literature is an important medium of expression for human thought. Point of views may differ, but this difference in perspective gives birth to new thoughts. New creative thoughts should always be welcomed, even if it is about disagreement or protest, Chief Minister Raman Singh on Friday said.
He was addressing participants on the inaugural day of the three-day Raipur literary Festival at Purkhauti Muktangan–a key centre of cultural heritage of the State.
The Chief Minister said that social harmony is an inseparable part of Chhattisgarh’s indigenous culture. Teachings of Saints like Kabirdas and Guru Ghasidas have a deep impact on lives of people here. People of Chhattisgarh are laborious, honest, and simple.
The inaugural programme organised at Gajanan Madhav Muktibodh Mandap was presided over by Tourism and Culture Minister Ajay Chandrakar.
Singh welcomed the litterateurs, on behalf of entire 2.55 crore people of the State.
He said that this is a proud and overwhelming moment for people of State today that nationally and internationally renowned litterateurs from across the country have graced Raipur literary Festival.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister commemorated the contribution of great literature-cultural personalities of like Raja Chakradhar Singh, Pt Mukutdhar Pandey, Gajanan Madhav Muktibodh, Padumlal Punnulal Bakshi, Habib Tanvir, Pt Sundarlal Sharma,Shankar Shesh, Satyadev Dubey, and Shrikant Verma.
He also mentioned about the valuable contribution of veteran Hindi poet Vinod Kumar Shukla, Pandwani Singer Teejan Bai and other cultural artists. Singh said that he himself is an MlA of Rajnandgaon, which is known as the cultural capital of Chhattisgarh.
The Chief Minister inaugurated the programme by lighting traditional lamps.
He personally met litterateurs down the dais and warmly welcomed them to the event.
Singh said that all the four tents of this event have been named after great literatrary and cultural entities of Chhattisgarh.
Talking about the rich cultural prestige of Chhattisgarh, Singh said that Chhattisgarh is believed to be the birthplace of Kaushalya, lord Ram’s mother. First story in Hindi language ‘Tokri Bhar Mitti’ written by Pt Madhav Rao Sapre is based on Chhattisgarh culture only.
Rich in greenery and natural resources, Chhattisgarh is one of the most beautiful places in the world. This State is home to many beautiful dialects including Chhattisgarhi.
Singh said that it is a pleasant co-incidence that on December 12 i.e. on the inaugural day of Raipur literary Festival, his Government has completed 11 years and has entered 12thyear of the service.
He said that after formation of the State in year 2000, Chhattisgarh has undergone immense progress in every sector of development.
While many states of the country are suffering from power crisis, Chhattisgarh has continued to maintain zero-power cut statues for last seven years.
Chhattisgarh is the supplier of electricity to many states in crisis. Nearly 65 lakh families of the State are provided 35 kg food grain at Rs1 per kg, free of cost salt, low-cost grams and pulses every month. Chhattisgarh has eventually overcome the problems of hunger and migration.
Singh thanked the litterateurs for their esteemed presence in the event.
Principal Secretary to Public Relations Department Amitabh Jain delivered the welcome speech. On the occasion, Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister N Baijendra Kumar, Principal Secretary Aman Kumar Singh, Director, Public Relations Rajat Kumar and other senior officials of State Government were also present.
On the inaugural day of the three-day literary festival, seminars on various subjects related to culture-literature were organised in all four tents at the event venue. In the inaugural session, Purushottam Agrawal presented ‘dohas’ of Sant Kabeer.
In the first session of Mukutdhar Pandey Tent, dignitaries namely Yashwant Gautam, Rudranarayan Panigrahi, Shivkumar Pandey and Shakuntala Tarar along with anchor Jogendra Mahapatra expressed their views on subject ‘Dialects and literature of Bastar’.
The first session of Padumlal Punnalal Bakshi tent was based on ‘SmritiEkagra’, wherein departed litterateurs of Chhattisgarh were remembered for their contribution.
In this session, Dr Ravindra Nath Mishra, Susheel Bhole and Nandkishore Tiwari expressed their views on the subject.