22/08/2026
*Khabar Samay Hasya Kavi Sammelan - Sikkim 2026.*
Khabar Samay Hasya Kavi Sammelan 2026 Successfully Held in Gangtok on the Eve of India’s 80th Independence Day.
Gangtok, August 13, 2026: The “Khabar Samay Hasya Kavi Sammelan – Sikkim 2026” was successfully organised on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Manan Kendra, Development Area, Gangtok, bringing together an evening of humour, poetry, satire, literature and cultural expression. The programme was organised by Khabar Samay in association with the Sikkim Art, Culture & Heritage Development Board, and was held on the eve of India’s 80th Independence Day, adding a strong sense of patriotism and national pride to the cultural celebration.
The event was graced by Shri Arun Kumar Upreti, Minister for Rural Development Department, Government of Sikkim, as the Chief Guest, while Shri G.T. Dhungel, Minister for Health and Family Welfare & Culture Department, Government of Sikkim, attended as the Guest of Honour.
The programme witnessed the presence of several distinguished dignitaries, senior government officials and representatives from the literary and cultural fraternity. Among those present were Shri Akshay Sachdeva, Director General of Police, Sikkim; Shri Sanjeev Kumar Singh, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Gangtok, Sikkim; senior officials from the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and Shri Yougan Tamang, Press Secretary to the Chief Minister of Sikkim. Distinguished office-bearers and members of the Nepali Sahitya Parishad were also present, along with members of the media, literary, cultural and social fraternity.
A particularly significant aspect of the evening was the participation of personnel from the Sikkim Police, SSB and ITBP, with officers and jawans attending the programme in full uniform. Their presence, just ahead of the Independence Day celebrations, added a distinct patriotic character to the evening and provided an opportunity for the audience to honour and acknowledge the contribution of the men and women serving the nation and safeguarding its frontiers.
The Khabar Samay Hasya Kavi Sammelan – Sikkim 2026 was conceived not merely as an entertainment programme, but as an initiative to bring literature, humour and cultural dialogue closer to the people of Sikkim. The event sought to create an evening where families, young people, literature enthusiasts and members of the wider community could come together to enjoy poetry, humour and satire in a positive and culturally enriching atmosphere.
The programme featured six acclaimed poets from across India — Arun Gemini, Dr. Aditya Jain, Ajay Anjaam, Anshu Priya Dubey, Gaurav Chauhan and Parth Naveen. The participating poets brought diverse literary styles to the stage, ranging from humour and satire to patriotic and 'Veer ras' poetry, parody and contemporary social commentary. Their performances received an enthusiastic response from the audience and kept the gathering engaged throughout the evening. The participating poets are listed in the official programme material for the event.
The evening also reflected the broader cultural purpose behind the initiative. Through humour and poetry, the programme sought to celebrate India's literary traditions while encouraging greater interaction between audiences, artists and the cultural community. Khabar Samay had earlier articulated the event as an effort to celebrate India’s rich literary heritage and the enduring tradition of Hindi poetry and humour, while encouraging cultural exchange and meaningful public engagement.
The formal programme included the felicitation of the distinguished guests and participating poets, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. The organisers also felicitated sponsors, supporting organisations and partners associated with the event. The official programme included Amit Olympia, Dwarika Group as the Title Sponsor, Westpoint Mall as Co-Sponsor, Urban Palms as the Powered By partner, Bihar Foundation – Sikkim Chapter, Rajasthan Foundation – Sikkim Chapter, hospitality partners Mayfair Hotels & Resorts and The Atrium Hotel, CWBTA, and the Sikkim Art, Culture & Heritage Development Board, along with individual supporters including Shri Anil Kumar Gupta and Shri Ramesh Periwal.
The organisers expressed special gratitude to the Sikkim Art, Culture & Heritage Development Board and Board's Chairman Shri. Sanjay Dilpali for their association and support, as well as to the sponsors, partner organisations, government officials, security personnel, literary personalities, media fraternity, volunteers and all those who contributed to the successful conduct of the programme.
The presence of the security forces and the timing of the programme on the eve of Independence Day gave the evening an added national significance. The formal proceedings also included the National Song and National Anthem, further reinforcing the patriotic spirit of the occasion. The event schedule placed these national observances as part of the formal programme.
For Khabar Samay, the successful organisation of the Khabar Samay Hasya Kavi Sammelan – Sikkim 2026 represents an extension of its engagement with the community beyond journalism. The initiative reflects the organisation’s effort to create platforms that bring together journalism, literature, culture and public participation, while offering people an opportunity to connect through shared experiences of art, humour and creative expression.
The organisers conveyed their heartfelt gratitude to Chief Guest Shri Arun Kumar Upreti, Guest of Honour Shri G.T. Dhungel, all participating poets, the Sikkim Police, SSB, ITBP, senior officials, literary and cultural organisations, sponsors, partners, members of the media fraternity and the people of Sikkim for their valuable presence and support.
The successful conclusion of the Khabar Samay Hasya Kavi Sammelan – Sikkim 2026 marked a memorable cultural evening in Gangtok and reinforced the importance of creating spaces where literature, humour, patriotism and community come together.
Sanjay Sharma
Founding Director & Editor
Khabar Samay
