2020

Ms. Divya Mathur, F.R.S.A.
Founder of Vatayan-UK, Fellow of Royal Society of Arts, Founder-Member of Asha Foundation, ‘Friend’ of British-Library, Padma Bhushan Moturi Satyanarayana Writing Award, Vanamali Katha Award and Arts-Achiever of Arts-Council of England Decorated with awards, Divya Mathur has been the Cultural Vice President of World Hindi Conference-2000, Vice President of UK Hindi Committee and President of Katha-UK. She was a medical stenographer (1971–1985) at the All India Institute of Ayurveda in Delhi, where she studied ophthalmological terminology and invented medical shorthand for her own convenience and that of ophthalmologists.

As Senior Program Officer (1992-2016) at the High Commission of India (1985-1992) and Nehru Centre-London, he organized hundreds of successful events. Her name is included in many books like ‘Inspirational Women of the Twenty-First Century’, ‘Waiting-Room’ of the Arts Council of England, ‘Asians Who’s Who’, ‘Secrets of Words Inspirational Women’.

A multifaceted personality, Divya ji is a multi-award winning author, impresario, translator and editor. His eight story-collections (Made-in-India, Aakrosh, Hindi@swarg.in, 2050, Panga, Corona Chilla, Zaharmohra (in Urdu), eight poetry-collections (Antahsalila, Khayal Tera, Reet Ka Likha, September 11, Chandan Pani, Jhooth, Jhooth and Jhooth, Jeevan Ha Mrityu; Children’s Poem Collection: Siya-Siya), three novels, ‘Tilism’ and ‘Shaam Bhar Baatein’ (included in Delhi and other universities’ syllabus) and ‘Mom, Dad and I’ ‘ (co-authored), the children’s novel ‘Binni Bua Ka Billa’ and six edited story and poetry collections (Odyssey, Aashaa, Desi-Girls, Ik Safar Saath-Saath, Tension (two volumes) and Native Cents) are published. Several plays have been successfully staged. She has adapted Satyajit Ray’s film Retro for the National Film Theater and a documentary on cancer produced by the BBC. Her works on blindness have been published in Braille.

Invited and honored by many prestigious universities like Sahitya Akademi-Shimla, Jaipur Literature Festival, Vishwarang-Bhopal, Columbia-New-York, Hindi University-Wardha, dozens of researches have been done on Divya ji’s writings. Doordarshan has produced a tele-film on your story, Saanp-Seedhi. The film Ghar Se Ghar Tak Ka Safar: Divya Mathur, produced by Dr. Nikhil Kaushik, has been selected in various film-festivals.

Dr. Madhu Chaturvedi, international award-winning litterateur, scholar, philosopher, triveni rasa Siddha poetess of language, emotion, craft, has connected modern ghazal with the daily life of common man by dressing it in contemporary garb.

Dr. Madhu Chaturvedi, International Vatayan Kavita Samman, through Hindi writing, you have enriched Indian literature with your unique works. Your name is taken as a great Hindi poet. You are one of the fresh and alert creators among those who write poems and ghazals. You have connected the modern Ghazal with the daily life of the common man by dressing it in contemporary clothes. That is why you are one of the most loved poets on the global platform today. For your invaluable contribution and services towards Indian literature, Vatayan Sanstha humbly appreciates you and heartily congratulates you and embellishes you.

Tithi Dani (born in Jabalpur, resides in London), postgraduate in English Literature and Graduate in Journalism is also a PG Diploma holder. She has been teaching in college, compering in Radio, actively engaged in Electronic and Print Media. She is a story writer, teacher, translator and an active member of Vatayan-UK. Her first collection of poems, ‘Prayer Ducks’, is published from Bharatiya Jnanpith.  Her poems, articles, etc. are included in more than half a dozen major poetry anthologies, English poems in magazines of Europe including all major Indian newspapers, published compositions on web mediums. Poems included in Marathi Vishwa Strikosh. Translation of poems in languages ​​like English, Bengali, Marathi, Russian etc. Her awards include the Indian High Commission-London’s Manuscript Honor, Madhya Pradesh’s Vagishwari Award, Hindi Gaurav Samman, International Sahitya Setu Samman.

Ashish Mishra, Software Architect, has participated in literary seminars of prestigious institutions, High Commission of India-London, Story writing by Story Mirror-website and has received citation by International Hindi Society.

Ashish Mishra, writes Hindi poems and stories, has been living in the UK for the last 12 years and is a software architect.
One of his poetry collection “Meri Kavita Mere Bhav” was published in 2019, two other shared poetry collections, one shared story collection.
He was awarded “Hindi Pragya” by Vishwa Hindi Sahitya Parishad, “Sahitya Shri”, “Kavya Vaibhav” by Sahitya Parishad, Delhi.
Continuous publication of poems/stories in national and international journals
Poetry recitation and composition, operations on various national and international platforms
Organizing and coordinating various cultural events in and around London
Education – BA Hindi (Delhi University), Bachelor in Computer Application, Master in Computer Application
Date of Birth : February 24, 1980
Address : 21 Twist Way, Slough SL22AY
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Titiksha Shah, eminent and innovative fashion designer, has left an indelible mark on the fashion industry since 1996 with her label, Tanushree Collections, inspiring a loyal following of fashion enthusiasts worldwide. As the founder of KRITIUK, an organization dedicated to promoting Indian culture and Hindi literature, her commitment to preserving and celebrating rich traditions is evident. A multilingual interpreter, motivational speaker, stage artist, compere, she is also a published poet, who has captivated audiences in the UK and India.

As an ambassador for SAMPAD since 1998, Titiksha has championed Indian arts and culture, fostering understanding and appreciation within diverse communities. She has been the General Secretary for the World Hindi Conference-1999. In recognition of her accomplishments, Titiksha was honored by the Uttar Pradesh Hindi Sansthan in 2002, receiving the award from the Honourable Governor of Uttar Pradesh.

Dr Nikhil Kaushik (born: 1950, living in the UK since 1977), Ophthalmologist in North Wales, besides medicine, has interests in literature and cinema. Reputed as ‘Hindi Poet of Wales’, he has published poetry collections: ‘Tum London Aana Chahte Ho’ and ‘Khada hota nahi hai aapne aap koi’, composed ‘Jhadunath Buhrimayya Karma Vrat Katha’ depicting the importance of cleanliness and health. He has also edited a compilation of poems of migrant writers and produced a feature-film ‘Bhavishya – The Future’, besides several short documentaries and regular broadcast on radio and TV. His awards include the Overseas Filmmaker Award by Aksharam, and Hindi Seva Samman by the UK Hindi Committee.

Contact: doctornikhilkaushik@gmail.com

Rekha Sethi, Professor at Indraprastha College for Women, University of Delhi, has authored five books, edited eight and translated a poetry collection from English to Hindi. Her research interests are related to post-Independence Hindi literature; gender and media studies. Her major publications include Stree-Kavita: Paksh aur Pariprekshya and Stree-Kavita: Pehchaan aur Dwandw–a two volume study on contemporary women poets in Hindi critiquing and enquiring the connections between Gender and Literature. She has published several reviews, articles and translations in leading literary journals and presented her work at international and national forums. She has served as a jury member for the Sahitya Akademi Translation Prize 2022 in Hindi. She co-organised and chaired two web-lecture series with Dr. Fauzia Farooqui, South Asian Studies Program, Princeton University and Dr. Kusum Knapsyzk, Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, Duke University, USA, respectively. Her latest publication is a co-edited volume Krishna Sobti: A Counter Archive published by Routledge UK.

Contact me at rsethi@ip.du.ac.in / reksethi22@gmail.com

Shikha Varshney (born in New Delhi, now lives in London), freelance journalist, writer and blogger, has a Masters degree in TV Journalism from Moscow State University. She has published articles in almost all the main newspapers and agazines of the country, besides her regular columns in Dainik Jagran (National) entitled ‘London Diary’ and in Navbharat ‘London Nama’. Her works are included in the syllabus of many universities under the literature composed by migrant writers. Her awards include Madhya Pradesh Government’s National Nirmal Verma Samman, Vishnu Prabhakar National, ‘Mahavir Prasad Dwivedi Journalism Award’ by Indian High Commission London and Best Blogger Award by ABP News for contribution in the promotion of Hindi outside India. Her books include: The wings of the feet, London diary from the native glasses, Reflections of the mind, and Russia in memories.

Aastha Dev, IT professional, author, presenter and active member of Vatayan.

Director and Cultural leader, Champion of invention, new ideas and unconventional virtual spaces for performance Mira Mishra Kaushik is a Vatayan’s chairperson, who is also a  strategic consultant and cross-arts producer with over 30 years’ experience of transforming a small dance academy into to an internationally renowned and award winning production house; putting South Asian dance on the global map by lobbying and influencing on countless committees and boards; and fundraising millions for educational and charity activities.

Smt. Jai Verma (born: Jivana, Meerut, resident in UK since 1971), Practicing Manager in Health Service and retired Hindi teacher at Kala Niketan Hindi School-Nottingham. Kavya Rang – Founding Member and President of Nottingham Literary Association, Director of Asian Arts Council, Board Member of Festival of Words, High Sheriff Award 2022, Lord Mayor of Nottingham Award, Poem and name inscribed at Robinhood-Nottingham Fort, Citizens’ photo exhibition Photographs displayed in Dr. Harivash Rai Bachchan Hindi Sahitya Samman, Pravasi Indian Writer Award by Rashtra Kavi Maithili Sharan Gupta Memorial Trust, Aksharam Pravasi Hindi Seva Samman, Katha U. Of. and Pravasi Sansar Creator Award. Poetry collection: ‘Sahayatri Hain Hum’, Story collection ‘Saat Kadam’, Article/Essay: From across the border, Editing: Britain’s representative Hindi stories, ‘Colours of Poetry’, Co-editing: Hindi’s world travel and cultural pollution. Translation, authoring and book editing of 31 course books at the Language Center Nottingham. Included in the editorial board of Purvai.

Contact at e-mail: jaiverma777@yahoo.co.uk

Dr. Jawahar Karnavat, recently awarded the prestigious Vishwa Hindi Samman at the World Hindi Conference-Fiji, is a multi faced personality, who is closely associated with Kendriya Hindi Shikshan Mandal, Ministry of Education, Government of India; Coordinator of Vaishvik Hindi Parivar, Managing Editor of Akshara, Advisor of Pravasi Bhartiya Literature and Culture Research Centre of Rabindra Nath Tagore University-Bhopal. With his study in commerce and with a strong flair for language, he has promoted Hindi through many innovative ideas in the banking sector of India during his long career of 33 years. Well known for his oratory, Dr Karnavat has delivered keynote speeches at the national and international conferences in more than 25 countries.

He played an active role in several World Hindi Conferences. His rare collection of newspapers, journals, etc. published in the last 118 years from 25 countries, has been exhibited internationally and included in Limca Book of Records. He has co-authored ‘Modern Indian Banking: Theory and Practice’ has also been awarded by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India.

Aastha Dev, IT Professional, Writer, Presenter and an active member of Vatayan.

Alka Sinha has been the presenter of special series of literary program ‘Patrika’ telecast on DD National. She has the distinction of doing radio and TV commentary on programs of national importance along with narrating the eye-witnesses of the Republic Day parade for thirteen years. ‘Kaal ki kokh se’, ‘Main hi to hoon ye’, ‘Teri Roshani hona chahti ho’ (poetry collection); ‘Surakshit Pankhon kee Udaan’, ‘Mujhse Kaisa Neh’ and ‘Khali Kursi’ (story-collection). Hindi Academy Literary Work Award; Many awards and honours have been awarded for literature including Rituraj Samman, Kamleshwar-Smriti Kathabimb Best Story Award. Many researches have been done on his writings. Alka ji e-poet seminar ‘Faslon Ke Darmiyaan’ is very popular these days.

Anil Sharma ‘Joshi’ (literary name Anil Joshi), Vice President of Kendriya Hindi Shikshan Mandal, Ministry of Education, Government of India, has edited important books and journals.  He has been awarded for his contribution to language and literature in Britain, USA, Trinidad and Tobago, Fiji and India. He carred out important positions in World Hindi Conferences of Surinam-2002, New York-2007 and Port Louis-2018.

He has been a diplomat in Diplomat in UK and Fiji for nine years. He has a long term of experience working in the Central Translation Bureau, Department of Official Language, Ministry of Home Affairs, Member of Hindi Advisory Committee, Government of India, Member of Hindi Writing Advisory Committee, National Book Trust Founder – Global Hindi Parivar, General Secretary Sankalp Foundation, Member Management Council for International Cooperation.

Contact at email: anilhindi@gmail.com

Dr Padmesh Gupta, director of Oxford Business College, founder president of UK Hindi Samiti and currently a patron, is a poet, writer and academician of international repute. He has published and edited the Hindi magazine ‘Purvai’ for 18 years and ‘Pravasi Today’ for 8 years. Author of three poetry collections, he has edited an anthology of Hindi poets of the UK. Dr Gupta has been a convenor of more than four international Hindi conferences, twenty international poetry symposiums, 6^th world Hindi Conference, besides conducting hundreds of seminars, workshops and programmes to promote Hindi education and Indian culture in the UK. Recipient of several international awards including ‘Videsh Hindi Prasar’, Hindi Sansthan in and Government of India’s Vishwa Hindi Samman during the World Hindi Conference-2007.