Basna, September 1, 2025/ On the occasion of the first death anniversary of the late poet Shriram Sahu ‘Akela’, a heartfelt tribute was paid by writers yesterday, August 31. The program titled “Surta Swargiya Shriram Sahu” was organized at Badrika Ashram’s nursery in village Khatkhati, near Basna (district Mahasamund, Chhattisgarh), in the evening. The Ashram and nursery were developed by litterateur Badriprasad Purohit, who was a close friend of the late poet. Shriram Sahu was a resident of village Bansula near Basna.
Under the leadership of Purohit ji, Ankur Sahitya Samiti, Basna and Kala Kaushal Janseva Sansthan, Chhattisgarh jointly organized this memorial event. Writers from Basna and Pithora region gathered to recall the late poet’s life and works. They shared personal memories associated with him, while also highlighting his contributions to literature. The program began with floral tributes and garlanding of his portrait. In the second session, a poetry recital dedicated to him was held.
Shriram Sahu ‘Akela’ was known as a strong voice in the genre of “Kshanika Kavita” (short poems) in Hindi literature. Through his brief yet powerful verses, he often criticized and reflected upon social distortions of the present times. A few years ago, his collection of kshanikas titled “Dedh Inch Muskaan” was published. He also wrote short stories.
On his first death anniversary, a post shared on Facebook by journalist and writer Swarajya Karun recalled a note written yesterdeay by the editor of Sandhya Dainik Chhattisgarh, Shri Sunil Kumar. In it, he had written:
“I don’t clearly remember ever meeting him, but for decades I used to receive his postcards in response to my writings. In later years, he often disagreed with me more, yet I always valued the effort he made to read carefully and respond in detail. My heartfelt tribute.”
The event saw the participation of eminent local writers including Badriprasad Purohit, Kumar Lorish, Kshirodra Purohit, Digendra Kurre ‘Kohinoor’, Premchand Sahu ‘Prem’, Lalit Bhar, Tikendra Sahu, Tikelaal Sahu, and from Pithora, Praveen Pravah, Swarajya Karun, and Umesh Dixit. The program was conducted by Kumar Lorish from Jagdishpur village.
At the conclusion of the memorial, a plantation drive was held in the nursery to honor the memory of the late poet Shriram Sahu ‘Akela’.
