Bokaro’s Literary Calendar Shines Bright in 2025
by Arun Pathak
Bokaro: Known as a steel city with a strong cultural soul, Bokaro emerged as one of Jharkhand’s most vibrant literary hubs in 2025, hosting an unbroken chain of poetry recitals, book launches, seminars, and state- and national-level literary programmes throughout the year.
The city witnessed regular monthly poetry gatherings alongside several landmark events. Senior Maithili litterateur Budhinath Jha received the prestigious Yatri Chetna Award in Patna, while Bokaro-based writer Dr. Asha Pushp was honoured with the inaugural Satishraj Pushkarna Short Story Criticism Award at a national conference in December. Budhinath Jha’s Maithili epic Om Mahabharata was widely discussed at literary seminars in Ranchi, earning critical appreciation for both its scholarship and interpretation.
One of the year’s highlights was the 124th Maithili storytelling session, “Sagar Rati Deep Jarae”, organised by Mithila Sanskritik Parishad, Bokaro, at the Vidyapati Auditorium. The all-night literary conclave brought together prominent Maithili writers and critics from Bokaro and beyond. The event also marked the launch of Aadyanath Jha Naveen’s new Maithili book Khutti San Latkal Anga, adding to the city’s growing corpus of regional literature.
On Ambedkar Jayanti, a grand literary celebration featuring book launches, poet felicitation, and Kavi Kumbh was organised under the banner of Rashmipunj Sahityanuragi Sansthan. Poets from three states jointly released the poetry anthology Naval Kavya Rashmiyan and Jyotirmayi Dey Rana’s book Bharat Ke Mathe Ki Bindi, captivating audiences with verses on human emotions, patriotism, social justice, romance, and humour.
Another major event was the launch and discussion of three Maithili books by senior writer Vijay Shankar Mallik Sudhapati, organised jointly by Mithila Cultural Council and Sahityalok. The programme drew noted scholars, writers, and cultural figures, reinforcing Bokaro’s reputation as a serious centre of Maithili literary discourse.
The year also saw a multilingual poets’ meet commemorating the birth anniversary of Sahitya Akademi Award-winning writer Braj Kishore Verma ‘Manipadm’, as well as large poetry gatherings at public cultural fairs and institutional venues across the city. Young poetess Parvati Tirkey was felicitated at a special ceremony, reflecting Bokaro’s encouragement of emerging literary voices.
Institutional support further strengthened the literary ecosystem. Bokaro Steel Plant’s Official Language Department organised Hindi Fortnight poetry recitals, while Johar Darpan magazine hosted a state-level poets’ conference. Several organisations—including Sahityalok, Mahila Kavya Manch, Janwadi Lekhak Sangh, Rashtriya Kavi Sangam, and newly formed cultural forums—held regular readings and discussions.
Notably, a monthly poetry recital launched in November at the Bokaro Steel Library has begun attracting senior and young poets alike, ensuring continuity in literary engagement.
With sustained participation from senior litterateurs, emerging writers, critics, and cultural organisations, 2025 stood out as a landmark year—cementing Bokaro’s identity not just as an industrial powerhouse, but as a thriving literary and cultural centre of eastern India.
