Chandigarh: A new literary collective Writers’ Forum (WF) was formally launched at Novotel Chandigarh for the tricity region and beyond with the vision of creating an inclusive, intellectually enriching, and democratic platform for writers, poets, critics, and literary enthusiasts. The founder and core members of WF also unveiled the forum’s logo.
Founded on the slogan, ‘Where words meet their voice, Where writers meet their tribe,’ the forum seeks to encourage authentic literary expression and meaningful creative engagement beyond the constraints of popularity or social influence.
The forum has been established under the leadership of founder Sudha Aggarwal, an acclaimed poet and author. While speaking about the initiative at a press conference, Sudha said that the forum was born out of the need to create a literary space where writers are respected for the sincerity of their ideas and the strength of their expression rather than external validation or social standing.
Notably, Sudha has penned the poetry collection HIRAETH, which was launched at Tagore Theatre in 2023. A picture titled SEHGAL HOUSE was also adapted from her poetry book by The Narrator’s Art Society.
“The Writers’ Forum is not merely another literary group. It is a sincere effort to build a creative community where writers can express themselves fearlessly, participate meaningfully, and evolve collectively through dialogue and mutual respect,” she said.
Highlighting the objectives of the forum, she said it will create opportunities for emerging writers to flourish with confidence and dignity, encourage freedom of expression without intimidation, preserve originality and genuine talent, provide leadership opportunities to every member, and ensure respectful literary engagement through attentive listening and meaningful interaction.
The forum also aims to function on democratic principles, with decisions taken collectively through majority consensus to ensure transparency and equal participation.
Dr. Manjit Kaur, noted author, literary critic, and former Professor of English, said, “In today’s rapidly changing literary environment, there is a growing need for platforms that value substance over superficiality. The Writers’ Forum seeks to revive meaningful literary conversations.”
It is worth mentioning that Dr. Kaur has been honoured with the Literary Excellence Award, besides receiving international recognition in Dubai in 2018.
Dr. Anu Girdhar, poet, academic, and Professor & Head of Prosthodontics at National Dental College, Dera Bassi said, “A literary forum becomes truly meaningful when it encourages participation without hierarchy and inspires individuals to discover their own creative voice. This initiative is committed to creating such an environment where learning and creativity coexist harmoniously,”
Dr. Girdhar is the author of five poetry books and recipient of several prestigious honours, including the Rabindranath Tagore Literary Award in 2022.
Seema Sharma, author of Words That Whisper and Director–Operations at Amaira Multispeciality Hospital, said “Literature thrives where empathy, attentive listening, and respectful dialogue are nurtured. Our endeavour is to create a space where writers not only share their work but also genuinely connect with each other’s journeys and perspectives,”
Sanjeev Bansal, Chandigarh-based poet and novelist known for his lyrical explorations of love, longing and human emotions, said, Literature gives language to silence and dignity to human vulnerability. He added “Originality often gets overshadowed in the race for visibility and validation. The Writers’ Forum seeks to remind writers that enduring literature emerges from honesty, depth, and lived experiences.”
The forum plans to organise regular literary sessions, poetry readings, discussions, workshops, and interactive engagements aimed at fostering creativity, collaboration, and intellectual growth among writers across the region and even beyond.
