PEN Nepal Hosts Enlightening Program on Spirituality and Poetry with Prof. Sehdev Kumar
PEN International Nepal on Saturday, 30th August organized a profound and engaging event on Spirituality and Poetry, featuring renowned philosopher, poet, and author Prof. Sehdev Kumar from India. The program, held at Little Angels College of Hattiban, and attended by key figures in the literary community, including Bhisma Upreti (President of PEN Nepal), Hiranya Kumari Pathak (Vice-President of PEN Nepal), Prof. Krishna Chandra Sharma, Dr. Ramdayal Rakesh, along with executive members, supporting members, and various poets and writers.
The event explored the deep connection between spirituality and poetry, with an emphasis on their transformative power. Bidhan Acharya, a member of PEN Nepal, welcomed the special guests on behalf of everyone present, setting the tone for an evening filled with reflection and inspiration.
Dr. Mitra Bandhu Poudel, general Secretary of PEN Nepal, shared insights into Prof. Sehdev Kumar’s life, highlighting his academic accomplishments and philosophical insights. Prof. Sehdev Kumar, in his special session, discussed the diverse ways in which human knowledge, religious beliefs, cultural backgrounds, and perspectives shape our spiritual journeys. During his session, Prof. Sehdev Kumar remarked that science is not just a quest for material knowledge but also a search for spiritual consciousness. He urged the audience to embark on the journey of true life by questioning the nature of existence, life, and death. He passionately encouraged those present to “open the third eye” and live a life of full awareness, declaring that spirituality is not for the timid, but for those with courage to seek truth. He also recited his poems, including Fire of Sin and Light on Light and a few more, bringing a poetic touch to his philosophical reflections.
Prof. Dr. Krishna Chandra Sharma, praised Prof. Kumar’s ability to blend creativity and critical thinking in his spiritual and poetic journey. Prof. Sharma reflected on the teachings of Sri Aurobindo, highlighting how Aurobindo’s work, especially Savitri, combines science, technology, and spiritual studies. He urged his compulsion towards the audience to explore Aurobindo’s philosophy for deeper insights into both life and literature.
The program also featured poetic recitations by 21 distinguished poets from diverse genres, each adding a spiritual dimension to the event. Notable poets included Hiranya Kumari Pathak, Rami Priya, Lal Bdr Bhujel, Rupa Risal, Ujala Kapali, Dhir Kumar Shrestha, Rajni Dhakal, Drona Parajuli, Dr. Raju Babu Shrestha, Kumar Neupane, Kashi Raj Acharya, Laxmi Mali, Dr. Mitra Bandhu Pokhrel, Sneha Sayami, Shiromani Dawadi, Dr. Govinda Man Singh Karki, Nira Shrestha, L.B. Kshetri, Rupsingh Bhandari, and 9-year-old Safalta Parajuli, the youngest writer in the program who has published the Book “Success Story- Part 1,in the age of 8 and handover the book to Pen Center Nepal too.
The Principal of LA School, Mr. Mukunda Raj Sharma, also contributed to the event, sharing his thoughts on the true essence of spirituality. He drew connections to Sri Aurobindo’s spiritual journey and encouraged the audience to live with integrity and mindfulness, honoring the teachings of Aurobindo.
The event concluded with a heartfelt expression of gratitude from Bhisma Upreti, Chairperson of the program. He thanked everyone for their contributions and efforts in making the event successful. He extended his appreciation to all poets and writers, acknowledging their role in enhancing the program’s spiritual atmosphere. He also thanked the LA School of Management for providing the venue that made the event possible, bringing together so many bright minds in the pursuit of poetry and spirituality.
