Ramdhari Singh Dinkar’s Rashmirathi Drives Exclusive Literary Conversation in Pune

Pune, 31st December 2025: An exclusive literary event dedicated to Ramdhari Singh Dinkar’s most-celebrated epic poem Rashmirathi will be held in Pune on January 11, bringing together Hindi literature enthusiasts, poets, writers, and readers for an evening of thoughtful dialogue. Organised by KavitaKAFE, the event will take place at Monalisa Kalagram from 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm.

The discussion will focus entirely on Rashmirathi, Dinkar’s powerful poetic reimagining of the Mahabharata through the life of Karna — a figure marked by dignity, loyalty, and inner conflict. The event has already generated enthusiasm within Pune’s cultural circles. Poet and writer Ravi Acharya described Rashmirathi as a poetic masterclass. “I am thrilled to dive into the Rashmirathi discussion at KavitaKAFE. This high-energy blend of Hindustani and Sanskrit is a lesson in rhythm and modulation, carrying raw emotion with unstoppable power. I look forward to celebrating Ramdhari Singh Dinkarji’s epic poetry,” he said.

Echoing this enthusiasm, Pune-based musician and writer Omkar Zanjote said he was eager to attend the event after his earlier experience with KavitaKAFE. “I had attended the discussion on Manav Kaul’s books and thoroughly enjoyed it. The session was immersive and enlightening. The characters of the Mahabharata have always fascinated me, and when I learned about the Rashmirathi book discussion, I was overjoyed at the opportunity to attend,” he said.

Garima Mishra, curator of the event and founder of KavitaKAFE, underlined the contemporary relevance of the work. “Rashtrakavi Ramdhari Singh Dinkarji began writing Rashmirathi after independence, when India was reassessing its moral and social values. The poem is significant because it re-imagined the Mahabharata not as mythology alone, but as a mirror to modern society — and that is what keeps it relevant even today though it published in 1952,” she said.

Mishra added that KavitaKAFE, while offering a platform to budding writers, also aims to cultivate deeper engagement with Hindi literature. “We want to encourage not just reading, but also dialogue around books. This led to the initiative ‘Kitabon se mulaqaat.. shabdon se baatcheet’. The first event under this initiative was organised in November and featured discussions on Manav Kaul’s books. The Rashmirathi discussion continues this journey,” she explained.

Advocate Ragini More describes Rashmirathi as an evocative portrayal of Karna’s life and inner conflicts. “Karna symbolizes honour, sacrifice, courage, and steadfast friendship. I see strong parallels between Shivaji Sawant’s Mrityunjay and Dinkar’s Rashmirathi, as both depict a hero shaped by adversity yet guided by moral conviction,” she said. More added that Karna’s resilience, generosity, and acceptance without bitterness deeply inspire her, and she looks forward to hearing diverse perspectives at the discussion.

With its exclusive focus on one of Hindi literature’s most enduring epic poems, the event aspires to be a meaningful gathering for readers interested in literature that continues to question, inspire, and resonate across generations.