An unforgettable evening at VoW

By: Dr. Tania Saili Bakshi & Nikita Aggarwal

Pic Courtesy: Jigyasa Yadav/ Prayanshu

On August 3, 2025, in Dehradun, Valley of Words Cafe was abuzz with literary energy as it hosted “Author from the Valley,” an evening dedicated to Hindi poetry and cross-cultural exchange. 

This unique session welcomed the eminent Padmashree Leeladhar Jagudi, whose towering legacy in Hindi literature drew poets, students, and book lovers from across the city. As the author of acclaimed collections such as Natak Jari Hai and Shankha Mukhi Shikharon Par, and recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award for his anthology Anubhav Ke Aakash Mein Chand, Jagudi ji’s reputation as a literary giant is well established.

His poetic journey, crowned by the Padmashree in 2004, reflects a commitment not just to craft but to nurturing new voices in Hindi literature. In his inimitable style, Jagudi ji dived into the interplay between the poet and poetry, language and script, underlining how creative expression is both a personal and cultural act. He urged young writers to embrace originality rather than imitation, emphasizing the power of simplicity, rootedness, and cultural consciousness in Hindi writing. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly when Jagudi ji recited his own poetry, his words weaving together personal experience and universal emotion, leaving the audience visibly moved.

Adding an international dimension to the conversation, Matt Reeck – Guggenheim Fellow in Translation who is well-known for his translations in both the USA and India - offered insight into the process of translating poetry across languages and cultures.