The Acharya Hazari Prasad Dwivedi Memorial Trust, in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh government's Department of Culture, organized a lecture series to commemorate the 118th birth anniversary of Acharya Hazari Prasad Dwivedi. The topic of discussion was "Kabir in the Eyes of Acharya Hazari Prasad Dwivedi."
The event also marked the launch of the "Acharya Hazari Prasad Dwivedi Research Award." Dr. Aparna Dwivedi, Chairperson of the Trust, announced this prestigious award for scholars.
Eminent speakers, including Dr Vishwanath Tripathi, Professor Rameshwar Rai from Delhi University's Hindu College, Professor Anil Rai from the South Campus of Delhi University, and renowned humorist Padma Shri Surendra Sharma, shared their insights. The program concluded with soulful renditions of Kabir's bhajans by the artists of "Sur Malhar."
During the lecture series, Dr. Nityanand Tiwari unveiled his book titled "Reinterpreting the Past: Hazari Prasad Dwivedi in a Modern Context," dedicated to Acharya Hazari Prasad Dwivedi.
In his address, Professor Rameshwar Rai questioned whether Kabir should be seen merely as a poet or as a social reformer.
He emphasized that a poet could also be a catalyst for positive change. Professor Anil Rai highlighted the challenges of critiquing poetry and praised Dwivedi's nuanced understanding of Kabir's verses. According to him, Kabir's simplicity as a poet resonated with both Hindus and Muslims.
