By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 23 Oct: A two-day workshop was held prior to the inauguration of the Literature, Culture, and Arts Festival at Lekhak Gram, Thano. Writers, scholars, and culture enthusiasts gathered for the workshop organised jointly by the National Book Trust (NBT) and Lekhak Gram. The event aims to keep Uttarakhand’s rich literary heritage alive and inspire emerging writers.
On the first day, former Director of Higher Education Dr Savita Mohan inaugurated the programme, highlighting the importance of preserving and empowering literary and cultural heritage in her address.
Chief Speaker Dr. Hatwal engaged in a profound discussion on the current status of Hindi and Indian languages, their development, and their role in the global context. The first session featured a workshop for Hindi and local language writers, focusing on creativity and the writing process. The second session, held in the afternoon, discussed contemporary literature and new possibilities in writing. Participants, including literature lovers, poets, and writers, actively engaged and infused the event with creative energy.
The grand conference of the Sparsh Himalaya Festival, beginning on 25 October, will be inaugurated by former President of India, the Governor, and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Union Ministers Gajendra Shekhawat and Ajay Tamta, university vice-chancellors, and prominent writers from India and abroad, including expatriate writers Dr Mohankant Gautam, Tejendra Sharma, Neelam Jain, and Jaya Verma, will also be present. Notable authors such as Mamta Kalia, Dr Anamika, Badri Narayan, Dr Lakshmi Shankar Bajpai, and Buddhinath Mishra will share their thoughts and experiences.
Key highlights of the conference include a performance by renowned dancer Sonal Mansingh, the National School of Drama’s play ‘Mai Re Main Ka Se Kahoon’, and the “Meet the Author” programme organized by the National Book Trust.
Former Union Education Minister Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ expressed gratitude to all for the event’s success and praised the festival’s efforts in preserving Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage. He encouraged everyone to participate in this literary journey.
Sparsh Himalaya University and Sparsh Himalaya Foundation are key collaborators in organising this grand conference, playing a vital role in making it extraordinary and successful.
