In fast-scrolling digital age, city poet keeps literary culture alive

At a time when fleeting digital content and relentless scrolling are dominating meaningful literary conversations, Jalandhar-based Mala Aggarwal Madhavi has been steadily nurturing poetry through her writings, public recitations and literary collaborations.

Through books, poetry sessions and literary forums, Mala has remained actively involved in creating spaces where poems are not just written, but shared, heard and discussed. Those associated with literary circles say such gatherings have become increasingly important at a time when regional literary culture often struggles for visibility amid fast changing digital trends.

Mala is actively associated with ‘Adbi Duniya’, a literary group in Jalandhar that organises regular Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu poetry sessions featuring poets and writers from across Punjab. Over the years, these gatherings have gradually emerged as platforms where both established and aspiring writers get an opportunity to present their work, interact with audiences and keep the culture of public poetry recitation alive.

Alongside this, she also remains associated with online literary forums and poetry groups including ‘Literary Warriors Group’ and ‘Kavyanjali’, where she regularly participates in Hindi and English poetry sessions with writers from different regions. Writers linked with these forums say community driven literary events and discussions continue to play an important role in keeping poetry connected to people beyond books and social media posts.

Apart from her active participation in literary forums, Mala has also published multiple literary works over the years, gradually building a place for herself in Hindi poetry circles. Her first poetry collection, ‘Mehak Antas Ki’, published in 2023, received appreciation for its emotional themes and relatable writing style.

The book later earned the best Hindi poetry book award during Litfest 2023 organised by the Literary Warriors Group at Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi. Continuing her literary journey, she later released another poetry collection, ‘Kavita Hamara Kshitij’, in 2025. Apart from poetry, she also authored ‘Bharat Ke Dharmik Sthal’ and translated ‘Bas Ek Pal’ (Rubaiyan) by Kuldeep Dosanjh into Hindi, reflecting her continued engagement with literary writing, poetry and translation work.