By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 1 Oct: Renowned Hindi poet, Gagan Gill was in Dehradun yesterday and during her stay, she interacted with Pooja Poddar Marwah at Hyatt Regency here. During the interaction, she responded to various questions by the Doonites. She stressed that development and evolution of any language was possible only through intensive study of the language itself. She also called upon the teachers and the guardians to inspire children to study literature as much as possible and develop their interest in literature. She further stated that no education policy can comprehensively represent the language, the culture or the literature of the country.
Gill said that she was introduced to Hindi and English literature at home only, as her house was full of books and she started reading books at home itself.In response to a question where she was asked to describe herself in three words, she said that she saw herself as a reader, writer and a traveller.
Gagan Gill also added that she truly believed that literature was a mirror of society and whatever transpired in society had a direct impact on literature. Often, some particular incidents happening in society became crucial reference points in the writings of an author.
In response to another question regarding degradation of the language use especially by the younger generation, she said that such concerns have always been expressed. In the past too, some solutions were worked out and she was confident that even in the present time, some solution would be found in this respect. She added that the younger generation was wise and intelligent.
In response to a question she refused to accept that there was any relation between literature and gender differences. A writer or an author is simply a writer or author irrespective of the gender he or she belongs to, she asserted. In response to another question by Pooja Marwah, she said that living a wholesome life is an art in itself.
She also referred to her book on Kailash Mansarovar, and said that she had written this book after travelling to Kailash Mansarovar and getting impressed with the abundant nature of the place and its sanctity. The book has been written as a travel account.
The talk was organised by The Prabha Khaitan Foundation, a Kolkata based non profit trust.
Ehsaas, an initiative of the Foundation – refers to a conglomeration of women from all walks of life, who come together to promote and support the Society. This initiative was created to enhance women empowerment and to ensure active participation from leading women of the Cities, in multiple events and activities organized by the Foundation.
Amongst the bouquet of literary events of the Foundation, Kalam is one of the brightest blossoms. It is a unique literary vertical of the Foundation which encourages the reach and readership of vernacular literature.
This was the first ‘Kalam’ event with hospitality partner Hyatt Recency, media partner Dainik Jagran and Ehsaas Women Pooja Poddar Marwah and Pooja Khanna.
GM Hyatt Regency, Harkaran Singh opened the first ever session of Kalam and it was moderated with much elan and poise by Ehsaas Woman, Pooja Poddar Marwah who brought out pertinent questions relating to Gagan Gill’s life and career. The conversation was informative and interesting for the audience who were given complimentary signed copies of her latest book – Ityadi. Students from the Kshitij magazine at Welham Girls’ School proved to be an asset to the lively and energizing conversation.
Ehsaas Woman Pooja Khanna gave the keynote speech and essayed her role with much grace and confidence.
Author Gagan Hill presented the first copy of her book titled ‘Ityadi’ to senior journalist & actor Satish Sharma.
Authors Viky Arya & Venu Agrahiri Dhingra, Archana Manglik, Gautam Marwah, were present amongst other eminent select group of Doonites.
Kalam is in sync with the philosophy of the Nation – Unity in Diversity and proudly reflects the ethos and the spirit of the Foundation which leaves no stone unturned to showcase the literary and cultural assets of the Country to literary enthusiasts across the World. The tagline of the Foundation – “Apni Bhasha, Apne Log,” captures the philosophy of the Prabha Khaitan Foundation inspired by the multi-cultural and literary diversities of the Nation.
Author and Poetess Gagan Gill enthralled the audience with her flair for Hindi literature and poetry. She has published 9 original works, 6 translations, 6 edited texts and 4 translated books in English and German. Many pieces of her work are part of the curriculum in American, British and German Universities. She has been awarded the Bharat Bhushan Agrawal Award (1984), Sanskriti Samman (1989), Kedar Samman (2000), Hindi Akademi Sahityakar Samman (2008), Dwijdev Samman (2010), Amar Ujala Shabd Samman (2019).
