Writers Recalled the Inspiring Journey Behind Their First Books
Nagpur, The Global Journalist and Writers Association (GJWA), a Nagpur based NGO, organized a unique literary event titled Meri Pehli Kitaab in the Orange City on Sunday, bringing together more than a dozen local authors who shared their experiences related to the concept, writing, publication, and creative journey of their first books.
On the occasion, authors whose books were published in 2025 were felicitated with the prestigious Birva Samman 2026. The program was introduced by GJWA President Dr. Sandeep Agrawal. The event was compered by Sakshi Pendhekar and Saurabh Singh, while the vote of thanks was delivered by the organization’s Executive Secretary, Suraj Telang.
During the session, noted writers including Suresh Gangakhedkar (Vednela Pankh Shabdanche – poetry collection), Rajendra Chandorkar (Inside Crucible – novel), Dr. Praveen Neelkanthrao Dabli (Postmortem – satire collection), Dr. Vinod Asudani and Dr. Rajesh Asudani (Adhura Aasman – collaborative ghazal collection), Reema Diwan Chaddha (Daddy – poetry collection), Shagufta Yasmin Kazi (Rishton Ki Saugat – story collection), Megha Manoj Agrawal (Sunahare Patte – poetry collection), and Madhu Patodia (Neem Chaura – story collection) fondly shared memories and insights connected with their literary beginnings and first publications.
The event also featured interactions with recipients of the Birva Samman 2026, who spoke about their writing journeys and the inspiration behind their works. The honoured books included Bhushan Vijay Sahasrabuddhe’s Udyog Kasa Karava (Education/Training), Dr. Kalpesh Upadhyay’s Ayurved Ke Acharya (Biography/Knowledge Tradition), Mateen Khan’s Maidan-e-Ishq (Memoir), Neeraj Shrivastava’s Bhartiya Gyan Parampara Patrakarita Evam Jansampark (essays on Media and Public Relations), Sanjay Agrawal’s 365° (Motivational/Self-Help), Shwetali Thakre’s How India Will Surpass the Dollar 30 Trillion Economy (Economic Thought), and Yatindra Nadkarni’s Beyond Degrees (Self-Help).
The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of literature lovers, intellectuals, and eminent citizens from the city, all of whom appreciated the initiative and congratulated the entire GJWA team for successfully organizing a meaningful and enriching literary gathering.
