Tribute Meeting Held in Memory of Late Vijay Kumar Tiwari at Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar, January 17:
A solemn and emotionally charged Tribute Meeting in memory of Late Vijay Kumar Tiwari, eminent Hindi poet, essayist, critic, and literary thinker, was held on January 17 at the Tata Ariana Club House, Bhubaneswar, marking the 11th day of his demise. The gathering brought together writers, intellectuals, cultural activists, family members, and admirers to remember a life dedicated to literature, values, and human warmth.
The programme was hosted by Pranav Chhotray, Secretary of Sahitya Sanskuti Sansad, who opened the meeting with a two-minute silent prayer, inviting the audience to reflect on the departed soul and his enduring literary legacy. The silence that followed spoke more than words, echoing the collective grief and respect felt by those present.
Renowned litterateur Dr. Phani Mohanty, Kendra Sahitya Akademi Awardee, delivered the keynote address. In his moving speech, he traced Vijay Kumar Tiwari’s lifelong dedication to Hindi literature, highlighting his journey as a poet, essayist, book reviewer, and cultural bridge between India and the global Hindi diaspora. Dr. Mohanty emphasized that Tiwari’s writings were marked by restraint, ethical clarity, and deep cultural consciousness, and that his contribution went far beyond publications—it shaped literary sensibility.
Several distinguished speakers paid rich tributes to the departed writer. Prof. Lingam Chiranjib Rao from Srikakulam–Ichapur, Andhra Pradesh, recalled Tiwari’s national literary presence and his humility despite international recognition. Dr. Satyabrata Jena, Editor of Batayana , spoke about his intellectual discipline and spiritual depth.
Poet Sudamini Samantray, Biswabharati Pattnaik, Batakrushna Panda, poet Ms. Anima Das, and Sri Praffula Chandra Das of Gayatri Parivar shared heartfelt memories, underlining his kindness, sincerity, and encouragement toward fellow writers.
The most poignant moments came when his daughter Varsa and Son-in-law Mukesh Dubey addressed the gathering. Their words, filled with dignity and quiet strength, reflected the personal loss behind the public figure. Dr. Sashi Sekhar Samanta also spoke, remembering Tiwari as a friend whose life balanced professional discipline and literary devotion. The meeting witnessed the presence of over 500 invited guests, reflecting the wide respect and affection Vijay Kumar Tiwari commanded across literary and social circles.
The programme concluded with an emotional address by his grandson, Shivam Dubey, whose simple yet touching words brought the audience to a moment of collective silence and tears, marking a deeply moving closure to the tribute.
The meeting reaffirmed that while Vijay Kumar Tiwari is no longer physically present, his words, values, and literary spirit continue to live on in the hearts of readers and writers alike.
