‘Kaun Thagwa Nagariya Lootal Ho’ Organized in Memory of Malti Joshi
New Delhi: Renowned litterateur Padmashri Malti Joshi passed away on 15th May 2024. Prior to her illness, she expressed her desire to her sons, Rishikesh Joshi and Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, and daughters-in-law, Archana and Malvika Joshi, that her 90th birthday be celebrated with fervour even after her demise. In accordance with her wishes, her family orchestrated a heartfelt tribute at the Kamaladevi Auditorium of the India International Centre in Delhi. The gathering comprised a significant number of friends, admirers, and family members who held Malti Joshi’s literary works and persona dear, commemorating her enduring legacy with profound affection and reverence.
At the start of the programme, renowned classical singer Ms. Kalapini Komkali delivered a captivating performance of Malti Joshi’s favourite Nirgun bhajans, including ‘Kaun Thagwa Nagariya Lootal Ho’ and ‘Ud Jayega Hans Akela.’ These soul-stirring renditions set a poignant tone for the event. Alongside the musical tribute, Anurag Punetha shared intriguing anecdotes from Malti Joshi’s life, offering the audience a glimpse into the personal moments and experiences that shaped her remarkable journey.
Following that, several prominent figures shared moments spent in the presence of Malti Ji, presenting heartfelt tributes. Among them were Dr. Sonal Mansingh, renowned dance guru, scholar, thinker and Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, celebrated lyricist Prasoon Joshi, Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi, eminent poet Ashok Chakradhar, Deputy Chairperson of the Sahitya Akademi Prof. Kumud Sharma, and senior journalist and thinker Shri Ram Bahadur Rai. Daughter-in-law Malvika Joshi recited one of Malti Joshi’s poems, while grandson Dushyant Joshi curated an exhibition focusing on her life. The programme was anchored by Dr. Shruti Nagpal. Subsequently, a portrait of Malti Joshi crafted by renowned artist Kalyan Vishwanathan added to the allure of the event.
A distinctive aspect of the program was its warmth and simplicity. Everyone felt that through the memories of Malti Ji, affectionately known as ‘Aai’ to all, they once again found their mother. Ashok Chakradharji recited the last poem written by Malti Ji, while Prasoon Joshi shared his own poem dedicated to his mother. Sonal Ji also recited a Gujarati poem written for her mother. At the end of the program, Malti Ji’s younger son, Sachchidanand Joshi, expressed gratitude and recited his famous poem ‘Maa’. Another attraction of the program was the distribution of the famous Balushahi of Indore, which Malti Ji dearly loved, among the attendees.