Shikor Literary Magazine Celebrates 25 Glorious Years with a Cross-Cultural Evening of Poetry in East London

Shikor Literary Magazine Celebrates 25 Glorious Years with a Cross-Cultural Evening of Poetry in East London

The renowned Bengali literary journal Shikor has proudly stepped into its 25th year, an illustrious journey marked by a commitment to poetry, storytelling, and the nurturing of cross-cultural dialogue. Though time and circumstances did not permit a timely celebration of its Silver Jubilee, Shikor is now embracing a year-long festival of literature and culture, dedicated to honouring its legacy and future through a series of events.

As part of this ongoing celebration, Shikor, in collaboration with Global Poet & Poetry, hosted a soul-stirring evening titled An Evening Illuminated by Poets and Poetry on Wednesday, May 14, at the intimate and vibrant Darpan Book Club on Princelet Street, Brick Lane, East London.

The event brought together a diverse group of poets and literary voices from both Bengali and English traditions. The gathering was presided over by Faruk Ahmed Roni, poet and founding editor of Shikor, whose tireless passion has transformed the magazine from a humble publication into a dynamic literary movement that bridges cultures and generations.
Among the distinguished guests were celebrated poet, author, and storyteller Shamim Azad and the acclaimed English poet Stephen Watts. The evening was eloquently hosted by poet Kaberi Mukherjee, who seamlessly guided the audience through a rich tapestry of languages, emotions, and reflections.

Noteworthy poets and writers who read and shared their work included Gulam Kabir, Ataur Rahman Milad, Mozibul Haque Moni, Dilu Naser, Mashuk Ibn Anis, David Lee Morgan, John Snelling, Jennifer Johnson, Iqbal Hossain Bulbul, Mohammad Iqbal, Shamim Ahmed, Mushahid Khan, Azizul Ambia, AKM Abdullah, Fayzur Rahman Fayez, Uday Shankar Durjoy, Dhananjay Pal, Neela Nikki Khan, Hafsa Islam, Dilruba Yasmin Ruhee, Badrul Chowdhury, Nazim Uddin, Sadika Siddique, Salma Begum, Tasnia Ahmed Ruponti, and many others. Each performance became a thread in the beautiful multilingual tapestry that wove the evening together.
Particularly memorable were the poetry recitations by Smriti Azad and Simon Kempson, who performed two powerful poems, one in English, one in Bengali, written by Faruk Ahmed Roni, evoking the universality of poetic expression that transcends borders and tongues.

One of the most unforgettable moments of the evening was the powerful performance by poet David Lee Morgan, who presented his own English translation of Bidrohi (The Rebel), the legendary poem by Bengal’s national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Morgan’s rendition was not merely a translation, it was a reimagining. With electrifying cadence and profound emotional depth, he breathed new life into Nazrul’s defiant verses, capturing both the fury and the fire of the original while rendering it accessible to a broader global audience. His voice resonated with rebellion, resilience, and poetic beauty, holding the audience in rapt silence.

This version of Bidrohi unveiled a fresh perspective of Nazrul’s immortal work, and in doing so, introduced an international literary community to a bold and transformative interpretation. It was not just a reading, it was an act of cultural bridge-building, a poetic explosion that echoed the spirit of revolution across languages.
David Morgan’s Bidrohi stands as a testament to the timeless relevance of Nazrul’s voice, and a shining example of how translation can be both faithful and free, honouring the original while giving it new wings.

Over the past 25 years, Shikor has grown far beyond the scope of a literary magazine. It has become a movement, a platform where diasporic voices are amplified, emerging writers are nurtured, and cultural bridges are built between the Bangladeshi and British literary spheres. Through print publications, public readings, collaborative projects, and community outreach, Shikor continues to champion the belief that literature is both a mirror and a lighthouse, reflecting identity while guiding us toward shared understanding.

During the vibrant poetry evening, an exciting announcement was made that marks a new chapter in Shikor’s literary journey. The team officially declared that the 25th Anniversary Celebration of Shikor will be held in September 2025 in London, with subsequent commemorative events to follow in India and Bangladesh toward the end of the year, along with its Global Poet and Poetry platform.
These milestone gatherings will serve not only as a tribute to Shikor’s 25 years of unwavering dedication to literature and culture, but also as a global reunion of poets, writers, thinkers, and readers who have been touched by its voice. These programs will be attended by many poets and writers from around the globe.

More details about venues, guests, and registration will be shared soon. All lovers of literature are warmly invited to join in this landmark celebration