Poetry on the Patio

I met Meenakshi Mohan a few years ago through a mutual friend, an art collector and supporter of the arts. We soon discovered shared interests, and over the years have enjoyed many experiences together.

On 15 September, a glowing sunset bathed the patio of Meenakshi’s art-filled home in Potomac, Maryland, in amber light. The air was crisp and cool, but the gathering was warm. Writers, poets and artists had come from near and far for “Poetry on the Patio”, an evening honoring the late Kshitaj Mohan. Sandip Chauhan captured the evening’s atmosphere in a fitting haiku.

An eminent scientist, Kshitaj was also a gifted writer and poet. I recalled reading his poetry collection, , edited by Meenakshi. His lyrical reflections on what he observed and felt made the evening’s tribute especially meaningful .

The program opened with six-year-old Veda, the Mohans granddaughter, reciting the Saraswati Vandana and Gayatri Mantra in a sweet voice. When she returned to the stage later, I was struck by her poise and confidence.

As the poets took their turns, their readings offered glimpses into different lives and ways of seeing the world. Relationships and reminiscences mingled with personal observations. Some poems were direct and simple, others more complex, and several brought moments of humor. Listening, I was reminded of how much a poem can hold within a few lines.

The evening also revealed the breadth of the participants’ creative interests. In her studio adjoining the patio, Meenakshi shared her artwork, including a recent painting she connected to the work of Georges Seurat. Nishi Chawla read from her book Silent Walls, Speaking Stones, adding another perspective to the evening’s artistic conversations.

The Mohan family also presented awards to Global Performing Arts (GPA), Muskaan, the Upkar Foundation and the DC South Asian Literary Council, recognizing their contributions to the arts, education and opportunities for people with disabilities.

Food and cocktails were served throughout the gathering, with lively conversation continuing between readings. With Kavita Mohan skillfully guiding the program , the evening was both convivial and intellectually stimulating. I left with the pleasure of having heard so many distinct voices and of having joined a warm tribute to Kshitaj Mohan through the poetry he loved.

*