The need for opening up space for questioning, interrogation and dialogue in Indian literature was stressed at the 1st SOA Literary Festival which kicked off at the SOA University here on Saturday.
“Events around us show that the space is getting squeezed. What is the crisis of our times? What is the crisis any author of substance will face?” Dr Sitanshu Yashaschandra, eminent Gujarati poet, said while speaking at the inauguration of the two-day festival.
“What is ‘attractive’ is masquerading as ‘authentic’,” he said, adding that what looked ‘splendid’ and ‘spectacular’ is often not ‘sensible’ and ‘significant’. “How best can Indian literature and language, together address this crisis?” he asked.
The inaugural function was also addressed by Dr Vasdev Mohi, eminent Sindhi poet who has been nominated for the prestigious Saraswati Samman this year, and Dr Dnyaneshwar Mulay, eminent writer and diplomat.
The literary fiesta has attracted around 100 eminent writers, poets, commentators, translators and critics from different parts of the country. SOA Vice-Chancellor Prof RK Chauhan presided over the programme.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event later, Dr Yashaschandra expressed concern over the young generation’s lack of interest in literature.
Dr Mulay regretted that the television has now replaced the book shelves in most houses. “We need a culture of books; we need to create a library in every home,” he said.
Odia writer Tarun Kanti Mishra and Santali writer Kali Charan Hembram, who have been nominated for the Kendriya Sahitya Akademi awards this year, were felicitated on the occasion.