2 Celebration - Kamala Das Poetry Award & Launch of Equiverse Space MM Mahabanoo Mody Kotwal, our inspiration, our guiding light, being felicitated by Teesta Dalvi during the inauguration of Women EmpoweredIndia, Sept 12, 2016 m Women Empowered-India (WE) instituted the Kamala Das Poetry Award in 2018, announcing it in the call for submissions to its inaugural anthology ‘Equiverse Space – A Sound Home in Words’ in May 2018. WE are very fortunate to have conferred the inaugural award on our favourite, fabulous, inspiring, gifted poet Anna Sujatha Mathai, who, we only found out later, has not only known Kamala Das well, but has been a good friend of hers, and visited her mother too at home ! This makes us are so happy. In collaboration with All Aboard-Delhi chapter, WE celebrated the first Kamala Das Award ceremony and the launch of its inaugural anthology ' Equiverse Space - A Sound Home in Words' in Delhi at the Kamala Das Centre, hosted by India International Centre on Sept 28, 2018. Revered poet Keki Daruwalla conferred the Kamala Das Poetry Award on beloved poet Anna Sujatha Mathai for her contribution to poetry, her love and endurance in the face of all odds. The beautiful occasion was attended by distinguished guests -poets, writers, poetry lovers, friends, family and well wishers. Anna Sujatha Mathai read three memorable poems by Kamala Das, in her powerful voice that echoes in our hearts. Keki Daruwalla reminisced about their readings together in interesting places and recalled the all-new-format of poetry publications introduced by Rupa circa 90-91, that created much excitement at the time. Sujatha spoke of her friendship with Kamala Das and shared fond memories of visits to her home. Keki da read a poem by Das from an old cherished copy he holds dear. We thank everyone who attended the program. Special thanks to our hosts - the India International Centre. Heartfelt thanks to Keki da, Sujatha. Thanks to the late Ms Premola Ghose and Dr. Kapila Vatsyayan, for their blessings, good wishes and support. Thanks to the Mathai family for their warmth and presence Thank you Shuchi for being such a brilliant anchor & compere, as always. Kudos to your invaluable energy and enthusiasm! Many thanks to Kiranjeet Chaturvedi - Founder of 'Writing and Beyond'. Thank you Meenakshi M Singh, award winning writer and Editor of 'Stree, the Shakti'. Thank you Kasturi Patra, Editor - Women's Web. Thank you Ishmeet Nagpal and All Aboard poets, it is a pleasure collaborating with you.Thank you Priyanka for your poetry and also the lovely photographs you took. Thank you Keya Chaturvedi for your beautiful opening song.Thank you Ilakshee Bhuyan Nath for some wonderful photographs.Thank you Kinshuk Gupta and Praniti Gulyani for participating with enthusiasm.Thanks to everybody who shared our joy on the beautiful evening of the September 28.
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