Three books by Speaker’s wife released

Three books penned by Reshma Kalyan Meera, wife of Speaker Harvinder Kalyan, were released at a programme on Sunday evening.

Two of the books — Kishti Badbani (Dastaanon Ki Nazmgoyi) and Akele Lamp Post — poetry collections, while Murabba Se Moksha Tak is a short story collection.

Haryana Sahitya and Sanskriti Academy vice-chairman Kuldeep Chand Agnihotri, as the chief guest, lauded Reshma’s writing as of the highest literary calibre and encouraged her to continue her work.

Haryana Sahitya Academy director Haryana Urdu Academy vice-chairman Chander Trikha, described Kalyan as a rare literary talent excelling in poetry, storytelling, painting and theatre. “Sensitivity defines a great writer, yet, sadly, this quality is fading in today’s world. That is why writers like Reshma are needed now more than ever. Through her collections, she has beautifully captured life’s smallest yet most profound emotions,” he said.

Retired IAS officer and writer Sumedha Kataria praised Reshma’s portrayal of women’s inner struggles, calling it a reflection of real-life hardships that every woman endures in her journey.

She urged readers to engage with all three of Reshma’s new books. Meanwhile, Radheshyam Bhartiya described Murabba Se Moksha Tak as a collection of stories woven with the hues of love, with each tale intricately crafted like precious pearls. Kalyan said she penned her first piece at the age of 15, not knowing then where her path would lead.

“Today, after four and a half years, these three books are being launched, and I feel the blessings of my late grandfather, Baba Saheb Naik, and my aunt, Sumati Chavan,” she added. She acknowledged the cultural contrast between Maharashtra and Haryana, dedicating her books to her brother-in-law Devendra Kalyan. Additionally, she expressed gratitude for her late mother’s influence and praised her mother-in-law’s unwavering support. “But my greatest creation is my daughter Ayeshna,” she added, explaining that she adopted the name “Meera” due to her devotion to Lord Krishna.

She stunned the audience with her theatrical performance in a play presented by Alankar Natya Group and based on her poetry. Maharashtra Minister of State Indralin Naik, Kalyan’s brother, honoured the artistes of the group for their performance. Niak and the Speaker enjoyed the programme as audience members rather than dignitaries.