Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh on New Year’s Day released seven books based on Himachal Pradesh’s rich cultural, religious and tribal heritage at the historic Gaiety Theatre auditorium in Shimla, marking what he described as a historic occasion for the State’s literary landscape.
The books released on the occasion included renowned Hindi writer S.R. Harnot’s Mandir aur Lok Shrutiyan and Kunzoom, Sudarshan Vashishth’s Kinnar Kailash se Manimahesh, the third edition of Ajeya’s Rohtang Aar-Paar, Tashi Chhering Negi’s Kinnaur, young Lahaul writer Chhep Ram’s Sanskriti ke Saat Adhyay, and Akhilesh Pathak’s Devbhoomi Ki Aatma. The publications focus on Himachal’s tribal regions of Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti, as well as its temples, folk traditions and cultural ethos.
Congratulating the authors, Vikramaditya Singh said that litterateurs act as a mirror to society and play a vital role in guiding it in the right direction. Through their writings, he said, folk culture, languages, dialects, traditions and customs are preserved and passed on from generation to generation. He added that honest and fearless writers present history in its true form before society.
Expressing concern over the declining reading habit among youth due to the growing influence of social media, the Minister stressed the need for balanced and creative use of digital platforms. He urged young people to develop a regular habit of reading books, saying that the depth of knowledge and serious reflection gained from books cannot be replaced by any other medium.
The PWD Minister also suggested organizing a literature festival in Shimla on the lines of Jaipur and Kasauli literature festivals to provide national-level recognition to Himachal Pradesh’s literary culture.
During the programme, all the authors shared insights into the creative process behind their works and highlighted the relevance and usefulness of their writings. The event was jointly organized by the Himalayan Literature, Culture and Environment Forum and Aadhar Prakashan Private Limited.
The programme began with a folk song performance by singer Om Prakash. The proceedings were conducted by young poet and critic Satyanarayan Snehi, while the vote of thanks was presented by senior educationist and writer Jagdish Bali.
Secretary (Education, Language and Culture) Rakesh Kanwar, along with senior and young writers, literature enthusiasts and other senior officials, were also present on the occasion.
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Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
