KIRAN, the Knowledge-based Intercommunity Relationship and Awareness Network, has organised a literary meet in Cardiff on 28 September 2019. Our goal is to promote wellbeing in local communities. Consequently, we encourage community inclusion through Art, Culture and heritage. We have organised the literary meet to engage people through literary art and create a platform for active participation.
Has KIRAN Literary Meet helped community wellbeing?
We have organised the literary meet to connect people through poetry and short stories. The event was held at the St John’s Church, 8 Rachel Close, Cardiff, CF5 2SH. Community members were invited to read a short story or poetry which they have written themselves or read. It was a free event open to all. There was complimentary food as well.
Who participated in KIRAN Literary Meet?
This was a unique vent. Approximately 60 people from Cardiff, Swansea, Leicester, Swindon, North Wales, London, Bristol and Kolkata have taken part in the programme. People from across communities participated in KIRAN literary meet. Community members from Indian, Bangladeshi and Pakistani backgrounds along with people from white British background have connected through poetry and short stories.
How KIRAN Literary Meet promoted wellbeing?
People from different backgrounds have recited poetry and short stories in the event. Some of them have read from their own writings. While others have narrated from the works of Dylan Thomas, Rabindranath Tagore, Sakti Chattopadhyay, Jibonananda Das and other poets and authors. People have read poetry and short stories in Bengali, English and Hindi. Moreover, Mr Gunjan Dasgupta, an author from India, has read one of his short stories over Skype. KIRAN literary meet has helped wellbeing in the following ways:
Firstly, it was an interactive event, readers and the audience have been engaged through reading, discussion and exchange of views. This has brought community members closer through poetry and short stories. In other words, this event has created an opportunity to engage actively through literature.
Secondly, people have the opportunity to learn about different literature and culture through participation and interaction.
Thirdly, It allowed people to connect and make new friends across different communities.
Lastly, the knowledge and information about culture, heritage and literature from diverse backgrounds have encouraged the participants to be more respectful and tolerant about social diversities. The participants enjoyed the event thoroughly and expressed interest to participate in similar events in future.
What was the impact of KIRAN Literary Meet?
KIRAN Literary Meet has created opportunities for community members to connect on an informed basis. This has increased people’s knowledge and understanding of different culture and heritage. Above all, this event has allowed community members to connect and make friends across communities. In conclusion, this has made our communities more inclusive and resilient to hate. In other words, this unique event was a small step towards a more well engaged, inclusive and tolerant communities.
KIRAN Literary Meet 28-Aug-2019 
KIRAN Literary Meet www.kiran.org.uk 
