Voices from the Hills: Women Poets Shine at Shimla’s Gaiety Theatre
Shimla’s historic Gaiety Theatre came alive on Sunday as the KEEKLI Charitable Trust hosted the release of Black Magic of Women from the Mountains, a powerful poetry anthology edited by Kamayani Vashisht and Shelly Bhoil. The event was a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the unique voices of Himachali women, with Satwant Atwal, IPS, gracing the occasion as Chief Guest.
The anthology brings together 24 women poets from the Himalayan region, weaving verses that explore nature, identity, feminine strength, and the deep emotional bond between women and their mountain landscapes. Some poems were originally written in English, while others were translated from Hindi, creating a rich multilingual tapestry of expression.
The gathering drew writers, artists, educators, students, and poetry lovers, all united by their appreciation for literature. Chief Guest Satwant Atwal praised the collection, noting that “women have the power of connecting to everything around us, even if it is something very ordinary or routine,” and lauded the anthology for capturing this essence authentically.
Though co-editor Shelly Bhoil could not attend in person, her mother conveyed her gratitude and joy at the warm reception. The event also featured reflections from literary figures: Prof. Meenakshi Faith Paul urged Himachali writers to reach wider audiences beyond the hills, Prof. Roshan Lal highlighted the importance of collaboration in creative work, Dr. Praveen Malik offered analytical readings, poet Ajeya shared thematic insights, and Dr. Janesh Kapur applauded the editors’ skill in handling cultural and linguistic nuances.
Distinguished guests including S.N. Joshi (Retd. IAS), historian Raaja Bhasin, and Rupali Thakur (IAS) added to the significance of the occasion.
With heartfelt support from the KEEKLI Charitable Trust, the Language and Culture Department, and Media Partner HimachalTonite, the launch marked not just the release of a book, but the celebration of a movement—giving voice to the lived experiences and creative spirit of women from the mountains.
