Rewa witnessed a confluence of art, culture, and civic awareness as Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla unveiled Ibarat, a poetry anthology authored by senior IPS officer and Inspector General of Police (Rewa Range), Mahendra Singh Sikarwar. The launch occurred on Saturday night during a grand national-level Mushaira (poetry conference) at the Krishna-Raj Kapoor Auditorium.
Themed around “Swachhata and Drug-Free Rewa,” the event highlighted the harmony between literature and social responsibility. Deputy CM Shukla applauded the initiative, remarking on the privilege of hosting celebrated poets in Rewa and expressing surprise at discovering IG Sikarwar’s literary identity as ‘Sameer.’
Sikarwar, widely recognized in contemporary Hindi and Urdu poetry circles, showcases his sensitivity and optimism through Ibarat. Crediting the late poet and lyricist Neeraj as a major influence, he shared insights into his poetic journey, which balances his responsibilities as a police officer and his passion for literature.
The Mushaira featured renowned national poets, including Dr. Vishnu Saxena (Hardoi), Sarita Sharma (Delhi), Nadeem Farrukh, Paplu Lakhnawi, Mehtab Alam, Jafar Sahbai, Amit Shukla, Col. B. P. Singh (Pune), Dr. Anjum Barabanki, and Manzar Bhopali, among others. Their recitations captivated the audience, adding splendor to the evening.
The event also saw the presence of Divisional Commissioner Rewa B. S. Jamod, District Collector Anurag Verma, Rewa SP Vivek Singh, SP Sidhi Ravindra Verma, and SP Maihar, reflecting the administration’s support for cultural enrichment and societal welfare through artistic expression.
