Anthology celebrates state’s women poets

The KEEKLI Charitable Trust on Sunday released ‘Black Magic of Women from the Mountains’, a poetry anthology, at the conference hall of the historic Gaiety Theatre here.

The book, authored by Shelly Bhoil and edited by academician-poet Kamayani Vashisht, was unveiled in the presence of Satwant Atwal, Additional Director General and Commandant General, Home Guard. The anthology brings together the writings of 24 women poets of the state, capturing themes of nature, identity, resilience, and the deep bond between women and the mountains.

Most poems have been translated from Hindi to English, while some are originally written in English.

Atwal praised the voices featured in the collection, saying women held a unique ability to connect deeply with their surroundings. Several noted academicians also shared their views on the anthology. Meenakshi Faith Paul highlighted the need for Himachali literature to reach a wider audience, while Roshan Lal lauded the editors for their collaborative work. Praveen Malik offered a reading of the poems, while Ajeya discussed the thematic strength of the book.