Kavya Sandhya and Felicitation Ceremony on the 11th Death Anniversary of Padma Shri Virendra Prabhakar; Priyanka Gandhi paid tribute to his memories
New Delhi : Renowned Hindi poet Dr. Surendra Sharma delivered a powerful message of unity and social harmony during a poetry evening and felicitation ceremony organised on the 11th death anniversary of Padma Shri Virendra Prabhakar. The event was hosted by Chitra Kala Sangam at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi.
Reciting his poignant lines — “We are all scattered, let us live under one roof. Who knows, you may not remain, who knows, I may not remain” — Dr. Sharma urged society to rise above divisions. Through subtle references to turmoil in neighbouring countries, he highlighted the futility of violence, remarking that if resources spent on bullets were instead spent on bread, nations could move closer to peace. He also called upon the youth to write meaningful literature for the betterment of society.
The programme began with floral tributes and the lighting of a ceremonial lamp before a portrait of Padma Shri Virendra Prabhakar. On the occasion, Dr. Surendra Sharma honoured noted humour poet Shambhu Shikhar. Several individuals from diverse fields of social service were also felicitated, including Baldev Gupta of Old Delhi, Sudhir Sareen and Subhash Oswal.
Congress MP and AICC General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi, in her message, paid tribute to Virendra Prabhakar, describing him as one of the fortunate individuals who witnessed the first light of India’s independence. She said his artistic vision enabled him to document the world with sensitivity, earning him numerous accolades. Due to prior commitments, Priyanka Gandhi could not attend the event in person and conveyed her message through Ravi Jain, son of Virendra Prabhakar and Secretary of Chitra Kala Sangam.
The poetry recitations struck a balance between social concern and humour. While Dr. Surendra Sharma’s verses prompted introspection, Shambhu Shikhar’s poetry left the audience in splits. A special highlight of the evening was the release of several books and magazines, including Kavya Kasauti by Anishchay Sharma, Yadi by Dr. Ajay Kumar Ojha, and Sanyam by Shepherd Sterling India.
Speakers remembered Virendra Prabhakar as more than a photojournalist — a friend to many, deeply committed to journalistic integrity and social causes. They lauded his sons, Ashok Jain and Ravi Jain, for carrying forward his legacy and values through continuous engagement in social work.
Several eminent personalities, including BJP leader Manoj Jain, Gandhian thinker Ramesh Sharma, Vinay Mohan and Gulshan Ji, shared their reflections. The programme was conducted by Hari Singh Pal, who elaborated on the contributions of Virendra Prabhakar and Chitra Kala Sangam. The formal vote of thanks was delivered by Puneet Jain.
Virendra Prabhakar’s photographs are widely regarded as visual chronicles of Delhi’s history. For nearly five decades, the Times of India Group extensively used his photographs. From 1947 through the 1980s, he captured many defining moments of India’s political and social life. His celebrated collection, Amit Hastakshar: Virendra Prabhakar, remains a significant record of Indian photojournalism.
The annual event, organised by Chitra Kala Sangam on his death anniversary, stands as a tribute to Padma Shri Virendra Prabhakar — a distinguished photographer and artist whose camera documented India’s journey from independence and whose legacy continues to inspire generations.