Operation Sindoor anthology '100 Sarvshreshth Kavitayen' released at IGNCA Delhi
Synopsis
A poetry anthology commemorating Operation Sindoor — drawn from 361 national entries and curated to 100 voices — was released at IGNCA on its first anniversary. The event brought together army veterans, journalists, and poets, with IGNCA chief Ram Bahadur Rai warning, citing an American defence expert, that Operation Sindoor may not be over yet.
Key Takeaways
Anthology "Operation Sindoor: 100 Sarvshreshth Kavitayen" released at IGNCA, New Delhi on 8 May 2025 .
Edited by Dr Harish Chandra Burnwal and published by Prabhat Prakashan ; features works of 100 poets selected from 361 national entries .
Ram Bahadur Rai , IGNCA President, released the book and cited an American defence expert suggesting Operation Sindoor could see a resurgence.
Colonel Pradeep Khare praised the Indian Army's destruction of nine targets in 25 minutes as historically significant.
Over 80 poets from across India were felicitated at the ceremony's conclusion.
An anthology titled "Operation Sindoor: 100 Sarvshreshth Kavitayen" was officially released at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) in New Delhi on 8 May 2025, marking the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor. The volume, edited by author Dr Harish Chandra Burnwal and published by Prabhat Prakashan, brings together the works of 100 poets from across India in a single commemorative collection.
The Release and Key Dignitaries
Ram Bahadur Rai, President of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, presided over the ceremony and formally released the anthology. The gathering drew a distinguished cross-section of guests, including former Army officer Colonel Pradeep Khare, Saeed Ansari — Executive Editor and Anchor at Aaj Tak — senior satirical poet Sudeep Bhola, and celebrated poet and State Information Commissioner of Uttar Pradesh, Virendra Vats.
What Ram Bahadur Rai Said
In his address as Chief Guest, Rai lauded Dr Burnwal's consistent engagement with meaningful literary work. In a notable observation, Rai cited insights from an American defence expert to suggest that Operation Sindoor has not truly concluded and could see a resurgence at any moment. He remarked that the poets who participated in the initial competition would likely find further opportunities to document these developments through their verses.
Reflections from Guest Speakers
Colonel Pradeep Khare described the anthology as a vivid and essential document celebrating national valour. He spoke with pride about the Indian Army's performance, asserting that the swift destruction of nine terrorist and military targets in just 25 minutes had created a historical impact that would be remembered for centuries. Saeed Ansari highlighted Prabhat Prakashan's role in fostering a spirit of nationalism, noting that he had encountered many of the featured poems during the pre-publication phase. Ansari also praised Dr Burnwal for honouring poets who did not win main prizes with certificates and honorariums.
How the Anthology Came Together
Dr Burnwal explained during his book introduction that the project originated from a poetry competition organised by HB Poetry, which drew enthusiastic participation from 361 poets across the country. The collaboration between HB Poetry and Prabhat Prakashan enabled a single platform where the works of 100 distinguished and emerging poets could be preserved for posterity.
The Ceremony's Conclusion
The event reached a stirring climax as several prominent poets recited their compositions, filling the auditorium with patriotic fervour. The ceremony concluded with the felicitation of over 80 poets from different regions of India, marking a convergence of literature, journalism, and the arts. The anthology stands as a rare instance of contemporary military history being documented through verse, and its reception suggests that more such literary efforts may follow as the story of Operation Sindoor continues to unfold.
Point of View
However, is the warning from IGNCA chief Ram Bahadur Rai, citing American defence analysis, that the operation may not be over. That a literary event became the platform for such a geopolitical signal — however brief — is worth attention. The anthology's participatory model, drawing from 361 poets and honouring non-winners, also signals a deliberate effort to democratise patriotic expression beyond the usual laureates.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Operation Sindoor: 100 Sarvshreshth Kavitayen'?
It is a poetry anthology commemorating Operation Sindoor, featuring 100 poems selected from entries submitted by 361 poets across India. The volume was edited by Dr Harish Chandra Burnwal and published by Prabhat Prakashan.
Where and when was the anthology released?
The anthology was released at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) in New Delhi on 8 May 2025, marking the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor.
Who released the book and who attended the event?
IGNCA President Ram Bahadur Rai formally released the anthology and presided over the ceremony. Attendees included former Army officer Colonel Pradeep Khare, Aaj Tak's Executive Editor Saeed Ansari, poet Sudeep Bhola, and UP State Information Commissioner Virendra Vats.
What did Ram Bahadur Rai say about Operation Sindoor at the event?
Rai cited insights from an American defence expert to suggest that Operation Sindoor has not truly concluded and could see a resurgence at any moment, indicating that poets may have further opportunities to document these events.
How was the anthology compiled?
The anthology originated from a poetry competition organised by HB Poetry, which received entries from 361 poets nationwide. The collaboration between HB Poetry and Prabhat Prakashan resulted in a collection preserving the works of 100 distinguished and emerging poets.
