Sant Nirankari Mission (Leicester, UK) joined with Geetanjali Multi-Lingual Literary Circle, for an evening of poetic appreciation on 20 June 2009.  The theme for compositions was a well known one, having been enjoyed at the Annual Nirankari Sant Samagam in Delhi some years back;

CHUN–CHUN KAR NAFRAT KE KAANTE,
PYAR KE PHOOL KHILAATE JAAYEN

Gather up the thorns of hatred and enmity
And in their place, spread petals of love 

Some 15 poets shared their renditions on this subject, in the languages of Urdu, Hindi, English and Punjabi.  The audience (as also the list of poets) was diverse in background, giving a multi-faith and multi-cultural touch to proceedings.  The Leicester branch were most hospitable, receiving newcomers to their Bhawan with open arms, and broad smiles.  Rev Haroon Bhabha Ji gave a welcome address, before introducing the chair for the evening, Rev HS Upashak Ji.

The poets were awarded Certificates of Honour for their thoughts and performances, before the programme concluded with a short discourse from the stage.  Many of the visiting poets (who are renowned writers and academics in their respective fields) expressed praise for the Nirankari Mission, and the humanitarian effort it is making.