlighted the evolving role of the Government Divisional Public Library as a centre for literary activities, cultural exchange and community engagement. The proceedings were conducted by Neeta Dangi.
Several writers, poets, journalists and cultural contributors attended the event, including Hemraj “Hem”, Ramkaran Prabhati, Dinesh Singh Chauhan, Suresh Vaishnav, Badri Lal Divya, Haleem Aina, Suresh Pandit and Indra Kumar Jain.
The ceremony concluded with a message of cultural harmony, underlining how literature connects languages, communities and generations. The recognition of Rehaan Siddiqui celebrated the growing role of digital media in promoting Hindi–Urdu literature, while the felicitation of Dharmaraj Bharat acknowledged the contribution of literary personalities to Kota's cultural life.
