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Annual Report 2015–2016

Sahitya Akademi (National Academy of Letters)

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 1 President : Prof Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari Vice-President : Dr Chandrashekhar Secretary : Dr . Sreenivasarao

2 / Annual Report 2015–2016 CONTENTS

On 4 Akademi Fellowship Presentation Functions 71 Highlights 8 Seminars, Symposia and Conventions 76 Sahitya Akademi Awards 2015 9 Week Celebrations 170 Sahitya Akademi Prize for Translation 2015 13 Meetings of the Governing Bodies 172 Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2015 17 Regional Board Meetings 172 Yuva Puraskar 2015 21 Language Advisory Board Meetings 172 Workshops 173 PROGRAMMES Festival of Letters 2016 25 Periodicals 173 Akademi Exhibition 2015 25 Travel Grants to Writers 174 Tribal Language Festival 27 Literary Programme Series 175 Award Presentation Ceremony 29 Cultural Exchange Programmes 181 Writers’ Meet 31 Meet the Author 184 Yuva Sahiti 33 Kathasandhi 186 Samvatsar Lecture 35 Kavisandhi 188 National Seminar on Asmita 190 Nari Chetna 190 Gandhi, Ambedkar, Nehru: Continuities and Discontinuities 37 Through My Window 194 Purvottari: North East and People and Books 196 Northern Writers’ Meet 42 Loka: The Many Voices 197 Face-to-Face Programe 43 Avishkar 198 Symposium on Kavi Anuvadak 199 Unwritten Languages 44 Foundation Day Lecture 200 Seminar on Translational Consciousness and Sahitya Akademi Library 201 Indian Literary Traditions 46 Literary Forum Meetings, Pravasi Spin-A-Tale 48 Manch etc. 202 Presentation of Translation Prizes 2014 50 Book Exhibitions 207 Bal Sahitya Puraskar Presented 58 Projects and Reference Works 215 Presentation of Yuva Puraskar 2015 66 Publications 219 Bhasha Samman Presentation Ceremony 69 Annual Accounts 2015-2016 i-xxxix

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 3 ON SAHITYA AKADEMI (National Academy of Letters)

The Sahitya Akademi was formally inaugu- national levels along with the workshops and rated by the Government of on 12 March literary gatherings, about 200 in number per 1954. The Resolution, year, under various heads like Meet the Author, which set forth the constitution of the Akademi, Samvad, Kavisandhi, Kathasandhi, Loka: The described it as a national organization to work Many Voices, People and Books, Through My actively for the development of Indian letters Window, Mulakat, Asmita, Avishkar, Literary and to set high literary standards, to foster Forum and Cultural Exchange programmes and co-ordinate literary activities in all the with writers and scholars from abroad. New Indian languages and to promote through literary series programme such as Nari Chetna them all the cultural unity of the country. for women writers Purvotari for North East Though set up by the Government, the writers and Foundation Day celebrations have Akademi functions as an autonomous orga- been introduced from this years. nization. It was registered as a society on 7 Akademi gives twenty-four awards annu- January 1956, under the Societies Registration ally to literary works in the languages it has Act, 1860. recognised and an equal number of awards Sahitya Akademi, India’ National Acad- to literary translations from and into the emy of Letters, is the central institution for , both after a year long literary dialogue, publication and promotion process of scrutiny, discussion and selection. in the country and the only institution that Apart from Bal Sahitya Puraskar and Yuva undertakes literary activities in twenty-four Puraskar, Akademi also gives special awards Indian languages, including English. Over the called Bhasha Samman for significant contri- 60 years of its dynamic existence, it has cease- bution to classical and medieval . It lessly endeavoured to promote good taste and has also a system of electing eminent writers healthy reading habits, to keep alive the intimate as Fellows and Honorary Fellows and has also dialogue among the various linguistic and established fellowships in the name of literary zones and groups through seminars, Coomaraswamy and Premchand. The Akademi lectures, symposia, discussions, readings and has launched Centres for Translation in Ban- performances, to increase the pace of mutual galore and , and an Archives of Indian translations through workshops and individual Literature in . A project office for the assignments and to develop a serious literary promotion of Tribal and Oral literature has culture through the publication of journals, also been set up in Agartala. Many more monographs, individual creative works of every imaginative projects are on the anvil. Sahitya genre, anthologies, encyclopeadias, dictionar- Akademi is aware of cultural and linguistic ies, bibliographies, Who’s Who of Writers and differences and does not believe in forced histories of literature. It has so far brought standardization of culture through a bulldoz- out over 4800 titles, the present pace of ing of levels and attitudes. At the same time, publication being one book every thirty hours. it is also conscious of the deep inner cultural, Every year the Akademi holds at least thirty spiritual, historical and experimental links that seminars at the regional, national and inter- unify India’s diverse manifestations of litera-

4 / Annual Report 2015–2016 ture. This unity seeks an international species- THE PRESIDENT dimension through the Akademi’s Cultural Exchange Programmes with other countries The first president of the Sahitya Akademi was on the globe. Pt . He was re-elected in The supreme authority of the Akademi 1963. After his demise in May 1964, the vests in the General Council which consists General Council elected Dr. S. Radhakrishnan of 99 members made up as follows: as the President of the Sahitya Akademi. On The President, the Financial Adviser, five reconstitution of the General Council, Dr. members nominated by the Government Zakir Husain was elected the President of the of India, thirty-five representatives of the Sahitya Akademi in February 1968. After his States of the Union of India and Union demise in May 1969, the General Council Territories, twenty-four representatives of elected Dr. as the the languages recognized by the Sahitya President. He was re-elected by the General Akademi, twenty representatives of the Council in February 1973. After his death in universities of India, eight persons elected May 1977, Prof. K.. Srinivasa Iyengar, Vice- by the General Council for their eminence President, was designated as Acting President. in the field of letters, one representatives In February 1978, Prof. was each of the , the elected as the President of the Akademi. In , the Indian Council February 1983, Prof. V.K. Gokak was elected for Cultural Relations, the Federation of the President and in February 1988, Dr .K. Bhattacharyya was elected. Prof. .R. Anantha Indian Publishers and the Raja Rammohun Murthy became the President in 1993. Sri Roy Library Foundation. was elected President in 1998. The general policy of the Sahitya Akademi Prof. became President and the basic principles of programmes are in 2003. Sri was elected laid down by the General Council and imple- president in 2008. The General Council was mented under the direct supervision of an reconstituted for the term 2013-2017 which Executive Board. There is an Advisory Board elected Prof. Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari as for each language consisting of eminent writers President in 2013. and scholars on whose advice the specific programme in the language concerned is formulated and implemented. THE CONSTITUTION The tenure of the General Council is five years. The present General Council, the twelfth The Sahitya Akademi was established under since the inauguration of the Akademi, had a Government of India Resolution dated 15 its first session in February 2013. The General December 1952 in which the Constitution of Council elects the President, the Vice-Presi- the Akademi was originally embodied. The dent, the members of the Executive Board Akademi functions as an autonomous orga- representing languages, and Finance Commit- nization, and the power to amend its Con- tee of the Sahitya Akademi. Advisory boards stitution vests in the General Council of the for various languages are appointed by the Akademi. This power has been exercised from Executive Board. time to time.

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 5 LANGUAGES RECOGNISED languages. The Regional office maintains a major library. Besides the twenty-two languages enumerated in the Constitution of India, the Sahitya Regional Office, : Southern Regional Akademi has recognized English, Rajasthani Offices of Sahitya Akademi was established and Bodo as languages in which its programme in 1959 at Chennai which was shifted to may be implemented. There are language Bangalore in 1990. The Regional Office looks Advisory Boards, which have been constituted after the publication and programme work in to render advice for implementing literary , , Tamil and Telugu, besides programmes in 24 languages. The languages a part of publications in English. Located in now recognized by the Akademi are Assamese, Central College Campus, University Library Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Building, Dr. Ambedkar Veedi, Bangalore, it Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, maintains a major library as an important Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, activity. Punjabi, Rajasthani, , Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu and . Chennai Office: Set up in 2000, it looks after part of the work of the Bangalore office and is located in Guna Complex, Main Building, THE ORGANIZATION (II Floor) Rear Side,443 (Old No. 304) Anna Salai, Teynampet, Chennai. Head Office: The Head Office of the Sahitya Akademi is housed in Rabindra Bhavan, 35 Regional Office, : It was set up in Ferozeshah Road, . This elegant 1972 and is located at 172, Mumbai Marathi building was constructed in 1961 to com- Grantha Sangrahalya Marg, Dadar, Mumbai. memorate the birth centenary of Rabindranath It looks after the publication and programme Tagore, and houses all the three National work in Gujarati, Konkani, Marathi and Sindhi, Akademies, namely, the Sangeet Natak besides a part of publication work in English Akademi, the Lalit Kala Akademi and the and Hindi. Sahitya Akademi. The Head Office looks after the publica- tion and programmes in Dogri, English, Hindi, Sale of Publications: Sahitya Akademi’s Sales Kashmiri, Maithili, Nepali, Punjabi, Rajasthani, Section is at ‘Swati’, Mandir Marg, New Delhi. Sanskrit, Santhali and Urdu and functions as Besides this, its publications are sold at its a regional office as far as these languages are offices at Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore and concerned. Chennai and its new sales outlet at Puducherry.

Regional Office, Kolkata: Set up in 1956 and Library: The Sahitya Akademi Library is one now located at 4 .. Khan Road, Kolkata, of the most important multilingual libraries this Regional office looks after the publication in India which has a rich collection of books and programme work in Assamese, Bengali, on literature and allied subjects in the 24 Bodo, Manipuri and Odiya, besides a part of languages recognized by the Sahitya Akademi. publication work in English. It also handles The libraries at the Regional Offices are being programmes in the other North-East Indian built up as centres for the concerned regional

6 / Annual Report 2015–2016 languages and are being envisaged as liaison carries details of the genesis, objectives, role institutions for important language libraries and history of Sahitya Akademi, the complete in the regions. catalogue of its books with descriptions A showroom-cum-sales counter was opened about important publications arranged lan- from 27 July 2007 at Puducherry (Pondicherry). guage-wise, information about its journals, A Book Shop was opened at the Rabindra literary activities, special projects like the Bhavan premises of the Sahitya Akademi, New Archives of and Translation Delhi on 14 Feburary 2007. A permanent Centres, detail of Awards and Fellowships, a Sales Counter was opened on 10 October description of the Library, and assessment of 2007 at Rabindra Sarobar Stadium, Kolkata. the achievements of the institution over the years. Reconstruction and updation of the Sahitya Akademi Website: Sahitya Akademi’s Akademi website is in the anvil. website http://www. Sahitya-akademi.gov.in

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 7 HIGHLIGHTS

❍ Akademi Awards 2015 presented ❍ Akademi Translation Prizes 2014 presented ❍ Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2015 presented ❍ Akademi Yuva Puraskar 2015 presented ❍ Bhasha Samman presented ❍ Sahitya Akademi Fellowships presented ❍ 55 Seminars, 48 Symposia and 2 Language Conventions organized ❍ 433 Books including reprints brought out ❍ 109 Literary Forum programmes including Pravasi Manch, Rajbhasha Manch, Cultural Exchange, Book Release, Writers’ Meet etc. held ❍ 8 Workshops organized ❍ 18 Meet the Author programmes held ❍ 6 People and Books programme organized ❍ 11 Through My Window programmes held ❍ 6 Loka, 10 Mulakat/Yuva Sahiti, 10 Kathasandhi, 16 Kavisandhi, 5 Asmita and 10 Narichetna programmes organized ❍ 154 Book Exhibitions conducted/participated ❍ Six Issues of Indian Literature and Six issues of Samakaleena Bharatiya Sahitya

8 / Annual Report 2015–2016 2015

The Executive Board of the Sahitya Akademi which met on 17 December 2015 at New Delhi under the chairmanship of its President, Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, approved the selection of 24 books for the Sahitya Akademi Award 2015. The books were selected on the basis of the recommendations made by a jury of three members each in the concerned language. Awards for was declared at a later date. The awards relate to books first published in any of the languages recognised by the Akademi during the five years prior to the year immediately preceding the year of award (i.. between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2013).

Recipients of Sahitya Akademi Award 2015

Assamese Kula Saikia, Akashar Chhabi Aru Anyanya Galpa (Short Stories) Bengali Alok Sarkar, Shono Jabaphul (Poetry) Bodo Brajendra Kumar , Baidi Dengkhw Baidi Gab (Poetry) Dogri Dhian Singh, Parchhamen Di Lo (Poetry) English , Chronicle of a Corpse Bearer (Novel) Gujarati Rasik Shah, Ante Aarambh (Part 1 & 2) (Essays) Hindi Ramdarash Mishra, Aag Ki Hansi (Poetry) Kannada K.V. Tirumalesh, Akshaya Kavya (Poetry) Kashmiri Bashir , Jamis Ta Kasheeri Manz Kashir Natia Adbuk Tawareekh (Criticism) Konkani Uday Bhembre, KarnaParva (Play) Maithili Man Mohan Jha, Khissa (Short Stories) Malayalam K.R. Meera, Aarachar (Novel) Manipuri Kshetri Rajen, Ahingna Yekshilliba Mang (Poetry) Marathi Arun Khopkar, Chalat-Chitravyooh (Memoirs) Nepali Gupta Pradhan, Samayaka Prativimbaharu (Short Stories) Odia Bibhuti Pattanaik, Mahishasurara Muhan (Short Stories) Punjabi Jaswinder Singh, Maat Lok (Novel) Rajasthani Acharya ‘Ashawadi’, Gawaad (Novel) Sanskrit Ram Shankar Awasthi, Vanadevi (Epic) Santali Rabilal Tudu, Parsi Khatir (Play) Sindhi Maya Rahi, Mahingi Murk (Short Stories) Tamil A. Madhavan, Illakkiya Suvadukal (Essays) Telugu Volga, Vimuktha (Short Stories) Urdu Shamim Tariq, Tasawwuf Aur Bhakti (Tanqeedi Aur Taqabuli Mutalea) (Criticism)

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 9 Kula SaikiaCyrus Mistry Bashir Bhadarwahi

Alok SarkarRasik Shah Uday Bhembre

Brajendra Kumar BrahmaRamdarash Mishra Man Mohan Jha

10 / DhianAnnual Singh Report 2015–2016 K.V. Tirumalesh K.R. Meera Kshetri RajenJaswinder Singh Maya Rahi

Arun KhopkarMadhu Acharya ‘Ashawadi’ A. Madhavan

Gupta Pradhan Ram Shankar Awasthi Volga

Bibhuti PattanaikRabilal Tudu Annual Report Shamim 2015–2016 Tariq / 11 MEMBERS OF THE JURY FOR 2015 AWARDS Assamese Manipuri Sri Gangapada Choudhury Dr. Kangjam Ibohal Singh Smt. Nirupama Borgohain Sri. Kh. Prakash Singh Prof. Dr. Namita Deka Sri R.K. Jitendrajit Sinha Bengali Marathi Dr. Pabitra Sarkar Sri Arun Sadhu Sri Manabendra Badhyopadhyay Prof. Digambar Padhye Prof. Sumita Chakravarti Sri .D. Mahanor Bodo Nepali Sri Gobinda Narzary Smt. Bindya Subba Dr. Indira Boro Sri Pradhan Sri Mihir Kumar Brahma Dr. Mahendra P. Lama Dogri Odia Sri Chaman Arora Sri Hara Prasada Das Sri Prakash Premi Dr. Pratibha Satpathy Sri N.D. Jamwal Prof. Kishore Mishra English Punjabi Prof Avadesh Kumar Singh Prof. Manjit Singh Ms. Namita Gokhale Prof. R.S. Bhatti Dr. Temsula Ao Sri Gujarati Rajasthani Dr. Chankrakant Sheth Sri Ambika Dutt Prof. Prabodh Parikh Dr. Bhagwati Lal Vyas Prof. Sri Malchand Tiwari Hindi Sanskrit Prof. Mahendra Madhukar Dr. N.P.Unni Dr. Madhav Kaushik Prof. Radhakant Thakur Prof. Ramji Tiwari Prof. Uma . Vaidya Kannada Santali Sri .N. Ranganatha Rao Sri Bhogla Soren Smt. Hema Pattanshetty Dr. Naku Hansdah Sri Raghavendra Patil Sri Prithibi Majhi Kashmiri Sindhi Sri Mohd. Yusuf Taing Smt. Sri Makhan Lal Kanwal Prof. Namdev Tarachandani Ms. Naseem Shafaie Sri Nand Chhugani Konkani Tamil Sri Basti Vaman Shenoy Dr. K. Chellappan Sri Madhav Borcar Sri Nanjil Nadan Sri N. Purushottam Mallaya Dr. Sirpi Balasubramaniyam Maithili Telugu Dr. Buddhinath Mishra Dr. A. Manjulatha Dr. Indrakant Jha Dr. G. Yohan Babu Dr. Madhuri Jha Dr. K. Ramachandra Murthy Malayalam Urdu Sri Prof. Abdus Samad Prof. .K. Sanoo Prof. Akhtar-ul-Wasey Dr. V. Rajakrishnan Sri Pritpal Singh Betab

12 / Annual Report 2015–2016 SAHITYA AKADEMI PRIZE FOR TRANSLATION 2015 The Executive Board of the Sahitya Akademi which met on 15 February 2016 at New Delhi under the chairmanship of its President, Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, approved the selection of 23 books for the Sahitya Akademi Prize for Translation 2015. The books were selected on the basis of the recommendations of Selection Committees in the respective languages. The Prizes relate to books first published during the five years prior to the year immediately preceding the year of the prize (i.e. between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2013).

Recipients of Translation Prize 2015 Assamese Suren Talukder, Ganadevata (Ganadevata [Bengali] Novel by Tarashankar Bandyopadhyay) Bengali Mau Das Gupta, Anamdaser Puthi (Anamdas Ka Potha [Hindi] Novel by ) Bodo Dhansri Swargiary, Jaharni Mwnthai (Aranyer Adhikar [Bengali] Novel by ) Dogri Chhatarpal, Kinne (Kitne Pakistan [Hindi] Novel by ) English Susheela Punitha, Bharathipura (Bharathipura [Kannada] Novel by U.R. Ananthamurthy) Gujarati Sharifa Vijliwala, Jene Lahor Nathi Joyun E Janmyo Nathi (Jis Lahore Nahi Dekhya Jamya E Nai [Hindi] Play by Asgar Wajahat) Hindi Damodar Khadse, Baromas (Baromas [Marathi] Novel by Sadanand Deshmukh) Kannada Na. Damodara Shetty, Kochereti (Kochereti [Malayalam] Novel by ) Kashmiri Rattan Lal Shant, Lal Ded (Lal Ded [Dogri] Novel by Ved Rahi) Konkani Jaymala N. Danait, Raag Darbaari (Rag Darbari [Hindi] Novel by Srilal Shukla) Maithili Devendra Jha, Badali Jaichh Ghareta (Bari Badle Jai [Bengali] Novel by Ramapada Choudhuri) Malayalam K.C. Ajay Kumar, Gora (Gora [Bengali] Novel by ) Manipuri N. KhagendraSingh, Lishing Ama Supna Mariphumarigi Mama (Hajar Chourasir Ma [Bengali] Novel by Mahasweta Devi) Nepali Shankar Pradhan, Birataki Padmini (Virata Ki Padmini [Hindi] Novel by Vrindavanlal Verma) Odia Sakuntala Baliarsingh, Oru Kaveriyai Pola (Kaberi Bhali Jhiatia [Tamil] Novel by Tripurasundari Lakshmi) Punjabi Balbir Parwana, Dian Kahaniyan (Manoj Dasanka Galpa [Odia] Short Stories by Manoj Das) Rajasthani Madan Saini, Madan Bavniyo ( Madan Bavniya [Hindi] Novel by Rajendra Kedia) Sanskrit Tarashankar Sharma ‘Pandeya’, Ahmev Ahmev Krishna (Mein Hi Radha Main Hi Krishna [Hindi] Poetry by Gulab Kothari) Santali Tala Tudu, Baplanij (Porineeta [Bengali] Novel by Saratchandra Chattopadhyay) Sindhi Sarita D. Sharma, Lal Ded (Lal Ded [Dogri] Novel by Ved Rahi) Tamil Gowri Kirubanandan, Meetchi (Vimuktha [Telugu] Short Stories by Volga) Telugu L.R. Swamy, Sufi Cheppina Katha (Soofi Paranja Kadha [Malayalam] Novel by K.P. Ramanunni) Urdu Suhail Ahmad Farooqi, Gitanjali (Gitanjali [Bengali] Poetry by Rabindranath Tagore)

* Marathi Award will be declared later Annual Report 2015–2016 / 13 Suren Talukder Susheela Punitha Rattan Lal Shant

Mau Das Gupta Sharifa K. Vijliwala Jaymala N. Danait

Dhansri Swargiary Damodar Khadse Devendra Jha

Na. Damodara Shetty 14 / AnnualChhatarpal Report 2015–2016 K.C. Ajaya Kumar N. Singh Khagendra Sarita D. Sharma

Madan Saini

Shankar Pradhan Gowri Kirubanandan

Tarashankar Sharma ‘Pandeya’

Sakuntala Baliarasingh L.R. Swamy

Tala Tudu

Balbir Parwana Annual ReportSuhail 2015–2016 Ahmad Farooqi / 15 MEMBERS OF THE SELECTION COMMITTEE FOR TRANSLATION PRIZE 2015

Assamese Manipuri Sri Debabrata Das Prof. . Nani Kumar Singha Dr. Lakshminandan Bora Prof. Kh. Kunjo Singh Sri Sibananda Kakati Dr. Toijam Tampha Devi Bengali Nepali Smt. Jaya Mitra Sri Nar Bahadur Rai Prof. Sanjukta Dasgupta Dr. Jeewan Rana Prof. Alok Roy Ms. Shanti Thapa Bodo Odia Dr. Bhupen Narzary Dr. Kailash Pattnaik Dr. Dinanath Basumatary Prof. Khageshwar Mohapatra Dr. Kameswar Brahma Dr. Sangram Jena Dogri Punjabi Dr. Om Goswami Sri Balbir Madhopuri Prof. Shiv Dev Singh Manhas Dr. Rattan Singh Jaggi Prof. Shiv Nirmohi Prof. Satnam Singh Jassal English Rajasthani Dr. Alok Bhalla Dr. Hemendra Singh Chandaliya Dr. C. N. Ramachandran Smt. Prakash Amarawat Dr. K. Srilata Sri Meethesh Nirmohi Gujarati Sanskrit Dr. Nitin Vadgama Dr. Iccharam Dwivedi Dr. Ranjana Argade Prof. Prof. Sejal Shah Dr. Viroopaksha V. Jaddipal Hindi Santali Ms. Anamika Sri Chandi Charan Kisku Prof. Jayaprakash Dr. Dhaneswar Manjhi Prof. Mohan Sri Laxman Marandi Kannada Sindhi Sri B. R. Rao Sri Dholan Rahi Sri Bhalachanda Jayashetti Sri Holaram Hans Sri Bolavar Mohammad Kunhi Dr. Vimmi Sadarangani Kashmiri Tamil Dr. Aziz Hajini Ms. Ira Meenakshi Sri Moti Lal Kemmu Sri Puviyarasu Prof. Shafi Shauq Ms. G. Thilakavathi Konkani Telugu Sri Damodar Mauzo Dr. Dwana Sastry Dr. Chandra Shekhar Shenoy Prof. Manikyamba P. Sri Prakash Padgaonkar Prof. S. Sesharatnam Maithili Urdu Dr. Deo Kant Jha Dr. Aziz Parihar Dr. Dhirendra Nath Mishra Dr. Kausar Sri Tarakant Jha Dr. Parwaiz Shaharyar Malayalam Sri K. Jayakumar Dr. M. R. Ragava Warier Prof. P. A. Vasudevan

16 / Annual Report 2015–2016 BAL SAHITYA PURASKAR 2015 The Executive Board of the Sahitya Akademi which met on 24 June 2015 at under the chairmanship of its President, Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, selected 13 books and 11 writers for their total contribution for the 2015 Bal Sahitya Puraskar on the basis of recommendations made by a Jury of three members in the concerned languages in accordance with the procedure laid down for the purpose. The Awards relates to books first published during the five years, year immediately preceding the year of Award (i.e., between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2013). However, during the initial ten years i.e. 2010 to 2019, the award may be given to an author based on his/her total contribution to children literature if no book is considered suitable for the award.

Recipients of Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2015 Assamese , Total Contribution to Children Literature Bengali Kartik Ghosh, Total Contribution to Children Literature Bodo Tiren Boro, Bokhali (Novel) Dogri Chand Kalandri, Satrangi Peengh (Poetry) English Sowmya Rajendran & Niveditha Subramaniam, Mayil Will Not Be Quiet! (Novel) Gujarati Dhiruben Patel, Total Contribution to Children Literature Hindi Sherjung Garg, Total Contribution to Children Literature Kannada .S. Nagaraja Setty, Total Contribution to Children Literature Kashmiri Nayeem Kashmiri, Goloo Katha Boozive (Stories) Konkani Ramnath G. Gawde, Sadu Ani Jadugar Mhadu (Novel) Maithili Ramdeo Jha, Hansani Pan A Bajanta Supari (Novel) Malayalam S. Sivadas, Total Contribution to Children Literature Manipuri Thokchom Thouyangba Meitei, Eshusha Pupu Waree Leerage (Stories) Marathi Leeladhar Hegde, Total Contribution to Children Literature Nepali Mukti Upadhyay ‘Baral’, Malati (Novel) Odia Snehalata Mohanty, Total Contribution to Children Literature Punjabi Sukhdev Madpuri, Total Contribution to Children Literature Rajasthani Krishna Kumar ‘Ashu’, Dharti Ro Mo (Stories) Sanskrit Janardhana Hegde, Balakathasaptatih (Stories) Santali Srikanta Saren, Haryar Mayam (Poetry) Sindhi Jetho Lalwani, Total Contribution to Children Literature Tamil Sella Ganapathy, Thedal Vettai (Poetry) Telugu Chokkapu Venkata Ramana, Total Contribution to Children Literature Urdu Bano Sartaj, Bachchon Ke Liye Yakbabi Dramey (One Act Plays)

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 17 Eli Ahmed Sowmya Rajendran Niveditha Subramaniam Nayeem Kashmiri

Kartik Ghosh Dhiruben Patel Ramnath G. Gawade

Tiren Boro Sherjang Garg Ramdeo Jha

18Tara / Annual Chand KalandriReport 2015–2016 T.S. Nagaraja Shetty, S. Sivadas Thokchom Thouyangba MeiteiSukhdev Madpuri Jetho Lalwani

Leeladhar HegdeKrishna Kumar ‘Ashu’ Sella Ganapathy

Janardhana Hegde Mukti Prasad Upadhyay Chokkapu Venkataramana

Srikanta Saren Snehalata Mohanty Annual Report Bano2015–2016 Sartaj / 19 MEMBERS OF THE JURY

Assamese Manipuri Ms. Anuradha Sharma Pujari Sri R.K. Bidur Singh Sri Prasenjit Kr. Goswami Dr. Soibam Ibocha Singh Sri Rabindra Bora Prof Tnounaojsm Ratankumar Singh Bengali Marathi Sri Arun Sen Sri Bharat Sasne Sri Swapnamoy Chakraborty Sri Satish Kalsekar Smt. Yashodhara Roy Choudhury Sri Yashawant Manohar Bodo Nepali Sri Hari Narayan Khakhlari Dr. H.P. Adhikari Sri Rituraj Basumatary Sri Sachin Rai Dr. Sunil Phukan Basumatary Dr. Mohan P. Dahal Dogri Odia Sri Darshan Darshi Sri Dash Benhur Dr. Nirmal Vinod Dr. Prasanna Ku. Patnaik Prof. Shashi Pathania Sri Satakadi Hota English Punjabi Prof. GJV Prasad Sri Amarjit Singh Grewal Prof. Sacchidanand Mohanty Dr. Kuldeep Kaur Pahwa Prof. Sudha Rai Dr. Surjeet Judge Gujarati Rajasthani Prof. Sharifa Vijliwala Sri Bharat Ola Sri Udayan Thakkar Sri Nand Bhardwaj Sri Yashwant Mehta Sri Shankar Singh Rajpurohit Hindi Sanskrit Smt. Prof. Gangadhar Panda Sri Ramdarash Mishra Prof. Ramesh Chandra Panda Sri Swayam Prakash Prof. Satyavrat Shastri Kannada Santali Sri. Fakir Mohammed Katpadi Sri Jadumani Beshra Sri Na. Dsouza Sri Kherwal Soren Prof. Rajappa Dalavai Sri Subodh Hansda Kashmiri Sindhi Smt. Ateeqa Bano Sri Bansi Khoobchandani Sri Ayoub Sabir Sri Goverdhan Sharma ‘Ghayal’ Sri Bashir Arif Sri Sunder Agnani Konkani Tamil Prof. Bhushan Bhave Dr. Abdul Rahman Ms. Sheela Naik Kolambkar Sri Ra. Natarasan Dr. Priyadarsini Tadkodkar Sri Ko. Ma. Kothandam Maithili Telugu Dr. Keshkar Thakur Dr. Bhoopal Dr. Munishwar Jha Sri K.Sreenivas Dr. Ratneshwar Mishra Sri Yakoob Malayalam Urdu Dr. K. Sreekumar Sri Nusrat Zaheer Dr. P.V. Krishnan Nair Dr. Rashid Anwar Rashid Sri Sri Suhail Anjum

20 / Annual Report 2015–2016 YUVA PURASKAR 2015 The Executive Board of the Sahitya Akademi which met on 24 June 2015 at Guwahati under the chairmanship of its President, Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, approved the selection of 23 books for the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar 2015. There was no award in Kashmiri. The books were selected on the basis of the recommendations made by a Jury of three members in the concerned languages. According to the procedure, the Executive Board declared the Awards on the basis of unanimous selections or selection made on the basis of majority vote made by the Jury. The Award relates to books published by an author of the age of 35 and below as on 1st January of the year of the award.

Recipients of Yuva Puraskar 2015 Assamese Mridul Haloi, Akale Aso Kushale Aso (Poetry) Bengali Sudip Chakraborty, Premer Size Battirish (Poetry) Bodo Leben Lal Mwshahary, Khwmsi Harni Alari (Short Stories) Dogri Sandeep ‘Sufi’, Mustakbil (Poetry) English Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar, The Mysterious Ailment of Rup Baskey (Novel) Gujarati Rajesh Vankar, Malo (Short Stories) Hindi Indira Dangi, Haveli Sanatanpur (Novel) Kannada Mounesh Badiger, Mayakolahala (Short Stories) Konkani Shrinisha Nayak, Khany Geli Aaji (Poetry) Maithili Narayan Jha, Pratiwadi Ham (Poetry) Malayalam Aryambika, Thonniyapoloru Puzha (Poetry) Manipuri Angom Sarita Devi, Mee Amasung Shaa (Poetry) Marathi Veera Rathod, Sen Saai Ves (Poetry) Nepali Sapan Pradhan, Kriti – Kirti (Literary Criticism) Odia Sujit Kumar Panda, Manasanka (Short Stories) Punjabi Simran Dhaliwal, Aas Aje Baki Hai (Short Stories) Rajasthani Ritupriya, Sapna Sanjovati Heeran (Poetry) Sanskrit Rushiraj Jani, Samudre Buddhasya Netre (Poetry) Santali Suchitra Hansda, Bera Ahla(Poetry) Sindhi Manoj Chawla ‘Tanha’, Pinjraa(Poetry) Tamil Veerapandiyan, Parukkai(Novel) Telugu Pasunoori Ravinder, Out of Coverage Area (Short Stories) Urdu Ameer Imam, Naqsh-E-Pa Hawaon Ke (Poetry)

* No Prize in Kashmiri this year

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 21 Mridul Haloi Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar, Shrinisha Nayak

Sudip ChakrabortyRajesh Vankar Narayan Jha

Leben Lal Mwshahary,Indira Dangi, Aryambika

22 / SandeepAnnual ‘Sufi’Report 2015–2016 Mounesh Badiger Angom Sarita Devi Veera Rathod Manoj Chawla ‘Tanha’

Ritupriya

Sapan Pradhan Veerapandiyan

Rushiraj Jani

Sujit Kumar Panda Pasunoori Ravinder

Suchitra Hansda

Simran Dhaliwal Annual ReportAmeer 2015–2016 Imam / 23 MEMBERS OF THE JURY

Assamese Marathi Sri Debojit Bora Dr. Dilip Dhondage Sri Nilim Kumar Dr. Anand Patil Prof. Pradip Acharyya Prof. Rajan Gawas Bengali Nepali Sri Tapan Bandopadhyay Sri Chakrapani Bhattarai Ms. Papri Gangopadhyay Sri Dal Singh Akela Sri Sankar Basu Sri Nanda Hangkhim Bodo Odia Sri Aurobindo Uzir Prof. Bijoy Kumar Satpathy Sri Janil Kumar Brahma Smt. Paramita Satpathy Sri Nandeswar Daimari Sri Bhupen Mahapatra Dogri Punjabi Sri Raj Rahi Dr. Prof. Satya Pal Srivats Dr. Tejwant Gill Prof. Veena Gupta Dr. Yograj English Rajasthani Dr. Eunice D’ Souza Sri Bulaki Sharma Prof. M. Asaduddin Dr. Gaje Singh Rajpurohit Dr. Sukrita Paul Kumar Sri Upendra Anu Gujarati Sanskrit Sri Bharat Naik Dr. C. S. Radhakrishnan Prof. Hemant Dave Prof. Maliepuram G. Venkatesha Sri Kirit Doodhat Prof. Ram Kumar Sharma Hindi Santali Sri Alok Gupta Sri Aditya Mandi Ms. Alpana Mishra Sri Singrai Murmu Sri Chittranjan Mishra Ms. Yashoda Murmu Kannada Sindhi Dr. B. A. Sanadi Dr. Jagdish Lachhani Sri Bidarahalli Narasimha Murty Ms. Rashmi Ramani Smt. C. Sarvamangala Bai Sri Konkani Tamil Sri Dilip Borkar Dr. G. Balasudaramanian Dr. Jayanti Naik Prof. T. Pazhamalai Sri Tukaram Shet Sri R. Venkatesh Maithili Telugu Dr. Dayanand Mishra Dr. Pattipaka Mohan Dr. Indira Jha Dr. P. Kusuma Kumari Dr. Yoganand Jha Sri Vasireddy Naveen Malayalam Urdu Prof. K. P. Sankaran Sri Haqqani Al-Qasmi Dr. M. Thomas Mathew Dr. Mahtab Alam Dr. N. S. Madhavan Sri Maher Mansoor Manipuri Sri Laishram Sadananda Singh Prof. Naorem Khagendra Singh Prof. Nahakpam Aruna

24 / Annual Report 2015–2016 PROGRAMMES

FESTIVAL OF LETTERS 2016

Festival of Letters 2016 (Sahityotsav) was organised in Delhi on a grand scale from 15–20 February 2016 at several venues, FICCI Golden Jubilee Auditorium and Sahitya Akademi auditorium. Festival of Letters 2016 sought to reach out to the writers of all age groups across the country. The events of the festival included Sahitya Akademi Award Presentation Ceremony, Writers’ Meet, Samvatsar and Foundation Day Lectures, Face-to-Face programmes, live performances of artists (Loka: The Many Voices), Purvottari: Northern and North-Eastern Writers’ Meet, Young ’ Meet, Bal Sahiti: Spin-A-Tale and a National Seminar on ‘Gandhi, Ambedkar, Nehru: Continuities and Discontinuities’.

Inauguration of Akademi 2015 Exhibition

Sahityotsav, Sahitya Akademi’s Annual Festival Sahitya Akademi Exhibition 2015 at the of Letters, began with the inauguration of Rabindra Bhawan Lawns on 15 February 2016.

Manoj Das inaugurating the Akademi Exhibition

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 25 The exhibition was inaugurated by at Kashmere Gate and Vishwavidyalaya Metro distinguished Odia writer and Fellow of Sahitya Stations in New Delhi and sent 24 writers Akademi, Dr Manoj Das. The inaugural to Mauritius, Malaysia, Japan, China and ceremony was attended by the President, Vice Germany as part of delegations to Festivals President and Secretary of Sahitya Akademi of India Programme and Literary Exchange in addition to the members of the Executive Programmes. The Akademi also hosted 3 Board and General Council of Sahitya Akademi Russian writers in addition to the literary and staff. delegations from , Fiji, New Zealand and In his welcome address, Dr K. Thailand. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, Dr Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, President, highlighted the achievements of Sahitya Sahitya Akademi, in his speech, reiterated the Akademi during the previous year. He informed Akademi’s commitment to literary service across the learned audience that in 2015 Sahitya the country and highlighted that in the past Akademi organised 479 literary events, year the Akademi organised one programme participated in 189 book exhibitions across every 18 hours and published one book every India, published 426 books in 24 languages, 20 hours. He thanked the writers’ community inaugurated the Centers for Tribal and Oral for their unflinching support and cooperation Literature at Imphal and New Delhi, presented and appealed to everyone to highlight Sahitya 117 Awards in 24 recognised languages in Akademi’s commitment and good work. addition to the conferment of Bhasha Samman Dr Manoj Das, in his speech, thanked the to 9 scholars and Fellowships to distinguished Akademi for inviting him to inaugurate the writers Prof S. L. Bhyrappa and Dr C. Narayana Akademi Exhibition and said he was honored. Reddy and Honorary Fellowship to Dr Jin Dr Das said but the for Akademi, most of Dinghan of China opened Metro Bookshops good literature from vernacular languages would have remained unavailable to majority of masses in other communities and the Akademi should be lauded for uniting the entire country through translations and also making best of literature from one language available in other languages. He shared an interesting anecdote from 1957 featuring the then President of Sahitya Akademi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and highlighted the Akademi 2015 Exhibition Akademi’s role in the

26 / Annual Report 2015–2016 President speaks on the photos of the exhibition rise and development of literature in regional country to join and stay with the Akademi. languages. He congratulated the Akademi for Later, the President took Dr Das and other its dignified stance in the middle of the members to visit the Exhibition and provided controversy that erupted in 2015. He pointed explanations regarding the photos depicting out that his association with Sahitya Akademi seminal events in the Akademi’s history. is 55 years old and urged the youth of the

Tribal Language Poetry Festival

The theme and focus of 2016 Festival of communities all over India and Sahitya Letters is Tribal, Oral and North-East Akademi’s commitment to preserve and Literature. As part of that focus, Sahitya propagate the tribal and oral literature across Akademi introduced Tribal Language Poetry India. He pointed out that the Akademi had Festival featuring noted tribal from all its centers for tribal and oral literature in the over the country. North-East at different places and in the past In his welcome speech, Dr K. Sreenivasarao year have opened centers in Imphal and Delhi thanked all the poets for coming all the way dedicated to this task. from their native places and observed that no Prof Mrinal Miri, eminent scholar and other country in the world is as rich and diverse educationist, inaugurated the Tribal Language linguistically as . He highlighted the Poetry Festival. Prof Miri thanked the Akademi role of oral traditions in the dissemination and for inviting him to inaugurate the festival and carrying over of cultural components of talked at length about various aspects of

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 27 language pure and simple even though theirs is a community living. Dr Chandrasekhar Kambar, Vice President, Sahitya Akademi, in his speech observed that India is a home to more than 400 languages and most of them are tribal languages. He felt it is sad that when tribals are brought mainstream, ironically, they tend to lose their unique folk identity and folklores disappear from their lives. The following fifteen poets recited their composition on varied themes; Shantha Nayak (), Mansing Chaudhary (Bhili), Jogamaya Chakma Mrinal Miri delivering inaugural address (Chakma), Jitendra Vasava (Dehwali), Enam Gamanga (Saora), Shiv Kumar Pandey (Halbi), language formation and language propagation, Ravindranath Kalundia (Ho), Deiborni especially among tribal communities, not only Nongpoh (War Jaintia), Streamlet Dkhar in India, but across the globe. (Khasi), Shefali Debbang (Kokborak), Anand Dr Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, President, Madi (), Anna Madhuri Tirky (Kuduk), Sahitya Akademi, thanked Prof Miri for the Anuj Mohan Pradhan (Kui), Krairi Mog detailed exposition on language and talked at Choudhary (Mog), Kumare (Gondi). length about various Indian philosophical Dr Devendra Kumar Devesh, Officer on Special expositions on language. He also highlighted Duty, Sahitya Akademi, coordinated the how the natural living of tribals renders their event.

Cultural Programme: Karma Dance – the dance of the tribals of

In the evening there was a performance of Karma Dance, a ritual dance of Binjhal tribe of Odisha. The dance was performed by the Padampur Sangeet Samiti which is a registered organization devoted to the restoration of the glorious cultural heritage of Borasambar region. Troupe leader Sri Kesha Ranjan Pradhan spoke briefly about the dance and rituals. The organization has specialized unit in the performance of Karma. Their specialization showed out in the exemplary performance of the Karma dance to the delight of select audience. The K. Sreenivasarao felicilitating the troupe

28 / Annual Report 2015–2016 movement of grace coupled with the poise cultural entertainment mixed with spiritually of female dancers and grandiose of the music uplifting theme and devotional performance. generated by the male performers coupled It was a new environment created by the with the devotion to Karamsani stood out troupe for the writers and scholars assembled in the performance. It was an evening of in a serene atmosphere of the Rabindra Bhawan Lawns.

Sahitya Akademi Awards 2015

Sahitya Akademi, India’s Premier Literary writers. He highlighted various details and Institution, presented Sahitya Akademi Awards Akademi’s achievements to point out how to writers in 24 languages at a glittering Akademi has been rendering literary service ceremony in FICCI Golden Jubilee Auditorium to the nation with writers at the core. He in New Delhi on February 16, 2016. Dr Gopi reiterated that the Akademi will always stand Chand Narang, eminent Urdu scholar and by the writers of all kinds. In his Presidential Fellow of Sahitya Akademi was the Chief address, Dr Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, Guest at the function while Dr Vishwanath President, Sahitya Akademi, highlighted the Prasad Tiwari, President, Sahitya Akdemi, greatness of Indian literature in all its forms presented the Awards to the writers. Dr and urged the fellow nationals to give up aping Chandrasekhar Kambar, eminent playwright colonial civilizations. He provided a number and Vice President of Sahitya Akademi and of examples to prove that even minor languages Dr K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Akademi of India are much richer than the ones of also attended the presentation ceremony. Europe or America or Africa. Dr Tiwari said In his welcome speech, Dr K. Sreenivasarao, it is through literature can unity be achieved Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, stated that the and communal & dividing elements can be Akademi is a home of writers and for the defeated. Dr Tiwari said he is proud to be

The Award winners with the Chief Guest, President, Vice President and Secretary of Sahitya Akademi

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 29 associated with the Akademi which is rendering has given us beautiful earth but we humans selfless and yeomen literary service to the have divided it on the basis of language and nation by preserving and propagating all the religion. Language binds but also causes schisms Indian literary traditions and in 24 recognised and it divides. Dr Narang observed that it languages and also in minor languages and is the responsibility of the writers to unite dialects of India. the humanity through language and literature. In his speech, the Chief Guest Dr Gopi Dr Narang concluded by alluding to the grey Chand Narang, eminent Urdu scholar and area between darkness and light with written Fellow of Sahitya Akademi, applauded Sahitya word and unwritten language and said that Akademi for carrying out literary service in writing is the grey area between darkness and all the 24 recognised languages and observed light and more than the written word it is that Sahitya Akademi is the premier democratic the unwritten, unspoken word that carries literary institution that promotes writers and higher meaning. to the best of his knowledge no other Dr K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, read out organisation does it. He highlighted the the citations and Dr Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari resonance across cultures, from Lao Tze, Bedil, presented the Awards. Dr Chandrasekhar Ghalib & opined that all espouse the same Kambar honored the Awardees and also thanked thought and principle. Dr Narang said God all the dignitaries and media friends.

Interaction of Award Winners with Media

Winners of Sahitya Akademi Award 2015 met Masoodi. Earlier Ms. Gitanjali Chatterjee, and interacted with the representatives of Deputy Secretary, Sahitya Akademi and Sri various media houses at 11 a.m. on February Kumar Anupam, Editor of Hindi at Sahitya 16, 2016 ahead of the Award Presentation Akademi, introduced the Awardees. ceremony in the evening. The session was The interaction started with Rafiq Masoodi moderated by Amar Nath ‘Amar’ and Rafiq asking the Awardees about the future of

Award winners interacting with the media

30 / Annual Report 2015–2016 literature in the face of dwindling reading parochial motives and should have broad habits and vanishing sales of books, especially mindedness and he urged the fellow writers literary books. The Awardees led by Volga to maintain high standards. responded saying that future of literature should Veteran writer Sri Ramdaras Mishra not viewed from the urban mindset but also observed that newspapers are no longer the should take into account enormous interest carriers of literature as they used to be in the in books, reading and literature in the villages past. Sri Cyrus Mistry, Award Winner in English, across India. while replying to a question from media whether Sri Arun Khopkar said writers should writer is a social reformer by design or default, come forward and embrace technology for observed that writer writes for his own electronic books have many advantages. He satisfaction rather than with any other goal also agreed with fellow awardees on the interest in mind. Sri Arun Khopkar felt that a writer for books and reading in the villages and has to engage with his medium and intentions pointed out strong Dalit current sweeping the do not matter. villages of to substantiate that. Cultural Programme : Following the Maya Rahi, Award Winner in Sindhi opined Awards presentation ceremony, an act of Raas that writers and educationists should use Lila was performed by the Jawaharlal Nehru technology to their advantage and also for the Manipur Dance Academy. Vasant Raas, which betterment of writers’ community. is one of the most beautiful of Raas Lilas and Kula Saikia, Award Winner in Assamese celebrated normally on Chaitra Purnima was continued the discussion and observed that enacted. The dance depicting the eternal love while the reading is a social habit and books of Radha and Krishna was performed with can be gifted but ebooks score over print grace by the troupe as divinity and fragrance versions because of their portability and web- of Godhead filled the air. Costumes, rich in access. He also did not agree that reading texture and color, coupled with the grandeur habits and publishing sector is in the wane. of the act itself – gopis searching and wailing According to him the opposite holds true. the vanished Krishna and the joy and color Sri Dhian Singh, Award Winner in Dogri, spread upon uniting with the Lord made the observed that writers should not write from performance a truly memorable one.

Writers’ Meet 17 February 2016, New Delhi

All the winners of Sahitya Akademi Award kindly conduct the proceedings of the meet. 2015 met and shared with one and all their Sri Kula Saikia, the Award Winner in Assamese, experiences during their journeys as creative spoke about varied subjective feelings, the writers / poets. Dr K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, relationship between the creator and the subjects Sahitya Akademi, briefly welcomed the Award of his works and the impact of recognition Winners, spoke briefly about objective of the on writers. Sri Brajendra Kumar Brahma, the programme and requested Dr Chandrashekhar Award Winner in Bodo, described briefly his Kambar, Vice President, Sahitya Akademi to journey and evolution as a poet. Sri Dhian

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 31 Kannada, thanked the Akademi, his family and friends and his publisher. Sri Bashir Bhadarwahi, Award Winner in Kashmiri, talked about his journey as a writer and influences on him. Sri Uday Bhembre, Award Winner in Konkani, observed the seeds for many a story comes from the society in which the creator lives and described how his play came into existence. Sri Man Mohan Jha, Award Winner in Maithili, talked about his creative journey and alluded to the role of circumstances in the making of a Chandrashekhar Kambar, Vice President, Sahitya Akademi creative writer. Ms. K.R. Meera, presiding over the meet Award Winner in Malayalam, spoke Singh, Award Winner in Dogri, talked about at length about how she reflected how his life experiences reflect in his poetry with the question that is the topic for the and the travails and struggles of Dogra society, meet and how she derived different answers the pain and anguish are reflected in all of depending on the situation but ultimately she his works. Sri Cyrus Mistry, Award Winner felt that all of us should write to ensure all in English, described his journey as a writer, of us can attain complete citizenship. Sri Arun as a journalist and his struggles with illness. Khopkar, Award Winner in Marathi, spoke Sri Ramdaras Mishra, Award Winner in about his dabbling in arts, including acting Hindi, described the process of creative journey before moving on to study film direction through personal examples from his own life. course, how he ended up in writing and about Sri K.V. Thirumalesh, Award Winner in synaesthetic effect of cinema.

Arun Khopkar sharing his experiences Meera sharing her experiences

32 / Annual Report 2015–2016 Sri Kshetrimayum Rajen Singh, Award Winner in Sanskrit, described their journey Winner in Manipuri, described how the into creative world. satisfaction provided by the poems and his Sri Rabilal Tudu, Award Winner in Santali, love for Nature, ensured that he became a provided a brief account of his life and how poet. Sri Gupta Pradhan, Award Winner in his play Parsi Khatir came about. Ms. Maya Nepali, described influences on his life and Rahi, Award Winner in Sindhi, talked about how that shaped his journey as a writer. Sri how partition and other travails of Sindhi Bibhuti Pattnaik, Award Winner in Odia, community ensured she became a writer as described in an autobiographical narration his she wanted to give expressions to her journey as a writer, his attempts, struggles and experiences. Sri Aa. Madhavan, Award Winner triumphs. Sri Jaswinder Singh, Award Winner in Tamil, described his long and arduous literary in Punjabi, described in detail about his journey journey in detail. Ms. Volga, Award Winner as a writer and the birth of Mat Lok. Sri in Telugu, described her journey as a creative Madhu Acharya ‘Ashawadhi,’ Award Winner writer and also influences on her writing. in Rajasthani and Sri Ramshanker Awasthi,

Yuva Sahiti: Young Writers’ Meet

Sahitya Akademi’s annual Festival of Letters In the inaugural session Dr K. continued for the third day and the first Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, programme of the day was Yuva Sahiti, a welcomed the dignitaries, young writers from programme devoted to the young writing all over the country and other participants. across India. He talked about the value of young people

(L-R) K. Sreenivasarao, Dr Viswanath Prasad Tiwari and Dr Sukrita Paul Kumar

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 33 to all civilizations and observed that it is young Sahitya Akademi, agreed with the thoughts people who are the drivers of change. He said and principles of Prof Sukrita and said he is young writing assumes more significance in happy that more and more young writers are the light of the circumstances and the times getting opportunities to express themselves at in which we are living and the crisis humanity different levels. He thanked Prof Sukrita for is going through across the globe. He agreeing to chair and inaugurate the young highlighted several programmes, schemes and writers’ festival. Seven noted young poets, projects that the Akademi has in place exclusively Bijoysankar, Barman Ashok Amber, Sejal Shah, for the young writers / poets / translators Arjun Golasangi, Arimbam Rimeeta Devi, across the country in addition to the Yuva Mary Margaret and Mohd Rasheedi, recited Puraskar. He urged the young writers to utilize their compositions towards the end of the these facilities of Sahitya Akademi through any inaugural session. of its branches and benefit. In the first session that was devoted to Prof Sukrita Paul Kumar, noted English ‘Why do I write?’ and chaired by Sri Angshuman poet and critic, in her inaugural address, dwelt Kar, three noted young writers, Sri Gauri at length upon the creative writing, the process Shankar Nemiwal (Rajasthani), Ms. Indira involved and the impact it leaves on the writer Dangi (Hindi) and Sri Veeran Kutti and the reader. She said writing has nothing (Malayalam), presented their papers to do with age and she said she feels young enumerating their reasons on why do they whenever she starts writing. She laid out few write. In the second session devoted to story principles of creative writing that she had reading and chaired by Shri Brajendra Tripathi, imbibed during her career such as a catholic four noted young fiction writers, Sri Binod mindset, openness of the heart and uncluttered Ghoshal (Bengali), Sri Naresh Naik (Konkani), thought flow, which she thought might be Sri Prashant Bagad (Marathi) and Sri useful to the young writers assembled. Freedom Kshetrabashi Nayak (Odia) read out their of mind, freedom of heart and freedom of stories. In the third session devoted to poetry physical space are vital for any creative writing. reading and chaired by Sri Brajendra Tripathi, A writer should strive to release himself / ten noted young poets, Sri Rujab Machahary herself from clutches of all kinds including that (Bodo), Sri Mahtab Manzoor (Kashmiri), Sri of a language and the cited examples of Samuel Balkar Aulakh (Punjabi), Sri Seemal Tudu Beckett and Jhumpa Lahiri writing in a foreign (Santali), Sri Navneet Kumar Jha (Maithili), language and then translating the same into Sri Ranjeet Gurung (Nepali), Ms. Vaneeta the language of one’s writing to establish that (Tamil), Sri Narayan Dash (Sanskrit), Ms. language need not be a constraining factor. Sangeeta Bapuli (Sindhi) and Sri Mihir Chitre Dr Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, President, (English), recited their poems.

34 / Annual Report 2015–2016 Samvatsar Lecture by Chandrashekhar Dharmadhikari

Every year during the Festival of letters Sahitya by the magnanimous gesture of the Akademi, Akademi invites an eminent scholar to deliver Dr. Dharmadhikari at the outset made an a lecture that betrays a deep concern for values, admission that he felt wholly inadequate to throws light on different ways of thinking, address such an august gathering full of literary that engages the speaker and the audience luminaries. He said that the language he uses about creativity, literature, life etc. is a curious admixture which he has named Many great minds have adorned this “hirathi” - an amalgamation of his mother platform and great speeches have been delivered tongue Marathi and the national language on the occasion. Some of the distinguished Hindi. He said he spent 10 crucial years of people who have delivered Samvatsar lecture his childhood under Gandhiji ‘s influence in in the past are Vatsyayan, Umashankar Wardha. He is beholden to the ‘samskara’ of Joshi, , , Swadeshi and one particular event - Gandhiji’s U.R. Ananthamurthy, , interview to the BBC on 15th August 1947 Manoj Das, , , A.P.J. where he said “tell the world that from now Abdul Kalam and M.T. Vasudevan Nair. on Gandhi does not know Hindi” moved him The guest speaker of the day, Dr so much that he took a vow to speak in Hindi, Chandrashekhar Dharmadhikari is an eminent even in his verdicts as a dispenser of justice Gandhi scholar. Dr K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, (judge) he has stuck to Hindi although barring Sahitya Akademi, welcomed the guest speaker, some international seminars. He has whole spoke about the objectives of the programme heartedly believed in the slogan of swadeshi, and introduced the speaker to the audience. having worn khadi all along and having Accepting Akademi’s offer to deliver the participated in the in annual Samvatsar lecture and feeling honored 1942 when he was just 15 have left an indelible imprint on his mind. He said he had immense respect for literature and for the creators of literature. A writer has the unique talent to to search for knowledge as well as bliss from all creation and from life itself. He said that the human race is facing a very difficult time where old values, old established system of thought are facing decay and death and new systems have to be set in place yet. So these are times of flux. A writer has to express the same in his work; also it is important that a writer should be a living example of the writing he espouses. If there is an incongruence of thought and action, a writer may be living a split personality syndrome which would lead to a hypocritical Chandrashekhar Dharmadhikari dual lifestyle which is wholly undesirable. delivering the Samvatsar Lecture The world faces crucial questions. Today’s

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 35 world is one terrorized world. Everyone is busy parents are busy with their own lives. Often, safeguarding their interests. Nobody trusts the the television acts as a babysitter, then can other. In such an atmosphere of distrust and we really blame the young generation if they disbelief how can one trust, love, respect and are not interested in literature? Does a writer help the other? How can complete distrust live a part of what he writes as well - is be replaced by complete assurance? Man has something the new generation wants to know. become man’s greatest enemy. It is then, the if he does not, if there is a conflict or sacred duty of the writer to build bridges contradiction between what he writes and through his writing. He opined that we have what he truly is, never will great literature to do a re-think and develop a sense of duty be forthcoming. He then spoke elaborately than just have an acute sense of rights. Doing about the havoc social networking sites are one’s duties well, one’s rights are automatically causing to the society instead of meeting face assured. One should ruminate on one’s Duties to face, people now prefer connecting on face as well. Sister Nivedita, in response to a book. A British organization-divorce online question on whether there is an Indian mind, researched in 2012 and came up with the data opined that there are three special qualities that 33% of divorces took place due to face that Indian possess and these are synthesis, book. Virtual reality is taking over the larger harmony and co-ordination. Acharya Vinoba reality. Also, the advent of smart phones has Bhave defined “Sahitya” as one which moves led to an increase in the problems of memory alongside life. Sahitya, according to Dr. loss and deafness. People also live in anxiety Dharmadhikari is a kind of yagna - a ceremonial and waiting for a reply or a like or a message worship, an offering. Literature or Sahitya is and suffer from what is now called not just a mirror to reality. It should lead to “nomophobia” also, increased use of digital revolution in thoughts and action. Sahitya devices has led to isolation of the individual should reflect sincerity and commitment. whereas the crux of human life is socialization. Today, more than ever, man has become How to bring back the human aspect in this self centered. Core values of life which are era of commoditization is a big question facing instilled by the family are missing because the creator of literature.

(L-R) Dr Chandrashekhar Kambar, Dr Viswanath Prasad Tiwari & Dr K. Sreenivasarao

36 / Annual Report 2015–2016 Sahitya means the welfare of all, according equal in its eyes but a broader perspective to an old definition. And what can be achieved should include equal opportunities as well. by the pen cannot be achieved by the sword. Today there is the paradox of “Bharat” vs Books/literature is not just a physical, tangible “India”. Dr Dharmadhikari felt that justice reality but an emotional reality as well. We should be dispensed in Hindi as well. The are faced with new challenges in these new saints and philosophers of our country have times for which readymade, instant solutions taken forth the principle of one nation one may not be available. We can face the change people more than any other section of people. by the dictum of - think globally, act locally We have to arouse nationalism of the people he then went on to talk about the system of - the work that was done by saints and justice and how it is dependent upon a number philosophers in the past. We have to look a of factors. The law ensures that everyone is fresh at ourselves, removing our spectacles.

National Seminar on Gandhi, Ambedkar, Nehru: Continuities and Discontinuities

Every year Sahitya Akademi organizes a national different and pursued different ideology and seminar with relevant themes as part of the path, influenced each other in direct or indirect annual Festival of Letters. This year’s focus ways. He pointed out the ways in which is on the three prominent makers of modern Gandhi influenced Nehru and also pointed out India. that differences between Gandhi and Ambedkar In the inaugural session, Dr K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, welcomed the dignitaries, participants and audience and spoke briefly about the scope and objectives of the seminar. He stated that the seminar is one of the steps that Akademi is initiating in highlighting the importance and relevance of these doyens to the 21st century India. Dr Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, President, Sahitya Akademi, talked about how Dr Viswanath Prasad Tiwari delivering the Presidential address. Gandhi Nehru and Also seen are (L-R) Dr K.Sreenivasarao, Dr Vatsyayan, Dr Manoj Ambedkar, though each one Das, Dr Krishna Kumar and Dr Chandrashekhar Kambar

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 37 on the issue of caste led to a full length and Ambedkar differed in their approaches on discussion on the nature of the institution abolition of caste system. itself. In his keynote address, Dr Manoj Das, In her inaugural address, Dr Kapila eminent scholar and Fellow of Sahitya Akademi, Vatsyayan, eminent scholar, talked about how talked about how and why all the three leaders great leaders like Gandhi and Nehru occupied should be treated as agencies for change for the mental space of the masses. Dr Kapila which India was ready. He said spiritual Vatsyayan highlighted the spiritual dimension understanding of movement of this type is of Gandhi which Nehru and Ambedkar did necessary, for, otherwise it would be impossible not share and observed that unlike the current even to conceive how was it possible for one times where all the three leaders occupy our or two persons to galvanize the entire country mental space, in the 1950’s and 1960’s only at a time when there were no means of fast Gandhi and Nehru dominated the memory communication or travelling. of the public. She wanted to find out from In his concluding remarks, Dr the Akademi experts if ‘’ can be equated Chandrashekar Kambar, Vice President, Sahitya with dalits and congratulated Sahitya Akademi Akademi, highlighted the changes that took for organizing such a wonderful seminar. place in almost all the spheres of human In his speech, Dr Krishnakumar, eminent activity and how Gandhi, Nehru and Ambedkar scholar and educationist, highlighted the major were responsible for it. distinctions among Gandhi, Nehru and In the first session devoted to ‘Freedom Ambedkar and observed that while Gandhi’s and Non-violence’ and chaired by Prof Sitanshu vision (at a fundamental level) centered around Yashaschandra, three eminent scholars, Sri Nand man, revolution and evolution of man and his Kishore Acharya, Sri Pundalik Naik and Ms. relationship with the state. On the other hand Anuradha Roy, presented their papers ‘Himsa Ambedkar’s vision and contributions centered se mukti hi swatantrata,’ ‘Gandhi Nehru aur on the State and how to streamline social Ambedkar: Saatatya aur asaatatya’ and institutions. He also highlighted how Gandhi ‘Gandhian social ideology coming to terms

The third session of the seminar in progress

38 / Annual Report 2015–2016 with Nehruvian state: Thoughts and the state, freedom from the social shackles etc. Experiments in ’ respectively. In the He highlighted how found second session devoted to ‘Response to the his own way to freedom personally. Writers West’ and was chaired by Dr Bhalachandra should reflect upon their position and role in Nemade, two eminent scholars, Malchand the state and act accordingly. Prof Makarand Tiwary and Kunal Chattopadhyay, presented Paranjape began by posing a question to the their papers focusing on the impact of the audience ‘Is intolerance the other side of three leaders in to boycott western tolerance or is it the opposite of tolerance?’ things and Ambedkar & Indian Nationalism, He gave the example of intolerance in India respectively. with the incidents involved with Sri The National Seminar on Gandhi, S.L.Bhyrappa’s work, who was in the Chair. Ambedkar, Nehru: Continuities and He said that Sri Bhyrappa was also the victim Discontinuities continued for the second day of such intolerance in . But instead at the Sahitya Akademi auditorium in New of choosing to shouting slogans or be a part Delhi on February 19, 2016. of any anti-national movement he chose to The third session of the seminar and first write a novel and he has shown how writers session of the day was devoted to ‘Freedom should fight intolerance. Prof Bhyrappa spoke of Expression’ and was chaired by eminent extensively about caste and communal politics Kannada writer, Prof S.L. Bhyrappa. Two which is creating divisions among the citizens noted scholars, Sri Sudhish Pachauri and Prof of the country. He said it is pitiable that Makarand Paranjape, presented their papers governments in the country followed the same focusing on ‘Jantantra Mein Lekhak aur Lekhak divide and rule policy of the Britishers. ka Jantantra’ and ‘India’s Intolerance Battle’ The fourth session was devoted to ‘Women respectively. Sri Sudhish Pachauri talked about and Equality’ and was chaired by Dr Rukmini the freedom and various perspectives from the Bhaya Nair. Three noted women writers Ms. point of view of writers. He said there are S. Faustina Bama, Ms. Urmila Pawar and Ms. various levels of freedom such as freedom from Rakshanda Jalil presented their papers about

The fourth session of the seminar in progress

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 39 women and equality with reference to Gandhi, Nehru and Ambedkar. Faustina Bama said that equality means equal freedom, rights and respect for women at home, in the streets, in the market places, in the work places, in the schools and universities and in places of worship. In other words, besides equal economic and political rights, we seek particularly equal social and cultural space. For all this to happen, we need not only changes in law but also in our Fifth session in progress mind sets, attitudes and cultural practices. She of caste and how it degrades other social concluded her paper with the words of Baba institutions over a period of time. Sri Ramdas Saheb Ambedkar said Equality “for ours is Bhatkal focused on the similarities and a battle not for wealth or for power. It is dissimilarities, continuities and discontinuities battle for freedom. It is the battle of reclamation in the perceptions about Gandhi by Nehru of human personality.” Urmila Pawar and Ambedkar. His paper took Gandhian highlighted the similarities in the views of thought as focal point and looked at the Gandhi, Nehru and Ambedkar about women. continuities and discontinuities. Sri Rajkishore Rakshanda Jalil delineated the influence of highlighted the plight of dalits and backward Gandhian and Nehruvian ideas of women on class people in India and observed that in this theatre and film industry. A lively question- context the thoughts and philosophies of answer session followed the presentations. Ambedkar and Nehru are relevant today. The fifth session was devoted to ‘Caste The sixth and last session of the day was and Equality’ and was chaired by Prof K. devoted to ‘Language Question’ and was chaired Satchidanandan. Three noted scholars Prof K. Enoch, Sri Ramdas Bhatkal and Sri Rajkishore presented their papers focusing on Caste & Equality and Gandhi, Nehru and Ambedkar. In his speech, Prof K. Satchidanandan delivered a lecture on the necessity of bringing back the philosophies of Nehru and Ambedkar on the face of increasing caste violence and communal disharmony that the country is witnessing. Prof Enoch focused on the evolution A section of the audience

40 / Annual Report 2015–2016 by Dr Bhalachandra Nemade. Two noted state. For Ambedkar though majority is the scholars Sri Prithvi Datta Chandra Shobhi and community which is traditional and casteist Sri Soyam Lokendrajit Singh presented their while minority is something that may have papers focusing on ‘Three Dimensions of religious leanings sans system of caste. He also Language Question’ and ‘ Language, highlighted the socialist principles of Nehru Communication and Domination’ respectively. which laid the foundation for a secular state. The National Seminar on Gandhi, The eighth session was devoted to ‘Culture Ambedkar, Nehru: Continuities and and Education’ and was chaired by Prof H.S. Discontinuities continued for the third day at Shivaprakash, eminent poet and playwright. the Sahitya Akademi auditorium in New Delhi Two noted scholars Ms. Nilanjana Deb and on February 20, 2016. Sri Satyanarayan Sahu presented their papers The seventh session of the seminar was ‘The Refracted Light of Asia: the Negotiations first for the day devoted to ‘Minority and of Gandhi, Nehru and Ambedkar with Majority’ and was chaired by Sri Nand Kishore Orientalist Writing on Buddhism’ and ‘Gandhi, Acharya. In this session, two noted scholars, Nehru and Ambedkar on education and culture’ and , presented their respectively. While the former focused on the papers ‘Gandhi-Ambedkar Debate: Let us different approaches taken by Gandhi, Nehru annihilate the cast as we eradicate and Ambedkar on utilizing orientalist sources untouchability’ and ‘Aadhe pul ki asamapt in promoting Budhhism., the latter focused yatra’ respectively. Nayar’s paper focused on on the three doyens’ contribution to education the system of caste with untouchability and and culture. Prof Shivaprakash summed up the the perceptions / positions of Gandhi and proceedings and observed that except Acharya Ambedkar on it. He hoped for a society where Narendra Dev, all other makers of modern Gandhi and Ambedkar can co-exist and such India based their understanding about the a society should be casteless and progressive. native texts through the prism of western ideas Pandya said that according to Gandhi minorities and western systems. can be classified into three broad groups such In the ninth and final session that was as dharmic, samajik and rajneetik corresponding devoted to ‘Religion and Democracy’ and to personal, social and political spaces of the chaired by Sri Purushottam Agrawal, three noted scholars, Prof Satyakam Borthakur, Sri Sribhagwan Singh and Sri Shahbaz Hakbari presented their papers on the topic of the session focusing on the trio’s different approaches to religion and democracy and also on Gandhi’s views on religions of the world. While Sri Sribhagwan Singh presented a paper on Gandhi’s view of the religions of India, Sri Shahbaz Hakbari presented a paper highlighting continuities and discontinuities in the approaches to religion and democracy and Prof Shakespearean tragedy in Kathakali adaptation Satyakam focused on highlighting the was performed by the International Centre similarities and common points among for Kathakali, New Delhi (ICK). the three doyens under consideration.

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 41 Purvottari: North-East and Northern Writers’ Meet

Sahitya Akademi organised a programme from North-East are getting to interact and ‘Purvottari’ featuring eminent writers and poets learn from the writers and poets of rest of from North-East and Northern regions of India. He said he is very happy that because India. In the inaugural session, Dr K. of Sahitya Akademi, more and more translators Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, from the North-Eastern region are getting to welcomed the dignitaries and participants of know nuances and techniques from translators the event. He observed that despite beautiful of other regions and languages. landscape, wonderful languages though mostly In his Presidential speech Dr Vishwanath oral some time ago and vast amount of Prasad Tiwari said The diversity of language literature, almost all of literature from the and culture which we find in North-Eastern region was not reaching other parts of India. part, we can’t see it in any other part. He He informed the audience that to remedy this also expressed his deep concern about the situation and restore the balance with reference future of marginal languages which are in to relationship between various literary danger because of the electronic and print traditions, Sahitya Akademi has been media. He also said that the promotion of promoting literature from North-East by way North-Eastern literature is on the top agenda of organisiing a number multilingual writers/ of the Sahitya Akademi. poets’ meets connecting writers/poets from In the first session that was devoted to North-East and different parts of India and ‘Why do I write?’ and chaired by Smt. Rita also publishing tribal and oral literature from Chowdhury, five noted writers, Sri Aurobindo the region. Uzir (Bodo), Sri Virendra Jain (Hindi), Sri In his inaugural address, Sri Lakshmi Vikram Sampath (English), Ms. Lairenlakpam Nandan Bora, eminent Assamese writer said Ibemhal Devi (Manipuri) and Krishna Kumar he is very happy that more and more writers Toor (Urdu), talked about why they write.

Inaugural session of the meet in progress

42 / Annual Report 2015–2016 Sri Uzir said despite lot of efforts he is not In the second session that was devoted able to trace the reasons for his writing and to story reading and chaired by L. Joychandra stated that writing came to him naturally and Singh, two noted fiction writers, Ms. Manika at a very early age. Sri Virendra Jain said a Devee (Assamese) and Sri Roop Singh Chandel number of unsavory incidents in his life forced (Hindi) read out their short stories. In the him to look for ways of catharsis and writing third session devoted to poetry reading and provided him best platform to express himself chaired by Leeladhar Mandloi, ten noted and free his mind. Sri Vikram Sampath said poets, Sri Pranjit Bora (Assamese), Sri Sushil he would agree with Orewell and give four Begana (Dogri), Sri Abdul Rashid Shad reasons of the former – sharing ego, aesthetic (Kashmiri), Sri Ajit Kumar Azad (Maithili), enthusiasm, historical and political purposes. Sri Longjam Ibotombi Singh (Manipuri), Sri Ms. Lairenlakpam Ibemhal Devi said her love . Lalzuithanga (Mizo), Sri Kritimani for nature and her gregarious nature ensured Khatiwada (Nepali), Sri Satish Gulati she opted poetry writing. Krishna Kumar (Punjabi), Sri Chandra Bhushan Jha (Sanskrit) Toor said his craving to share his feelings took and Ms. Yashoda Murmu (Santali). him to writing.

Face-to-Face Programme

Face-to-Face is a programme that takes place the day was Marathi’s Arun Khopkar. Sri during the Festival of Letters every year. In , well-known journalist interacted this programme an eminent scholar from a with Sri Khopkar. The questions ranged from particular language is invited to interview the the polyglot perceptions of Sri Khopkar to Award winner in that language for that year. film aesthetics of Eisenstein to inspirations for Every year select Awardees get to interact with making film on painting art and music for scholars and the objective of this programme which Sri Khopkar said everything that is is to provide opportunities to other people connected with art has a symbiotic relationship to know more about the Award Winner. and in the whole parts just play a role of adding The first Award Winner to take part in particulars.

Award winners in conversation with eminent scholars

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 43 Award winners in conversation with eminent scholars

Meena T. Pillai engaged Ms. K.R. Meera, Conversation revolved around Thirumalesh’s and the conversations veered around women’s writing journey, his translations, his experiences status, countering male hegemony, patriarchal as a reader and also as a writer. resistance to women writing in and Arshia Sattar was in conversation with feminist literature and women in journalism. Cyrus Mistry, Award Winner in English. Ms. Meera said she wanted to reclaim the lost Conversation revolved around presence of lives of women in Kerala and also she wanted dreams in his narrative, common themes in to venture into where other women have not his early works, his research on parsi corpse ventured before. bearers. Stuti Goswami was in conversation with J.L. Reddy was in conversation with Volga, Kula Saikia, Award Winner in Assamese, and the Award Winner in Telugu. Conversation the conversation centered around being a public centered around Volga’s writing career, servant and Saikia said like being a public feminism in her writings, work done by Asmita servant writing is also a public endeavor. The and feminist writing in telugu region etc conversation then moved towards and revolved Suresh Rituparna was in conversation with around social reality, science fiction and writing Ramdarash Mishra, Award Winner in Hindi. in general. The conversation revolved around Mishra’s Shanbag was in conversation with writing journey, movement into urban spaces K.V. Thirumalesh, Award Winner in Kannada. and future of literature in 21st century.

Symposium on Unwritten Languages

The second edition of the symposium on spoke about the discussion of the first edition Unwritten Languages of India was organized and hoped this year too symposium would on the Day 5 of the Festival of Letters 2016 be successful. He urged the experts to speed at Rabindra Bhawan Lawns in New Delhi. up the process of preserving and propagating In the inaugural session, Dr K. more and more unwritten languages since the Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, number of unwritten languages are vanishing welcomed the participants and audience and fast and thick. He thanked Dr Debi Prasanna

44 / Annual Report 2015–2016 Pattanayak and Dr Mahendra Kumar Mishra and transmission of knowledge and go in for for participating in the symposium. simple solutions of dominant mono-lingualism. Dr , distinguished Communities are being redefined as cyber- scholar and linguist and who was the Chief entities. Dr Pattanayak informed the audience Guest of the Symposium, talked about the that India is at the top of the list of endangered distinction between the written and unwritten languages. He concluded saying that before languages and observed that with the advent our very nose written languages are slipping of the printing press the hegemony of the into unwritten spoken languages and are dying written word gained supremacy and pushed out with the last speaker of the language but the indigenous languages were pushed to the our sophisticated technologies are not able to background. With this, the unwritten literature save them. got relegated to folk literature and anthropology In his keynote address, Dr Mahendra Kumar became a handmade of colonialism. Written Mishra, eminent scholar and folklorist, talked literature became a mark of culture. Dr about beauty of Indian literary tradition is Pattanayak also talked about the historical unwritten and oral. British education system process by which the supremacy of written corrupted the oral traditions with the force languages was established slowly and surely. of written literature by the state. He quoted He observed that what is not being documented Gopabandhu “the literature people of this and researched is the decimation of written country may be head but larger masses of the languages and spread of illiteracy due to colonial country is the soul.” The unwritten languages domination. Telephone, Radio, Television, were historically silenced due to the dominance Computer, Mobile, Android Technology made of power with during the past writing superfluous. First casualty was centuries. Dr Mishra also stated that the oral writing and second was reading books. He literary traditions like myths, epics and tales stated that though technologies provide facilities are necessary to understand the history of time to reach small languages and small communities and conditions of people and also that inspite using them, they also exerted pressure for of multilingual situation oral tradition of India getting rid of multiple channels for creation fosters unity of thought and knowledge representing a common paradigm in Indian literature. He also warned that 21st century will witness a rapid decline of linguistic diversities. He lamented that majority of people are unaware neither of the fact that so many languages are vanishing nor do they have any idea what it means to lose a language and that loss of language would mean loss of thought and knowledge. In his presidential address, Dr Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, Inaugural session of the symposium in progress President, Sahitya Akademi,

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 45 stated that oldest literature in the world is of Scripting the Unwritten Languages’ and Rg Ved and it is shruti – that which is heard. chaired by Dr Awadesh Kumar Mishra, three When the same is committed to memory is noted scholars, Sri B. Ramakrishna Reddy, Sri called Smrti and it is this process of committing Pramod Pandey and Sri Ganesh Murmu, to memory and creating a written literature presented their papers focusing on different that Max Muller. It is through unwritten kinds of challenges that they face while trying language and oral tradition that vast amount to evolve suitable scripts of spoken dialects of literature that was disseminated from one but unwritten in nature. In the second session generation to another generation for thousands devoted to ‘Unwritten Literature / Oral of years. Dr Chandrashekar Kambar, Vice Tradition’ and chaired by Sri Bhagwan Das President, Sahitya Akademi, talked about the Patel, four noted scholars, Kikeri Narayan, role of folklore and folksongs in the preservation Indranil Acharya, Basant Nirgune and and propagation of knowledge and culture Shah, presented their papers on the history from one generation to another. He informed of oral traditions, orality of cultures, relevance the audience that majority of languages are of oral traditions in the modern and unwritten and we should learn to look after contribution of oral traditions in the the literature contained in the majority of nourishment of culture and literature etc. The literature and our ignorance and arrogance programme was coordinated by Dr Devendra should not prove too devastating for humanity Kuma Devesh, Officer-on-Special Duty, Sahitya itself. Akademi. In the first session, devoted to ‘Challenges

Seminar on Translational Consciousness and Indian Literary Traditions

Sahitya Akademi organized a daylong seminar talked about the translation activity that is on Translational Consciousness and Indian inherent in the social fabric of India. He literary traditions as part of Festival of Letters pointed in a multilingual society like India at Rabindra Bhavan Lawns in New Delhi on where language changes every 100 kms, it is February 20, 2016. impossible to conceive of a life without In the inaugural session, Dr K. translation of one kind or the other. Crude Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, or refined, translation always existed and was welcomed the dignitaries, participants and on use on a day to day basis in India. He audience and talked about how translation lies highlighted various works, periods, movements at the core of all of Akademi’s activities. He of translations over the past 2000 years and hoped with the help of translators’ community observed that translation is natural to Indians. across India that the seminar on translation Prof Indra Nath Choudhuri, eminent Hindi will become a regular feature of Festival of scholar and former Secretary of Sahitya Letters. Akademi, who was the Guest of Honor, sated In his Presidential address, Dr Vishwanath that India is a translation area. He wondered Prasad Tiwari, President, Sahitya Akademi, why no single critical text specifying the art

46 / Annual Report 2015–2016 Dr K. Sreenivasarao delivering the welcome address. Also seen an (L-R) Dr Awadesh Kumar Singh, Dr Chandrashekhar Kambar, Dr Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari & Prof Indra Nath Choudhuri or science of translation parallel to expert eminent literary critic, two noted scholars T.S. treatises in other fields and felt that maybe Satyanath and Prakash Bhatambrekar presented the exclusive attitude of Indians with regard their papers ‘Translational to language and privilege of the speakers and Transactions in Medieval Indian Vernacular their master narrative was responsible for this Literary Cultures’ and ‘Bhaktikaal mein lacuna. anuvadkiya aadaan pradaan’ respectively. In his keynote address, Dr Awadesh Kumar In the second session devoted to Singh, eminent Hindi scholar, said that ‘Translational Enterprise in Colonial India,’ Sri translation permeates everything and the world Alok Bhalla chaired the session and two noted is a construct of word but the word is a translators, Ms. Monalisa Jena and Sri Rajendra translation of the idea. Idea is abstract and Prasad Mishra presented their papers languageless, translation facilitates its ‘Translational Enterprise in Colonial India’ and manifestation in concrete forms through ‘aupanivesika bharat mein anuvadkiya udyam’ different aural visual performative media of respectively. communication. In a way, no communication In the third and final session that was can become a reality without translation and devoted to ‘Contemporary Translational translational consciousness. Initiatives and Impacts’ and chaired by Ms. Dr Chandrashekhar Kambar talked about Namita Gokhale, three noted translators, Sri translating cultural components of a language N. Kalyan Raman, Ms. Neeta Gupta and Sri into another and highlighted traditional view Harish Narang presented their papers. Ms. points on translating / transporting cultural Neeta and Ms. Mini presented publishers’ consciousness of one region into another. point of view. Sri Narang presented the The first session was devoted to perspective of the writer while Sri Kalyan ‘Translational Transactions in Bhakti Movement’ Raman presented a paper on ‘Translating the and chaired by Nirmal Kanti Bhattacharjee, subaltern: Initiatives and impact.’

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 47 Spin-A-Tale Programme

Sahitya Akademi’s Festival of Letters concluded released two books of Children’s Literature – with the last day devoted to Children and English translation of two Chinese books for Children’s Literature at the Rabindra Bhavan children (Liao Zhai Zhi Yi: Selected Stories Lawns in New Delhi on February 20, 2016. and Stories of Huainanzi) and two Hindi Dr K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya works Papu bane Mahatma and Bhartiya Akademi, welcomed the Chief Guest Sri Prayag Bal Sahitya edited by Harikrishna Devasare. Shukla and the participants. Dr Sreenivasarao Sri Shukla inaugurated the event by singing talked about inculcating good reading habits a poem from his works and children sang with in the children at a very young age and the him. benefits of such inculcation. He said reading Children with special needs from Pt. Deen habits formed in childhood go a long way Dayal Upadhyay Institute for the Physically in shaping the mindscape of children and it Handicapped, Delhi enacted a cultural is these children who go on to become adults performance. and citizens of the world. The Young Mizo Association of Mizoram Sri Prayag Shukla thanked the Akademi performed Cheraw (bamboo dancing) for for inviting him to inaugurate Spin-A-Tale Children’s entertainment. Certificates of 2016 and talked briefly about the moulding appreciation were distributed by Dr of children in the right direction from a very Sreenivasarao to the students and faculty of young age. Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Institute and he Dr Sreenivasarao and Sri Prayag Shukla spoke at length appreciating the efforts of the

Sri Prayag Shukla inaugurating the event

48 / Annual Report 2015–2016 children and the institute. He requested the elders and faculty not to address the children as handicapped as that would affect the psyche of children. Ms. Anupa Lal and Ms Valentina Trivedi presented their stories for the children. A poetry writing competition in two topics “Swachh Bharat” and “Pollution” was conducted. The winners — Swachh Bharat: 1st Prize: Khushboo Jalu Thariya 2nd Prize: Gauri Lakshmi 3rd Prize: Afsana Consolation Prize 1) Aamir Hussain and 2) Ruchi Singh The winners — Pollution: 1st Prize: Arunima Tripathi 2nd Prize: A.M.N. Madhuri 3rd Prize: Khushi Bhatt Consolation Prize 1) D.M. Ramita and 2) Karan Raj A workshop on creative writing by Rahul Saini and a workshop on painting by S.V. Participants of Spin-a-Tale programme Rao were organized as part of Spin- A-Tale.

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 49 PRESENTATION OF TRANSLATION PRIZES 2014

Sahitya Akademi, India’s National Academy Since 1989, the institution has started to of Letters is the central institution for literary give an annual prize for translation of prominent dialogue, publication and promotion in the and outstanding writings in all the recognised country and the only institution that undertakes twenty four languages of India. The Translation literary activities in 24 Indian languages, Prize 2014 was conducted in Dibrugarh, the including English. Over the 56 years of its eastern most city of India. The three day event dynamic existence, it has ceaselessly was held at the Dibrugarh University. It is endeavoured to promote good taste and healthy for the first time that the Award ceremony reading habits, to keep alive the intimate followed by the Translators Meet and the dialogue among the various linguistic and Abhivyakti programme was being conducted literary zones and groups through seminars, on a university campus. lectures, symposia, discussions, readings and The Translation Prize 2014 began at 5 pm performances, to increase the pace of mutual with a devotional song of Shri Shankardev translations through workshops and individual presented by Shri Arun Hazarika and group. assignments and to develop a serious literary Shri K.Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya culture through the publications of journals, Akademi was the master of ceremonies for monographs, individual creative works of every the evening. He addressed the gathering and genre, anthologies, encyclopaedias’, dictionaries, briefed them about Sahitya Akademi and the bibliographies, who’s who of writers and Translation Prize 2014. histories of literature. (Source: http://sahitya- Dr.Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, President akademi.gov.in/sahitya-akademi/aboutus/ Sahitya Akademi, felicitated Dr. Pratibha about.jsp) Ray, eminent Odia writer was the Chief Guest

Winners of Translation Prize with , Chief Guest, President and Secretary of Sahitya Akademi

50 / Annual Report 2015–2016 for the evening and Dr. Alak Kumar Buragohain, Vice Chancellor, Dibrugarh University felicitated Dr.Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari. Dr. Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, renowned Hindi poet, writer, and critic as well as the editor of ‘Dastavez’ was then called upon to give the presidential address. In his address, Dr. Tiwari highlighted on the multi-lingual diversity of India. He addressed that in this multi-lingual diversity, the North-Eastern region of India has the highest number of regional languages. He then spoke on the aesthetics Surath Nazary receiving Translation Prize from Viswanath Prasad Tiwari of translation from one language to the other and how the problem of expression in a certain Rabindranath Tagore’s collection of Poems language arises during the translation of a story Gitanjali. or poem into another language. He even Yashpaul ‘Nirmal’ won the translation prize emphasized on the importance of sound effects in Dogri. His translation titled Mian Deedo during the recitation or narration of a story is the Dogri translation of a Punjabi play called or poem in a particular language and how Deedo Jamwal by Kripa Sagar. in the process of translating into another Padmini Rajappa won the translation prize language the entire essence of a story or poem in English. Her English translation of can be lost. In his concluding remarks he Kadambari is from Banabhatta’s Kadambari mentioned that the best translation can be in Sanskrit. considered as the one which is understood and (Late) Nagindas Jivanlal Shah won the interpreted in one’s own language. prize in Gujarati. His translation of Gunaratna’s Followed by the address, the prize Tarkarahasyadeepikais from Sanskrit. distribution ceremony began and the awardees Phool Chand Manavwon the prize in Hindi. were felicitated by a plaque, gamocha (a piece His translation is of Annadata, a Punjabi novel of cloth of utmost respect in the Assamese by Baldev Singh. culture) and a prize of Rs.50,000. G.N.Ranganatha Rao won the prize in The awardees for the Translation Prize are Kannada. His translation of the English as follows biography of Mohan Das: A True Story of a Bipul Deuri won the Translation Prize in Man, His people and an Empire by Rajmohan Assamese. His translation of Amish Tripathi’s Gandhi. is from English to M.H. Zaffar won the prize in Kashmiri. Assamese. His translation of Vasu Gupt Reshi’s Siva Benoy Kumar Mahata won the Translation Sutras is from Sanskrit to Kashmiri. prize in Bengali. His translation of Sudhangshu Pandurang Kashinath Gaude won the prize ‘Sekhar’ Chaudhuri’s Eh Batha Sansar from in Konkani. His translation of Laxman Maithili into Bengali titled Ei Prithibi Pagla- Gaikwad’s autobiography Uchalaya is from Garad. Marathi to Konkani. Surath Narzary won the Translation Prize Ram Nararyan Singh won the prize in in Bodo. His translation in Bodo is from Maithili. His translation of Thakazhi

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 51 Panduranga Kashinath Gaude receiving Saro Hansdah receiving Translation Prize from Translation Prize from Viswanath Prasad Tiwari Viswanath Prasad Tiwari

Sivasankara Pillai’s , is a renowned translation of Tamil poetry Tirukkural by novel in Malayalam language. Saint Tiruvalluvar. Priya A.S won the translation prize in Narayana Dash won the translation prize Malayalam. Her work Kunju Karyangalude in Sanskrit. His work Vatyasarah is a translation Ode Thampuran is a Malayalam translation of of a collection of short stories by renowned Roy’s English novel The God of Odia writer Chandra Sekhar Dasbarma. Small Things. Saro Hansdah won the translation prize . Cha Ibotombi Mangang won the in Santali. Her work is the translation of Sarat translation prize in Manipuri. His work Hi Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novel Devdas. Irkapais a translation of Nauka Dubbee by Ram U. Kukreja won the translation prize Rabindranath Tagore. in Sindhi. Maru Tirth Hinglaaj is his translation Madhukar Sudam Patil won the of the Bengali novel written by Avadhut. translation prize in Marathi. His work S.Devadoss won the translation prize in Smrutibhranshanantar, is a translation of Ganesh Tamil. His translation Laddakkilirundu Kavizhu N. Devy’s After Amnesia in English. Nizhal is a translation of Babani Bhattacharya’s Dambarmani Pradhan won the translation novel from English to prize in Nepali. His work Maalai Joon Tamil. Chaahincha is the translation of Surendra R. Santha Sundari won the translation Verma’s Mujhey Chand Chahiye. prize in Telugu. Her translation Intlo Premchand Rabindra Kumar Praharaj won the is a translation of Premchand’s biography by translation prize in Odia. His work Thilagharar Shivrani Devi titled Premchand Ghar Mein. Gehlapua is a translation of Tek Chand Thakur’s Ved Rahi won the translation prize in Alaler Gharere Dulal in Bengali. Urdu. His translation Lal Ded is a translation Tarsem won the translation prize in Punjabi. of the Dogri novel of the same name written His work Mann Da Manukh is a translation by him based on the life of Kashmiri saint of Sunil Gangopadhyay’s Bengali novel Moner poetess Lal Ded. Manush. After the prize distribution for the best Kailash Mandela won the translation prize Translation Prizes, the Chief Guest for the in Rajasthani. His work Kural Kavya is the event Dr.Pratibha Ray, eminent Odia writer

52 / Annual Report 2015–2016 addressed the gathering. Her address stressed Translation Prize, 2014. upon how translation is possible yet difficult. Surath Nazary who won the best translation She commented that literature can be available prize in Bodo stated, “In my translation, I in different languages is possible yet the process have discovered that is very difficult to carry of translation is difficult. Originality is definitely the resonance of the creator as the meaning lost in the process but it cannot be completely of the words is not always equivalent from unjustified as translation has been present since one language to other. More difficulties are time immemorial. She even added that the found when idioms, symbolism and metaphors translator while translation is in the writer’s dominate in the work. And if the language shadow. She suggest that translators who want to be translated is below the mark of the to translate books should only choose the original work, then it appears very delicate books they love to read and not take up any to carry the original meaning with concept. commissioned work only then justice to the In this connection the standard of Bengali and translated version of a book will be served. Bodo can be cited. In such cases, originals She even mentioned that the strength of Indian words of the original work are retained. With literature lies on the number of languages such a measure, the translated work has the literature is written. That indeed is enriching chance of imparting ideas and work more yet the drawback is that the criticism of Indian excellent work.” literature is poor. She concludes by encouraging Yashpaul ‘Nirmal’ who won the best authors to translate more despite the translation prize in Dogri shared, “I was of shortcomings. the firm view that the men who listens to The evening came to an end with a one’s mother tongue, learns and understand spectacular presentation of Rajasthani folk songs it with ease, this cannot be done in other performed by Anwar Khan Manganiar and languages. Having inspiration from this, I group. translated Shrimad Bhagawat Puran into Dogri in the year 1994-95 and this whole translated

Translators’ Meet 5 September 2015

The Translators’ Meet was the second event that was conducted on 5 September, 2015 from 10 am onwards. The panellists comprised few of the winners, who won the translators prizes on 4th September, 2015. Eminent Assamese writer Karabi Deka Hazarika was the chair for the respective session. The writers expressed their experience on working on the that they have translated and which went ahead to win the prestigious Padmini Rajappa speaking at the Translators’ Meet

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 53 work was published in instalments in Dogri has to conceive it in his mother tongue. The Times. Getting a good response of this work moment he conceives it the translator becomes from the common masses, translation becomes a surrogate mother,” my favourite field.” He even added, “In the M.H. Zaffar won the best translation prize present era of world unity, world brother hood in Kashmiri. He said, “When we examine this world peace and transformation of information, tradition minutely we realize that its roots go the role of translation is incredible.” deep into the spiritual and mystic culture of Rabindra Kumar Praharaj won the best medieval Kashmir and especially in the Aagmic translation prize in Odia. He said, “ The texts of which Shiv Sutra is the most important present translations (awarded for 2014 for one and it is called Upanishad.” ‘Alaler Gharer Dulal’ by Tekchand Thakur Pandurang Kashinath Gaude won the best (nomdeplume) i.e. Pyarichand Mitra in the translation prize in Konkani. He said that title of Thila Gharar Gehlapua’ is acclaimed literature based on issues like Dalit literature as a classic novel published in 1857. Since was very rare in Konkani. Uchalaya is one such then such masterly presentation of rural as well work which is based on caste systems and the as urban life of Bengal has not appeared in sufferings of the Dalits. This kind of literature Bengali language. Most probably this was the creates awareness and educates the masses. first novel in the Indian literature which depicted Singh won the best common people and their activities, when in translation prize in Maithili. He has expressed other languages, historical and mythological whatever he writes is for his own pleasure and romances were being attempted at.” satisfaction. This can be reflected in his own Padmini Rajjappa won the best translation translated work that won the translation prize. prize in English. She commented, “I would Dambarmani Pradhan won the best like to talk about this problem that all translators translation prize in Nepali. He spoke about encounter; faithfulness versus readability. This the evolution of translation in the world. question becomes particularly pressing when Citing some famous authors he said that the translating in a work written several centuries world becomes a small place for everybody ago and in classical Sanskrit. There are two to know everyone through different translated aspect to the problem; faithfulness to the style works. of the author and faithfulness to the content Tarsem won the best translation prize in of the work.” Punjabi. He said, “Translation is important Phool Chand Manav won the best because it is one of the important components translation prize in Hindi. The writer expressed rather a bridge that links one language to that he loves to translate poetry as he can do another language. Punjabi as a language has an interpretation in his own way. In this way the tradition of translation from time he can justify and make the original poet’s immemorial.” poetry better. Kailash Mandela won the best translation G.N. Ranganathan Rao won the best prize in Rajasthani. He expressed Kural Kavya translation prize in Kannada. He stated, “A is also known as Pancham Ved. The book translator should perfectly understand the describes the norms of how a human being meaning and nuances of the original work. should lead his daily life. He should have fair knowledge of poetics, Narayan Dash won the best translation connotations and of both the prize in Sanskrit. He said that while translating languages. After analysing all these factors he a work the originality should be kept intact

54 / Annual Report 2015–2016 of the source work. It shouldn’t lose its essence programme started in the presence of and rather should be even more simplified than Dr.Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, President, the original work. Sahitya Akademi, Dr.Alak Kr Buragohain, Vice Saro Hansdah won the translation prize Chancellor, Dibrugarh University, Dr. Karabi in Santali. She said she was influenced a lot Deka Hazarika, eminent Assamese writer and by the films. She could relate to the characters Renu Mohan Bhan, Deputy Secretary, Sahitya that motivated her to translate Devdas into Akademi. Santali. It took her almost two years to translate The programme comprised of poetry the entire book. readings in different Indian languages and in S.Devadoss won the translation prize in English by eight distinguished poets from Tamil. He said, “I have selected the field of across the country. non-fiction particularly translation as a vehicle Prof. Karabi Deka Hazarika addressed the for introducing new voices, new talent, new gathering and spoke on how literature as a trends etc, from Indian and other languages. medium is so powerful, and praised Sahitya Having acquainted with varied and colourful Akademi for being a delightful meeting ground culture and their expressions I have the for all the authors and their readers. She looks fulfilment of meeting a number of people forward for such prestigious and informative through literature. If the translators intention events to take place more often in the campus and objectives reach the people wholly, there of Dibrugarh University. would be tolerance and understanding among Dr. Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari also them. addressed the gathering and delivered an Bipul Deuri won the Translation Prize in interesting talk on ‘expression’. Dr. Tiwari Assamese. He said, “At initial stage I was under spoke about the greatest challenge of a writer the impression that translation is not a difficult is how to express himself or herself. Many task. But, gradually I realized that translation a times, when verbal language is converted is a hard form of art, in its truest sense…I in the form of words or written communication could very well realize that a translator should it loses a lot of its essence. Therefore, be very conscious in finding out the exact word programme like Abhivyakti is conducted so and terms available in the vocabulary of the that the readers, listen and gain knowledge language on which the translation work is out of it. being carried out.” Followed by Dr. Tiwari’s address, the Guest of Honour Dr. Alak Kumar Buragohain graced the occasion by a spectacular address on the Abhivyakti merge of science and creative writing. He 5 September, 2015 discussed on human genetics and diversity of nature as well as the value of creative writing. The Abhivyakti programme is one of the main The programme began with its first reading highlights of the Sahitya Akademi. It is an session on poetry. important platform for writers to express Ratneshwara Basumatry recited in Bodo themselves as well as interact and communicate and even translated his poem in Assamese and with the audience. This year during the Hindi. The poem in Assamese translation is Translation Prize 2014, Abhivyakti programme titled as Panimetekaburbeemetakahol was conducted over duration of two days. Dr. Gurumayum Bijay Kumar Sharma On 5th September evening the Abhivyakti recited two poems in Manipuri. He recited

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 55 a powerful poem on the socio-political- Performing Arts, Dibrugarh University. They economic issues of the state and a poem on presented three different ethnic dances of . Durga Puja. On 6th Spetember the Abhivyakti Arun Chandra Rai recited two poems in programmes had three sessions. Nepali and in English. The first poem dealt The morning session called ‘My World, with the social awakening of the poet’s village My Writing’ comprised of distinguished and and the second poem dealt with the theme renowned writers in their respective areas of of darkness and night. writing. , eminent Indian writer Iyyappa Madhavan recited translated and a former member of the . versions of his Tamil poems in English. He He was the chair for the first session. recited Sleeping on Air, The Buddha Tree The session comprised of Bengali writer among the others. Siladitya Sen, Malayalam writer P. Kondreddy Venkateswara Reddy recited Sachidanandan, Manipuri writer Irungbam three translated poems of Telugu in English. Deven Singh and Marathi writer Rajan Gavas. Scent of Tears and Surper recharging Element In all of the writers’ talks a common element being among the three. of the human condition and their suffering Jiban Narah recited two poems in Assamese was highlighted. Writer SiladityaSen and translated it too from the listeners. The highlighted the impact of Inder Thakur’s first poem is on Krishna leel transformation character and gave even highlighted and the second is about a team of biologist Bibhutibhushan - A perfect example of human and the grasshopper. beings and their emotions due to different The last poet of the session was Raoof experiences that they come across. Khair who recited Nagmas and Shayari in Writer P.Sachidanandan ‘Anand’ recalled Urdu. He recited on daily activities like his days of service in the and ‘Shopping’ as well as the on issues like ‘Refuge’. emphasized on the Chinese invasion in North The session was followed by a dance East India and the East Pakistan partition. He presentation by the students of the Centre for highlighted that how human conditions were during those times and how he felt shameful for leaving them in tragic, painful and helpless condition. These experiences led him to write books on such socio economic issues. Writer Irungbam Deven Singh a doctor by profession relates of medical experiences and human conditions and stresses on different social issues of women, children, corruption etc. He considers writers to be more of social activists trying to bring in a certain change in the society through expressing themselves through words. Writer Rajan Gavas focuses yet Nagen Saikia and Anand at the Abhivyakti programme again about the law and the society.

56 / Annual Report 2015–2016 In his reading he discusses about third gender issues to the Devadasi movement that he has been a part of. He even spoke on issues like farmer suicide, caste system and its prejudices and even deaths and assassinations of writers. Nagen Saikia expressed his opinion that a writer should have love for humanity without love for fellow men one cannot be a creative writer. He said that the socio cultural and intellectual aspects in a society will change but human emotions are common to all and never changes. He even stressed on the importance at the Abhivyakti programme of translation. For him translation is an introduction of one culture to another was the chair and quoted poet Ghalib several in any part of the nation. times and the influence of poetry. He even The second session had a short story reading recited few of his own poems like ‘top kadar’. with renowned Konkani playwright Pundalik There were poets from different corners of the Naik as the chair and Debasis Panigrahi a country. writer by passion and a police officer by Poet Mohan Singh recited three of his profession. Debasis Panigrahi read his translated poems in Dogri named ‘Tapti Dhoop’, short story - Ashamahita about ‘Durga Mausi’. ‘Vartmanka Chitra’ and ‘Murgaaur Aadmi’ It is a heart touching story about a lady on Poet SanjuVala recited in English as well how she dedicates her entire life in the service as Gujarati named The Mystery and Manushya. of her dear ones. Poet Swayamprapha Jha recited in Maithali. During the interactive session Shri Pundalik She recited three poems ‘Kalpanaka Mulya’ Naik speaks about how stories are important being one of them. and stories have a place in every form of Poet Jayshree Chattopadhyay recited in medium like radio plays, kathachitra which Sanskrit, she recited her first poem paying means feature films and even adaptations of homage and tribute to the late 8th century books in to screenplays to stories being Sanskrit poet Sheila Bhartakari. She even recited developed as tele serials or telefilms on television peoms like ‘Ratri’ and ‘Abhivyakti’. Debasis Panigrahi comments on how he Poet Satpal Bhikhi recited in Punjabi and wants to be called as a writer who even works Hindi. His poems are titled as ‘Patniya’, ‘Teesri as a policeman. He speaks on the importance Ticket’, ‘Kaala’, ‘Pratiksha’ and ‘Gaudiya’. of short stories and how it is different from The last poet of the session Harish novellas and novels. He shares his difficulties Karmachandani recited in Sindhi. Some his of publishing short stories and how the short poems that he recited are ‘ Zameenki publishing industry even works. Kimat’, ‘Raja Ghussa Mey Hain’, ‘Basta’, ‘Sun The last session of the day was on Poets’ meri Awaaz Sun’ and ‘Do Bacche’. Meet. Renowned poet Chandra Prakash Deval

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 57 BAL SAHITYA PURASKAR PRESENTED

The award winners with the President, Secretary Sahitya Akademi and Chief Guest

Sahitya Akademi organised its Bal Sahitya address. He said that Akademi publishes a Puraskar Presentation ceremony at Ravindra book in every 16 hours and organizes a literary Natya Mandir, Prabhadevi, Mumbai, on the programme in every 19 hours which exhibits evening of 14th November 2015 with Sri how active Akademi is in the literary field. Chandrakant Sheth as Chief Guest, and Prof. It has also opened two book shops at Delhi Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari delivering the Metro Stations. The main motto of Akademi presidential address. The function began with is to honor rich literature and litterateurs. He the beautiful invocation by Ms. Chaitee emphasized that awards are conferred upon Deshpande. Dr K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, by the various institutes and so by the Akademi Sahitya Akademi, welcomed the awardees, but he will not call it as a prize but an honor. guests, audience and media for attending the He firmly believed that a prize is something ceremony. He reiterated that children are the a form of gift but an honor is a feeling of backbone of any civilization. They should be ownness. He described honor to Yashakaya accessed to the rich literature which gives them while the money, a secondary aspect. The to know their heritage. That is the reason why honor cannot be transferred as compared to the writers of Children Literature are very a Kohinoor which can be easily transited. A important. He gave a brief about the function writer takes pains to write a book which is and various activities and initiative taken up his priceless creation. He thanked all the writers by the Akademi to bring good literature to for bringing out rich literature. He believed the people. that nature, women and children are in big Prof. Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, President, dilemma globally as they don’t have their Sahitya Akademi, delivered the Presidential independent language. The literature is

58 / Annual Report 2015–2016 Dhiruben Patel receiving Bal Sahitya Puraskar from Eli Ahmed receiving Bal Sahitya Puraskar from Viswanath Prasad Tiwari Viswanath Prasad Tiwari something that gives such entities their to-day life. The missionaries started the schools language. Industrialization is a big curse for in India as they were aware that the language a united family which affected old age and can get them near to the people. The children children. The Indian literature promotes a literature is having compulsions, it delivers united family. with a commitment. The literature should be The honors were bestowed upon the enjoyable to child at the same time it should awardees in 24 languages. be educative. The children language should Chandrakant Sheth, a renowned Gujarati be lucrative. The task, therefore, is performed writer, was the chief guest at the function. by the genius who is sitting here today. He He said that a child is the human form of also distinguished children literature as a God. A child language has a different form foundation for the adult literature. which is free of any malign, pollution etc. He Dr K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, proposed called Krishna leela as a main source of child the vote of thanks, elaborated the programmes language. The panchatantra and Ram Charit to be held 15-16 November 2015 and appealed Manas, the epics, also depicts the children the audience to attend all the programmes. literature. It has a unique importance in day-

Writers’ Meet

The writers meet was arranged on second day democratic. The children language is different of the function in which all the award winning and unique from all the languages that exist writers kept their word before the audience. in our country. It does not differ with state, The meet was chaired by Sitanshu region or province. Therefore, the children Yashaschandra, Convener, Gujarati Advisory literature should be worshiped and not Board of Sahitya Akademi. He proclaimed that hypocrite. The language is the bridge between India is a diversified country. It has many various cultures and regions in India which languages and different cultures but still plays a very important role in bringing them

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 59 in their mother tongue. They do not know how to speak but gradually begin to speak. We should be careful in this respect. It is desirable not to pronounce words incorrectly, not to speak words inappropriate. Children are imaginative and inquisitive. The writers for the children should take up the job with great responsibility. Language, literature, art and culture are identities of one’s own motherland. It is always better that children learn the language of a country other than their own. They should be acquainted with Dr K. Sreenivasarao and the language-literature, art and culture of other countries. together. In childhood, the children should Kartik Ghosh (Bengali): The children hear the folk tales which are the roots of our literature had taken a big area in the Bengali civilization. There should be simplicity while literature. All Bengali litterateurs such as designing a children language that should be Rabindranath Tagore to Upendrakishore a prime goal of an adult literature. Kabir, a Rouchoudhry has written for children in pioneer of Indian literature has also followed Bengali. All them have engraved for younger the rule of simplicity while writing the dohas. with the pen of gold. I have ordinary ‘’ He called it as a Saral Baat. The Indian pen and no to say. children should not be influenced by the western Tiren (Boro): An expression of thoughts culture which is a big challenge today. He in the form words is known as literature. But firmly believed that any writing should not the thoughts should be acceptable by one and be fore grounded. all. A research on a subject to throw a light The abstract from the awardees speech is on certain topics is the literary work which given below: is helpful to society and country. Initially the Eli Ahmed (Assamese): All the races and thoughts were expressed through poems and communities have their own languages. later it form literature by adding and Children first listen to songs, stories, lullabies essays. A meaningful word expresses a thought. Tarachand Kalandri (Dogri) : He narrated the sequential events which encouraged him to become a litterateur. He wrote his first book in 2010 and has written more than 100 children poems. Sowmya Rajendran (English): She said that we are no longer in a world where children can afford to be silent. They must speak, they must ask, and they must never be quiet. She shared her experience what inspired her to write Mayil (the award winning book) along with co-writer Niveditha. Janardan Hegde speaking at the Writers’ Meet Sherjung Garg (Hindi): In present age

60 / Annual Report 2015–2016 there is lot of literature present for children. The attractive covers and illustrations attract children to read the books which is a positive sign. The children literature is not only read children but also by young and adults which is its added specialization. Today’s children are under the influence of terrorism, violence, and misunderstanding. Though diversified nations, the human thoughts are unique. A litterateur should accept the responsibility to destroy the agony, intolerance and violence amongst the society. The literature should firmly stick to its trueness, protect the human values and Nayeem Kashmiri speaking at the Writers’ Meet spread the affection. T.S. Nagaraja Shetty (Kannada): A juvenile described a writer as a flower opens its petals literature is the fruit of human culture. The and spreads fragrance around, without its modern literature is like a tree where children’s knowledge. A tiny drop of the sweet nectar literature is like the sprout and flower without emerges in its heart, that too without the which tree is barren. UNICEF has expressed conscious control of the flower. A writer too that in the future decades, if people want to is born naturally as a result of the various live in peace and prosperity, children’s literature influences around him and the natural traits is the only way that will lead them to the in his inner soul. But once he become writer, right path and gives satisfaction to the mind. he should have a great dream, to become the Healthy development in children can occur best, the most excellent. Today’s children are only through literature. demanding, they want to be successful. They Ramnath G. Gawde (Konkani): The expect new ideas, new dreams, new knowledge received its first short story and exciting wisdom to guide them in their which was a translation work from Sanskrit struggle for existence and success. The tragedy language. We wrote on the lines of Ramayana, is that many children’s writers are outmodelled, , Panchatantra etc. We should whereas most children are gifted with more write that much solid literature for children knowledge than the writers. also. Today’s children prefer to surf internet Thochom Thouyangba Meitei (Manipuri): rather to read. We should bring an interesting literature to get the reading habit back. The children don’t get that tradition, culture what it was there in ancient period. Ramdeo Jha (Maithili): A child is first taught to speak, then he develops the strength of knowing language, meanings and reads different books. If he gets entertaining books, the reading habit develops in him. To cater the interest of children there is a need to bring out the books of health, education and fascinating children literature. N. Sivadasa (Malayalam): He beautifully Kartik Ghosh speaking at the Writers’ Meet

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 61 He gave a brief history of Manipuri literature. Sukhdev Madpuri (Punjabi): He got Many writers wrote down and left the story inspired to write children literature by hearing of the creation of our earth and of many lullaby, folk tales. Initially he started reading traditions we preserve and follow today. These children literature in Urdu language. While manuscripts are called puyas. But not every in teaching profession, he experience children Meitei (Manipuri) today can read these valuable thoughts very minutely. He published his first puyas and those interested are called amaiba, children book in 1956 and continued writing who work with the rituals of the gods and since then. A foundation is laid in man kind spirits, can read them. His stories are usually since his childhood. A thinker and philosopher folk tales written for young and old generations. child’s intellectual and mental strength develops One should write children literature that is through literature. A fine literature helps child enjoyable and encouraging. This will develop to test his life. interest in children to read and make them Krishnakumar ‘Aashu’ (Rajasthani): He strong foundations of our communities. believes that lot of work is left to be done Mukti Upadhyay (Nepali): He reiterated to promote children literature in Rajasthan. that earth is blessed with the alluring beauty A child should know his heritage, surroundings of mother nature. Nature and life are in perfect etc. and also the big challenge of Environment, harmony with each other. The last creature water scarcity and children education. The evolved in the earth is human being. The parents always think that his child should be amazing gift of nature is the human brain at upfront of any race. While explaining him which has infinite power of thinking. Human the importance of science and technology he brain is always wandering, thinking and should also develop the habit of reading knowing, scrutinizing and testing, inquisitive literature in child. yet interested. This interest has lead to many Janardhan Hegde (Sanskrit): He worried fold talents and one such is children literature. that children literature in Sanskrit language It develops in womb, lullabies, cradle songs, is vanishing day-by-day as compared to other songs during feeding and sleeping etc. The contemporary Indian languages. The main rich heritage and the immense treasure of cause is lack of dailies and weekly magazines. knowledge possessed by mankind must be The Sanskrit reader is also on decline as he provided to the children to answer their is spread in pockets and lacks inquisitive nature. intercommunication. The lack of information Snehalata Mohanty (Odia): She said that about children literature in Sanskrit is also one the present trend does not show a positive of the reasons. approach. The future of children literature is Srikanta Saren (Santali): He considered not bright. Most of the parents prefer to send that if a writer wants to succeed, to remain their children to English medium schools. as a good writer for a long period, one has They give more importance to dance, singing to continuously learn, innovate, to navigate and drawing than to encourage their children in unknown unfamiliar terrains of literature to go for reading stories, essays or poems. and knowledge. Today’s children are There is no demand for children literature demanding. They expect new ideas, dreams today as they lack to grasp the moral values and exciting wisdom to guide them in their or derive the theme. A writer has to mix with struggle for existence and success. The striking children to produce qualitative children features of children literature must be on literature. rhymes through which a child can be captivated.

62 / Annual Report 2015–2016 The literature is such a branch of knowledge which cannot be measured in a nutshell. Jetho Lalwani (Sindhi): He said that children literature is a foundation of society, country and language. It is a mirror of time. The children literature developed after independence. It became more interesting, entertaining and modern. We can called it a complete literature in present time. A writer has to become a child to write children literature. He has to enter the fantasy world of a child. The modern children literature is more repetitive due to lack of reading. Sella Ganapathy speaking at the Writers’ Meet Sella Ganapathy (Tamil): He firmly believes Children’s stories teach all these values. They that any children literature will be successful provide a trail run of life’s possibilities. They only when it deals with things that the children also transmit the accumulated wisdom, and like. He calls Kulandai Kavignar Ala. Valliappa, value of our culture. The good children stories a giant in the Tamil Children Literary field must be powerful, imaginative and memorable. who induced many writers to write only for They resonate with readers of all ages and have children. The writer for children have an a lasting and profound impact. The literature important task to lead the children with has got immense power to change people. responsibility and pleasing manners. The child Bano Sartaj (Urdu): She follows the should realize the importance of studying in principle of her guru Shripat Rai who taught mother tongue. Because of the influence of her to write in Urdu, Hindi, on children but TV and other media, the reading habit among to be dedicated towards writing. She believes children has vanished. Without reading, their that writing for children is a Hercules task. knowledge will not widen and ability will not A writer should have to behave like a child improve. He appealed all the children writers to write children literature. The first target to try to do something to cultivate the reading for every pupil is to make his child a good habit among children. human being. The ratio of discourse and Chokkapu Venkata Ramana (Telugu): He entertainment in children literature should be said that story telling is foundation to children 5% and 95% respectively. There should be literature. The elder age writers are writing dramatization method to attract child towards children literature but young writers are not literature. A child’s mentality is just like a showing interest in this field. To encourage philosopher, who has a taste for every sort writers to write children literature, he conducts of knowledge, who is curious to learn and story telling workshops. Our children literature is never satisfied. should maintain international standards. To The meet concluded with a vote of thanks lead life safely, it is necessary to have human delivered by Krishna Kimbahune, Regional values like compassion, humanity, human Secretary, Sahitya Akademi. relations, truth, love, courage, peace etc.

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 63 Seminar on Writing for Children Literature: The New Challenges

Sahitya Akademi, on the occasion of Bal children literature has to face an uphill task Sahitya Puraskar function, organized a seminar of remaining afloat in the field. Sane Guruji on Writing for Children with focus on has always written for children therefore challenges in producing children’s literature devalued. He firmly opined that Cinderella on November 15-16, 2015 at Mumbai. In tale is originally an Indian tale exported to the inaugural session, Dr K. Sreenivasarao, Europe. Panchtantra tales are translated in Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, welcomed the Prakrit and modern languages which is a great awardees, participants of seminar, dignitaries Indian heritage but not put forward in a and media and spoke briefly about various modern perspective which is a big challenge challenges before the writers of children’s for contemporary Indian writer. He also literature. Dr Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, highlighted the opinion that Indian education President, Sahitya Akademi, while presiding system neglects Children Literature. He also over the inaugural session of the seminar, believed that print capitalism lives and dies derived that children’s literature should be but oral literature is immortal. The inaugural popularized for which young writers should session was decorated with the recitation of come forward and accept the challenge of poems by Ano Brahma, a Bodo poet who writing this genre. We should always think recited The Sands of Magnet, Music is nearing of writing in a simplified manner so that it (in English translation) and Everlasting (in can reach a child. A child has a great sense Bodo). Raksha Dave, a senior Gujarati poet, of imagination and therefore, it is a big sung her poems like Kaun Khae Kaun Khele, challenge for a writer for children to reach He Din Din Bajata Hai in a very childish that imaginary level and write. Bhalchandra manner. Pratyush Guleri, a Hindi poet recited Nemade, Convener, Marathi Advisory Board, Yeh Mere Papa Ka Ghar Hai, Chandamama Sahitya Akademi was the chief guest of the hame bulana, Hum the bhai chhote chhote. session. He observed that a writer who writes H.S. Byakod, a Kannada poet, recited Putta (in Kannada) and Bird and Sun (in English). Another poet from Konkani, Nayana Adarkar recited Ho Pakho (in Konkani), Maa Tumhare Bachpan Mein, Itwar, Adbhut Baaten (in Hindi). Sayyad Sallahuddin, a Marathi Poet from rural Maharashtra recited Hamare Gaon Mein Thi Ek Hira , Aisa Din Aayega Kya Bol Na Naani?, Ek Gaon Paani Ke Vaaste Chand Par Gaya. The session was Participants of the seminar on children’s literature summed up with vote of

64 / Annual Report 2015–2016 thanks by Renu Mohan Bhan, Deputy turn influences the children to adopt the Secretary, Sahitya Akademi. same. Anant Bhave, the chair, recited a children On 16.11.2015, the second day of the poem in a very childlike manner to sum up seminar, Krishna Kimbahune, Regional the session. The second session was chaired Secretary, welcomed the audience and by renowned Bengali scholar Amarendra participants and invited the chair and paper Chakraborty. He observed that the parents and readers of the first session. This session was guide of a child is responsible for his habits chaired by Anant Bhave, an eminent Marathi and field of interest. Harikrishna Pathak, a poet. Rotindranath Goswami from Assamese, Gujarati writer, while presenting his paper on Dinesh Chamola ‘Shailesh’ from Hindi, Palliyara challenges to children literature worried about Sreedharan from Malayalam and Mahavir growing influence of mobiles and televisions Jondhale from Marathi presented their papers. on children mind. An era was there when Anant Bhave opined that writing children there were more books for children than for literature is not considered noble and adults in Gujarati. The solution to develop constructive profession. Rotindranath Goswami the interest of literature in children is to proclaimed that the children literature was conduct the poetry and short stories workshops introduced to by translating for them, motivate them by giving prizes and the Arabian tales. Assamese magazines have rewards. The paper in Gujarati was followed played a vital role for development of children by Manipuri which was presented by literature. He believed that there should be Gurumayum Bijoykumar Sharma. He said a continued process of translating the literature that writing for children is a rewarding field in different languages. If the child does not but hardly any writer shows interest and develop the reading habit the trend will be seriousness. Writing books for children demand followed in the adult generation too in future. skill, technical control and creativity of different Dinesh Chamola through his paper said that level on the part of the writer. It should be a child is a foundation for creating a developed comprehensible, entertaining and good enough to entice them. The writer should know the country. A writer should write in such a way theme, plot and stories appropriate to the that a child should feel his attendance in a children of various stages. The major difficulty book while reading. A literature should inspires in writing for children in a state like Manipur a child to face the challenges of life. Palliyara is choosing the right subject matter which Sreedharan while presenting his paper described will draw their attention and solicit the ‘negligence’ as a biggest threat in Malayalam emotional response of the young readers. literature. The writer avoids the children writing Third session was poets meet chaired by as he does not get due recognition. The elders Sitanshu Yashaschandra. The poets recited should give full attention towards a child. some of their children compositions. The Some ideal biographies can be given to him participants includes (Gujarati), at this stage so that such stories will help very Jameer Ansari (Kashmiri), Kiran Mhambre much to build a very good character influenced (Konkani), Dnyanada Asolkar (Marathi), by the life of those characters. Mahavir Jondhale Kamaljeet Nilon (Punjabi), Deendayal Sharma stressed the need of developing reading habit (Rajasthani), Indermohan Singh (Sanskrit), in a child. A parent should decide the good Hundraj Balwani (Sindhi)andT. Vedanta Sury reading stuff for a child. A child should be (Telugu). Krishna Kimbahune, proposed the connected to the nature and animals. We vote of thanks and thanked the audience for should adopt the reading culture which in passionately attending all the sessions.

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 65 PRESENTATION OF YUVA PURASKAR

Winners of Yuva Puraskar with Sri Vishwas Patil, Chief Guest, President, Vice President and Secretary of Sahitya Akademi

Sahitya Akademi organized its Yuva Puraskar the countries and India cannot be an exception. and Young Writers’ Festival at the Triveni Kala He stated that in the digital era in which we Sangam in New Delhi on November 18-20, are living it is essential to guide the youth 2015. to read and introspect and encourage them In the Awards Presentation Ceremony, Dr in all the fields. K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, In his Presidential address, Dr Vishwanath welcomed the awardees, participants of the Prasad Tiwari, President, Sahitya Akademi, festival, dignitaries and media and briefly spoke congratulated the award winners and observed about the value and importance of young that young writers give hope that the future people for a country. He highlighted that is in safe hands. He stated that the young young people are the drivers of change in all inspire, awaken and help in bringing about change and freshness. Sri Vishwas Patil was the chief guest of the ceremony and presented the awards. Dr Chandrashekhara Kambar, Vice President, Sahitya Akademi, delivered the concluding remarks and he traced his own life’s journey as a writer and expressed hope that each one of young writers would charter an illustrious journey for themselves. The winners of Yuva Puraskar are: Mridul Haloi (Assamese) Sudip Chakraborty (Bengali) Vishwas Patil delivering the keynote address Leben Lal Mwshahary (Bodo)

66 / Annual Report 2015–2016 Sandeep ‘Sufi’ (Dogri) Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar (English) Rajesh Vankar (Gujarati) Indira Dangi (Hindi) Mounesh Badiger (Kannda) Shrinisha Naik (Konkani) Narayan Jha (Maithili) Aryambika (Malayalam) Angom Sarita Devi (Manipuri) Veera Rathod (Marathi) Sapan Pradhan (Nepali) Sujit Kumar Panda (Odia) Simran Dhaliwal (Punjabi) Simran Dhaliwal receiving Yuva Puraskar from Viswanath Prasad Tiwari Ritupriya (Rajasthani) Rushiraj Jani (Sanskrit) Chandrakanta inaugurated the festival. Suchira Hansda (Santali) Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, President, Sahitya Manoj Chawla ‘Tanha’ (Sindhi) Akademi presided the session. Alakesh Kalita S. Veerapandiyan (Tamil) (Assamese), Prmila Manhas (Dogri), Pasunoori Ravinder (Telugu) Achyutanad Mishra (Hindi), Haris Rashid Ameer Imam (Urdu) (Kashmiri), Chongtham Deepu Singh (Manipuri), Anpa Marndi (Santali), Aruna Awardees’ Meet Naradabhatla (Telugu) and Jatinder Parwaaz (Urdu) presented their papers. As part of Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar, The Young Writers’ Festival began with the Awardees’ meet was held on 19 November a session ‘Why do I write?’ The session was 2015 at Sahitya Akademi auditorium, Rabindra moderated by Ms. Humra Quraishi, well- Bhawan, New Delhi. Dr. Chandrashekhara known author and journalist. Four noted Kambar, Vice President, Sahita Akademi chaired scholars, Raka Dasgupta (Bengali), Upasana the meet. All the awardees shared theri Nrav (Hindi), Remya Sanjeev (Malayalam) experiences increative writing. Some of the and Nitin Rindhe (Marathi), participated in awardees also spoke onwhy they write, the discussion. In her introductory address, influences on their writing etc.

Avishkar: Young Writers’ Festival

A part of Yova Puraskar, Sahitya Akademi organised a two day All India Young Writers’ Meet under the platform Avishkar oin 19-20 November 2015 at Sahitya Akademi auditorium, Rabindra Bhawan, New Delhi. In the inaugural session Dr. K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary Sahitya Akademi welcomed the participants and audience and spoke briefly about the purpose of organising Chandrasekhar Kambar garlanding such meets. Eminent Hindi writer Pasunoori Ravinder

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 67 Ms. Humra Quraishi observed that writing now famous essay, ‘Why I write?’ - 1. Sheer is a personal act, there is no particular formula egoism—one wants to be remembered even on how to write and one tends to put down after death, 2. Aesthetic enthusiasm—wanting into writing what one’s mind dwells upon to portray the beauty of the external world, most. She stated that what one writes also 3. Desire to be remembered by posterity and depends upon where one is and what one is 4. Political purpose—no writing is a-political. going through. Raka Dasgupta observed that What we write what we don’t write is political. writing is essentially an intimate conversation Nitin Rindhe stated that he is a reader first with her own self and wondered whether her and the writer next and added that reading creations have their own mind. She dwelt upon is a form of writing. He elaborated that when her experiences to highlight such a possibility we read a work of another person, we often and stated that writing gives one the pleasure feel our experiences, emotions and start to of communicating and connecting and felt that think on the lines of the creator. So, in a sense, resonance of this type binds the writer and according to him, reader and the writer are reader in a highly pleasurable and yet equal and a writer, after all, tries to explore inextricable way. Upasana Nirav stated that the possibilities in the world around him or whatever one observes, one writes and added her. In her concluding remarks, Ms. Humra that without a sense of discontent it may not Quraishi stressed on the importance on writing be possible to write. She highlighted the and highlighted some of the tools which unleash possibility of recalling as a primary value of one’s emotions. She stated that parents and any written work and dwelt upon the potency teachers should encourage every child to write of a work to touch the heart of a reader. She and opined that diary writing can be introduced recited a poem of and in schools, colleges and even in jails. also quoted Premchand to drive home her The second session of the Young Writers’ point. Remya Sanjeev stated that a writer Festival was devoted to story reading and was writes to leave footprints and added that she moderated by Rahul Saini. Noted fiction writers exists through her writings. She quoted the Sri Sunder Chand Thakur (Hindi) and Sri four reasons given by George Orwell in his Shubhranshu Panda (Odia) read out their

68 / Annual Report 2015–2016 stories in the session. The session started with Maithili poems “Stree Hai Ya Machine,” “Main a brief discussion on whether the thought Kaun Hoon Tumhari,” “Bhookh,” “Pardes” involved in the story or the language in which etc., Basudeo Pulami recited Nepali poems it is expressed is important. Sunder Chand “Pitaji Ka Chehra,” and “Eklavya Ka mantra,” Thakur read out his story “Manushya Kutta Dr. Gursevak Lambi recited his Punjabi poems, Nahin Hai” and Shubrangshu Panda presented Om Nagar recited his Rajasthani poems “Prem his story, “Colonel Ki Maut.” Both were well Ka Sahi Sahi Naap,” “Apni-Apni Chintaayein,” received by the audience. etc., Paramba Shri Yogmaya recited her Sanskrit The third session of the Young Writers’ poems, “Sneh Akhand or love is Infinite,” Festival was devoted to poetry recitation and “Sahishnuta or Tolerance,” “Prithvi or I am was chaired by eminent poet Sri Arun Kamal. the Earth” and Sunita Mohinani recited her In the session nine young and noted poets Sindhi poems” Tanha” and “Ek Toofan Se.” recited their compositions. Buddheswar Boro In his concluding remarks, Dr Vishwanath recited his poems - translated from Bodo Prasad Tiwari, observed that neither he nor called, “Aye Mere Dil,” Kuldeep Karia recited his contemporary poets wrote such beautiful his Gujarati poems, Dr. Jyoti Chawla recited poems when they were young. He congratulated Hindi poems “Jhoot Bolti Ladkyaan” and the young writers and poets for winning the “Samajhdaro Ki Duniya Mein Maa Moorkh Yuva Puraskar and thanked the public for their Hoti Hai,” Deep Narayan Vidyarthi recited whole-hearted support.

BHASHA SAMMAN PRESENTATION CEREMONY

16 August 2015, Coimbatore Classical and Medieval Literature apart from their stellar roles in enriching the literature Sahitya Akademi conferred Bhasha Samman in minor languages and dialects on August on eminent scholars from around India for 16, 2015 at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in their outstanding contribution and research in Coimbatore.

Bhasha Samman Award Winners with Chandrasekhar Kambar and K. Sreenivasarao

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 69 Dr K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya medieval literature act as bridges between the Akademi, welcomed the dignitaries, the Award hoary past and troublesome present while winners, scholars and writers who had minor languages and unwritten dialects hold assembled for the function, and media key to numerous secrets hidden from view. personalities. Dr Sreenivasarao explained in Satyabati Giri, one of the recipients of the brief about Bhasha Samman and Sahitya award from , recalled: “My Akademi’s various initiatives in promoting consciousness regarding the immense wealth research into ancient and medieval literature of the pre-modern period of and also in the preservation and promotion was awakened at a time when I was a girl. of minor languages and dialects. Later, I came across the oral literature being Dr Chandrashekhar Kambar, Vice in the university curriculum on the title medieval President, Sahitya Akademi, in his speech said literature, a signature mark of subaltern life, “The history of languages has a direct link which receives far less importance and space with the evolution of man. Thus history plays than the literary efforts of the so called elite a vital role in the development of any language. class.” Munishwar Jha from , a veteran Man creates history and, in turn, history scholar in Sanskrit, Prakrit, Apabhramsha, recreates man and language develops with the Maithili, Hindi, English, Bengali and French, development of man. In order to recognize noted: “I have treasured my mother tongue the contribution of individual scholars towards as the language of my instinct. I firmly believe the development of their respective languages that the usage of the mother tongue for in India, Sahitya Akademi instituted the Bhasha expressing one’s feeling is instinctive in nature Samman award in 1996 and has been and the knowledge of languages other than recognizing noted scholars since then. And the the mother tongue empowers the speaker in recipients of this prestigious award today are storing ideas and communicating them to undoubtedly the pride of our nation” others”. Arak Megu from , Dr Sreenivasarao read out the citation and another recipient of the Basha Samman recalled: Dr Chandrashekhar Kambar presented the “It was in an excursion during my college days, Awards. Those who received Bhasha Samman I came to know that my forefathers had are imported some essential articles from Tibet Dr K. Meenakshisundaram, Acharya via the areas Bori and Ashing before the Ahom Munishwar Jha, Dr. Satyabati Giri and Dr rule and the British annexation of Assam. It Jaspal Singh [for their outstanding ignited my passion to dig deep into the history contributions to Classical and medieval to know their cultural and literary aspects.” literature]; Sri Charu Chandra Pande and Sri K.Meenakshi from Coimbatore, Mathuradutt Mathpal [for their valuable , on whom the Bhasha Samman contributions to the enrichment of Kumauni was conferred for his research into classical language]; Sri Tagang Taki and Sri Arak Megu and medieval literary pieces in Tamil, averred: [for their valuable contributions to Adi] and “’s glory is no more confined Sri Vasant Nirgune [for his contribution to to territorial boundaries alone. It has reached Bhili, the languages not recognized by the new horizons. Today, it is recognized as a very Akademi] old yet a living modern language due to its Dr , eminent Tamil great literary heritage.” Prof K. Nachimuthu, writer and poet, offered felicitations to all the Convener, Tamil Advisory Board, Sahitya award winners and observed that ancient and Akademi, proposed a vote of thanks.

70 / Annual Report 2015–2016 AKADEMI FELLOWSHIP PRESENTATION FUNCTIONS Fellowship Presentation to Dr. S.L. Bhyrappa, eminent Kannada writer, followed by Samvad Programme

Sahitya Akademi organized the conferment of C. Narayana Reddy. Now Sahitya Akademi Fellowship programme on Sunday, 5 July 2015 has immense pride in presenting its highest at the seminar hall of Bengaluru University honour to Dr. S.L.Bhyrappa, a household at 3 pm. name in India as a novelist. Then he requested Dr. K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Dr. Narahalli Balasubramanya to chair the Akademi had delivered welcome address where ‘Samvad’ session, also extended welcome to he gave a brief introduction about the the speakers, Dr. I.N.Choudhuri, Dr. R.Ganesh, Fellowship to immortal Indian Writers. Dr.Ajakkala Girish Bhat, Dr. Pradhan Gurudatta Fellowship is the highest honour bestowed to and Prof. S. Ramaswamy. stalwarts of Indian Literature being elected by The first speaker was Dr. Shatavadhani R. the General Council of the Akademi. And Ganesh who is a scholar in Sanskrit and the living fellows limited to 21 only at any Kannada. He described Bhyrappa’s writing as time. The General Council assembled on pursuit of excellence which is the hallmark of 9 March 2015 elected two doyens of modern his novels. Calling Bhyrappa as a haunting Indian Literature. Dr. S.L.Bhyrappa and Dr. writer, he said that each of his characters has

President and Vice President of Sahitya Akademi confer fellowship on Dr. S.L. Bhyrappa

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 71 gone through ‘ Divya’ . Ganesh quoted chairperson’s remarks opined that Katha is the Sanskrit and Kannada phrases to highlight the main feature of Indian tradition and that author’s creations in a unique style. Further Bhyrappa is the best representative of the he added that Bhyrappa’s pre-occupation is tradition. His novels played a major role in the metamorphosis of values. The fact is that our life. Bhyrappa as a student of philosophy most of his novels have been translated into has portrayed many significant aspects of many Indian languages, including Sanskrit, philosophy in his famous novel Vamsha Vriksha. lauded author’s significance as a major novelist His novels take us to a long a long journey in Indian Literature, since he has a gripping in literature and life which have been ignored way of story telling. by critics by just calling him as a popular Dr. Ajakkal Girish Bhat, young critic who writer. In modern times he is as important spoke next called Bhyrappa as a gifted writer as UR Ananthamurthy, Devanuru Mahadeva and said that he had met many non-Kannada and Kambar for , he scholars who are familiar with Bhyrappa’s concluded. works through translation opined that he is Following the Samvad, conferring the a unique novelist of great calibre. fellowship to Bhyrappa began with grand Professor Indira Nath Choudhuri, eminent applause of his admirers. Scholar and former Secretary of Sahitya At the outset, Dr. K.S. Rao, Secretary read Akademi felicitated Dr. S.L.Bhyrappa as a the citation, wherein Bhyrappa was referred ‘legendary writer of present era’. Looking at to as ‘A Living Literary Legend’. He also Bhyrappaji, he said ‘Sir, Please laugh, otherwise credited him as the best selling author of India at this happiest moment your look seems so and as a writer whose fiction is a remarkable serious’, he said in a gentle way for which combination of Literature, Aesthetics, author responded with a smile. philosophy and music. He also stated that Dr. Pradhan Gurudatt, well known Bhyrappa is indeed a Natural Writer in the translator in his presentation, vividly described best sense of the term, there is no major official the writer as next to Rabindranath Tagore and Indian Language into which he has not been Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay as a pan translated. Then the Fellowship was conferred Indian Writer. He added that his long lasting on Bhyrappa by the President of Akademi, novels, has portrayed the sanctity of experiences Dr.Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari once again he and an new meaning of human life Bhyrappa’s was greeted by the audience with a loud writings have no decay or death because of applause. its tremendous worldview, he concluded. Dr. Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, the President Dr. Ramaswamy S. who has translated of the Akademi then in his Presidential Address major novels of Bhyrappa into English and said that it is a well deserved honour for a wellknown English teacher spoke at a length Bhyrappaji to whom all over India readers, about significant novels of the author including admirers are there. He further elaborated and Vamshavriksha, which written 5 decades ago. called him ‘Hindi Writer’ as far Hindi speaking Further he said it is matter of pride that area is concerned. He concluded his speech Bhyrappa is a household name in North India with calling ‘Bhyrappa is a Worldclass novelist through his translations and whole India of our time’. accepted him as one of the immortal novelists In his acceptance speech, Bhyrappa thanked of the modern age. Akademi, the highest literary body of the Dr. Narahalli Balasubramanya, in his nation and its President for this gesture. He

72 / Annual Report 2015–2016 profusely thanked all his readers and admirers for example novel like ‘Mandra’. who assembled in the venue. Further he said Dr. Chandrashekhar Kambar, Vice that his study of both Indian and western President, in his concluding remarks shared Philosophy helped him to search the roots of his long association with Dr. S.L.Bhyrappa and Indian Cultural ethics and values. He believed how it benefitted him to emerge as an that the recognition bestowed him because of outstanding writer. It was indeed a day of his experience of the whole of this country pride for Kannadigas as their favourite author and his writing is a process of exposing the has been honoured in Bengaluru by Sahitya shared culture, shared history and shared ethics. Akademi and remain as a memorable event He quoted several instances of his experience to everybody. He finally thanked everybody in Indian Villages in North India, , who stand with Akademi to honour Bhyrappaj Maharashtra and naturally his home state and concluded with these words. “ Bhyrappa’s Karnataka where he learnt common man’s life commitment to Indian Languages and writing genuinely which could be seen in his writings is astonishing and unique in nature”

Fellowship Presentation to Dr. C. Narayana Reddy, eminent Telugu poet, followed by Samvad programme

Sahitya Akademi had organised the programme 2015 at the Main Hall of Rabindra Bharathi, Fellowship Presentation to Dr. C. Narayana at 6.00 pm. Reddy, Eminent Telugu Writer followed by Dr. K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya the Samvad programme on Monday 6th July Akademi delivered welcome address and read

Sri Narayana Reddy receives Sahitya Akademi Fellowship from Dr. K.S. Rao, Prof. Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, Dr. N. Gopi

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 73 the citation. The Akademi’s prestigious the language, as an impressive orator and as Fellowship was conferred to Dr. C. Narayana an outstanding writer in . Reddy by Dr. Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, Renowned as a poet, essayist, playwright, and President, Sahitya Akademi and he had also critic who has vastly enriched the cultural, delivered the Presidential Address. Dr. C. pedagogical and literary spheres of Telugu and Narayana Reddy after having received the Indian literature. Hence, Sahitya Akademi takes Fellowship had read his acceptance speech. Dr. immense pride in bestowing its highest honour N. Gopi, Convener, Sahitya Akademi’s Telugu of the Fellowship on Dr. C. Narayana Reddy. Advisory Board was present during the He requested the President, Sahitya Akademi Fellowship presentation and also had chaired to confer the Fellowship on Dr. C. Narayana the Samvad programme. Well-known Telugu Reddy. writers and critics Dr. M. Sujatha Reddy, Prof. Dr. Viswanath Prasad Tiwari, President R. Vasunandan and Dr. . Nityananda Rao conferred the Fellowship on Dr. C. Narayana had participated in the Samvad programme. Reddy by presenting him a memento of In his welcome address, Dr. K. engraved copper plaque and a shawl and Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, had delivered his Presidential address. He said that welcomed Dr. C. Narayana Reddy, Dr. Dr. C. Narayana Reddy is a great poet who Vishwanatha Prasad Tiwari, President, Sahitya took the progressive humanism to the Akademi, Dr. N. Gopi, Convener, Telugu culmination point of the Telugu literary world. Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, Dr. M. His writings have influenced all genres of the Sujatha Reddy, Prof. R. Vasunandan and Dr. Telugu literature, creative minds and the Y. Nityananda rao and the audience too for populace. He has left no stone unturned in this august occasion. Also he introduced the his multifaceted endeavours. His poetry stands participating writers to the audience. testimony to his humanitarian concerns. Of He gave a brief introduction of the aim his creative endeavours, his poetry reflects of conferring Sahitya Akademi’s Fellowship to humanity and carries a universal message of an outstanding Indian writer. Fellowship is the humanism and has been considered the highest honour being conferred by the Akademi paramount among all other writings by him. on a writer is by electing him/her as its Fellow. Apropos he got the for his The honour is reserved for the immortals of Telugu poetry collection Vishwambara. literature and limited to twenty-one only at Dr. C. Narayana Reddy, having received any given time. For the year 2014, Dr. C. the award, conveyed his heartfelt greetings and Narayana Reddy, eminent Telugu writer and thanks to the esteemed dignitaries on the dais Dr. S.L. Bhyrappa, eminent Kannada writer Dr. Viswanath Prasad Tiwari, President, Sahitya were elected as Fellows. Akademi, Dr. K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, After the welcome address, he read out Sahitya Akademi, Dr. N. Gopi, Convener, the citation which highlighted very important Telugu Advisory Board, and the learned invitees biographical details and achievements of Dr. Dr. R. Vasunandan, Prof. Y. Nityananda Rao C. Narayana Reddy. He pointed out that Dr. and Dr. M. Sujatha Reddy and also the members C. Narayana Reddy is a truly multi-faceted of the audience. personality whose creative genius spans many In his acceptance speech, he said that this fields of human endeavour. He has excelled is indeed a delightful occasion with literary as an educationist and administrator, as a aroma on the dais pervading all around here. popular lyricist with a musical command of Every event organised by the Akademi will

74 / Annual Report 2015–2016 Prof. Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari delivering his presidential address be distinctive for its perception and Samatha Naa Bhasha performance. I have been assiduously following (Equality is My Tongue) the programmes of the Akademi including Kavitha Naa Swaasa seminars, workshops, publications, awards etc.. (Poetry is My Breath) I reminisce the day I received the Akademi Award for my poetry collection Mantalu The Fellowship Presentation was followed Maanavudu (Flames and the Man). by the Samvad programme. Prof. N. Gopi had I regard today’s Fellowship Presentation chaired the Samvad Session. He appreciated by all means as a significant recognition of the manifold nature of Dr. C. Narayana Reddy’s my lifetime achievement. I take his opportunity life and literary career. Dr. M. Sujatha Reddy, to offer my sincere thanks to one and all Prof. R. Vasunandan and Dr. Y. Nityananda concerned with the Akademi in conferring this rao distinguished Telugu writers and critics honour to me. I construe this honour as one evaluated Dr. C. Narayana Reddy’s unique that belongs to the entire Telugu literary style of writing, polygonal personality and fraternity. Some earnest researchers have enormous contribution to Telugu literature in identified eighteen genres in my works. particular and Indian literature in a larger Nevertheless, basically I am a poet and claim context. The programme concluded with a myself as such in unequivocal terms. I even vote of thanks proposed by Dr. K. Sreenivasarao, called it my breath in a poem. He concluded Secretary, and Sahitya Akademi. He thanked his speech by quoting four lines from one of Dr. C. Narayana Reddy, Dr. Vishwanath Prasad his poems: Tiwari, President, Sahitya Akademi, Dr. N. Nadaka Naa Thalli Gopi, the distinguished invitees, press personnel (Move is My Mother) and the audience for their participation and Parugu Naa Thandri continued support in making the programme (March is My Father) a grand success.

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 75 SEMINARS, SYMPOSIA AND CONVENTIONS

SYMPOSIUM ON CONTRIBUTION OF LITERARY Dr Tanaji Halarnakar, Convener, Konkani MAGAZINES IN THE WESTERN REGIONAL Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, chaired the LANGUAGES session and said that literary magazines play 20 April 2015, Mumbai. valuable role in creative and promotional literature. Sri Krishna Kimbahune, Regional The regional office of Sahitya Akademi at Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, Mumbai, proposed Mumbai organized a symposium on a vote of thanks. Contribution of Literary Magazines in the Sri Gokuldas Prabhu chaired the first Western Regional Languages on April 20, session. Sri Deepak Doshi in Gujarati, Sri 2015 at the Sahitya Akademi Auditorium in Sandesh Prabhudesai in Konkani, Ms. Aruna Mumbai. In the inaugural session, Dr. K. Dubhashi in Marathi and Sri Bansi Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, Khubchandani in Sindhi presented their welcomed the participants and audience. Prof. papers. Sri Gokuldas Prabhu said that literary , Convener, Marathi magazines may play very significant role in Advisory Board, inaugurated the symposium. a writer’s career, and also a crucial role in He said that Marathi, Bengali, Tamil, Assamese the formation of writer in us. Sri Deepak and Malayalam have remarkable tradition of Doshi said that some of the literary journals literary journals. He said that he recently had are as important as books. In the metropolitan attended a seminar on the same subject in life the role of literary magazines is very West Bengal and found that there were above important. Contribution of literary magazines 400 literary magazines published in Bengali. is very significant in the various literary The literary journals establish that the literary movements in Gujarati. Sri Sandesh culture is quite vibrant in a particular language. Prabhudesai said that Konkani faces quite a problem while deciding the number of magazines, for Konkani is written in five different scripts in accordance with the geographical area it is spoken in. He emphasized that electronic writing that is in vogue today could also be considered as contribution to journals. Ms. Aruna Dubhashi said that literary magazines are promoting segment of literature. Simply Prof. Tanaji Halarnakar speaks, L–R: Dr K. Sreenivasarao, magazines and literary Prof. Bhalchandra Nemade, Krishna Kimbahune magazines are different. She

76 / Annual Report 2015–2016 referred to literary magazines that established recognition without literary magazines. Sri the idea of magazine devoted only to literature. Deelip Borkar, editor of Bimb literary magazine Literary magazines provided several critical narrated that struggles even financial in bringing insights into literature. She also referred the out even a small literary magazine. Sri Ram literary magazine i.e., Rangabhoomi that Jagtap traced the history of literary magazine included criticism of theatre. Literary magazines in Marathi and said that in almost every before 1960 in Marathi encouraged the form period a literary magazine contributed of short story, which latter was in the vogue. significant to literary activity in Marathi. Sri All these literary magazines made literary Krishna Kimbahune, Regional Secretary, activity vibrant and brought forth ample of proposed a vote of thanks. writing styles. Sri Bansi Khubchandani said that first literary magazine in Sindhi - SYMPOSIUM ON CRITICISM IN BODO – published in 1890. Most of literary magazines POETRY are published in book form. Jodh literary 10 July 2015, Karbi Anglong, Assam magazine completed 50 years. Literary magazines in Sindhi promoted The regional office of Sahitya Akademi at all over India, and culture through the Kolkata, in association with the Bodo Sahitya literature. Literary magazines in Sindhi helped Sabha, organized a symposium on “Criticism the grow. They have also in Bodo Poetry” at Karbi Anglong on July added to the number of Sindhi readership. 10, 2015. Sri Premananda Machahary, He appreciated that the Akademi recognized Convener, Bodo Advisory Board, Sahitya Sindhi language quiet early, and that Akademi, inaugurated the symposium. Sri encouraged the publication of literary Bhupen Narzary, President, KAD-BSS, magazines. Sri Deelip Jhaveri chaired the delivered the keynote address and Dr Anil second session. Sri Kishore Vyas in Gujarati, Boro, eminent Bodo writer, was the chief Sri Deelip Borkar in Konkani and Sri Ram guest. Sri Nirmal Basumatary, Secretary, KAD- Jagtap in Marathi presented their papers. Sri BSS, compered the session. Sri Toren Boro Deelip Jhaveri said that Marathi literary chaired the session devoted to “Criticism in magazines reflected our own identity. They Bodo Poetry” in which three noted scholars, have helped in maintaining variety in creative Sri Bijoy Baglary, Sri Lankeswar Hainary and literature. All these magazines continuously Sri Rituraj Basumatary, presented papers on made effort to translate literature in one ‘Antaini Okaphwr,’ ‘Udangsriniprai language into others. Sri Kishor Vyas observed Gidingfinanwi’ and ‘Maidangsri of Sri Profulla that above eight hundred literary magazines Basumatary’ respectively. Sri Toren Boro are published in the , and proposed a vote of thanks. they include almost every genre of literature, Sri Aurobinda Uzir chaired the Bodo i.e., prose, poetry, story, novel, play and Poets’ Meet. In the meet, Smt. Nilima Brahma, criticism although linguistic articles. Editors Smt. Sunia Baglary, Sri Dipak Basumatary, Sri of magazines made attempts to identify new Prodip Kr. Brahma, Sri Rajaram Basumatary. talents amongst the writers. All these together Sri Uzir summed up and presented the make a promising sign in Gujarati. He also evaluation of recited poems. Sri Madan observed that as literary magazines cannot be Swargiary proposed a vote of thanks. A brief run without writers, writers also fail to achieve interactive session followed.

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 77 SYMPOSIUM ON BODO POETRY TODAY In the inaugural session, Dr Devendra 11 July 2015, Udalguri, Assam Kumar Devesh, Officer on Special Duty, Sahitya Akademi welcomed the participants, The regional office of Sahitya Akademi at dignitaries and audience. Prof. Khageswar Kolkata, in association with Thunlai Bathwn Mohapatra, Former Director, Academy of Tribal and Department of Bodo, Rawta College, Language and Culture, Odisha, inaugurated organized a daylong symposium on ‘Bodo the convention and talked about the Poetry Today’ at the college premises in importance of tribal languages and oral Udalguri on July 11, 2015. In the inaugural traditions in Ho, Mundari, Kharia, Kui, Santali session, Dr Premananda Machahary, Convener, and Kudukh. Sri Gangadhar Hansdah, Bodo Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, Convener, Santali Advisory Board, Sahitya welcomed the participants and audience. Dr Akademi chaired the session and Dr. Binod Deba Kanta Ramchiary delivered the inaugural Chandra Nayak, an eminent linguistic graced address. Dr Anil Boro, eminent Bodo writer the session as Guest of Honour. Dr. Nayak delivered the keynote address and Sri Gopinath in his address talked about the past and Brahma proposed a vote of thanks. Sri present status of Santali, Ho and Mundari Nareswar Narzary chaired the first session in languages, as well he urged for the upliftment which four noted scholars, Dr. Sunil Phukan of other tribal languages like Kharia, Kui and Basumatary, Sri Rustam Brahma, Dr Chinon Kuduk. Sri Gangadhar Hansdah in his Narzary and Smt. Rashmi presidential address said about the importance Brahma, presented their papers on of such literary programmes. Sri Madan Mohan “ and Post Modernism in Modern Sinen, Member, Santali Advisory Board, Bodo Poetry,” “Existentialism in Bodo poetry,” Sahitya Akademi proposed a vote of thanks. “Psychoanalysis in Modern Bodo Poetry” and In the first session that was chaired by “Feminism in Modern Bodo Poetry” eminent Santali poet, Sri Jadumai Beshra, two respectively. Dr Sunil Phukan Basumatary noted fiction writers, Sri Mangat Murmu chaired the second session in which five noted (Santali) and Sri Jaypal Singh Nayak (Ho), Bodo scholars, Sri Bijoy Baglari, Sri Pranab read out their stories ‘Budaiyah Gira’ (Budai’s Jyoti Narzary, Dr Nareswar Narzary, Dr Tulon Invitation) and ‘Kanka Guru’ respectively, Mushahary and Sri Gopinath Brahma, while the noted poet Sri Sridhar Singh presented their papers on “Sentimentalism in (Mundari) recited his poems ‘Banui Judi’ Modern Bodo Poetry,” “Deconstruction in (Have no lover) and ‘Banuh Landa’ (Laugh Bodo Poetry,” “Folk Elements in Modern no more). All the stories and poems focused Poetry,” “Pure poetry” and “Anti-Poetry” on rural life and travails of rural people. The respectively. stories and poems were summarized in Odia. In the second session that was chaired by Sri Sunil Jena, a renowned Ho poet, Sri BHASHA SAMMELAN Dinabandhu Kandankel recited his poems July 11-12, 2015, Baripada ‘Samaj Dukh’ (Sorrows of Society) and ‘Chetna’ (A call) while Sri Birbal Singh, noted Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi organized a Mundari fiction writer read out his story two-day ‘Adivasi Bhasha Sammelan’ on July ‘Hemal umul’ (Cool shadow) and Sri Gobinda 11-12, 2015 at Baripada. . Majhi (Santali) recited his poems, ‘Atu

78 / Annual Report 2015–2016 L to R - Madan Mohan Soren, Vinod Chandra Nayak, Khageshwar Mohapatra, Gangadhar Hansda and Devendra Kumar Devesh

Dison’(Rural land), ‘Charak Ononhery’ (A poet recited his poems, ‘Hor Hopon’ (The poetry of beauty), ‘Tarasing Bedarey’ (At Human Being) and ‘Hopon Era’ (The Bride), afternoon) and ‘Jati uiharkaty’(Remembering while renowned Kui poet Sri Nirod Chandra a community). The renderings were Kanhar recited his poems, ‘Minka Dina’ (Cry summarized in . of fish) and ‘Kui Kanjadi’ (A hymn to lord In the third session that was chaired by Jagannatha) and well-known short story writer Dr Krushna Ch. Nayak, two noted fiction Sri Rabindra Nath Karundia read out a story writers, Sri Nandalal Singh (Mundari) and ‘Nimir Gapa Kateyakawah Singar’ (The fashion Sri Basir Kiro (Khadia), read out their stories of today’s rat). ‘Rutu kirerg’ (Purchase of a flute) and ‘Chandra’ Sri Mahadev Toppo, eminent Kudukh respectively while Sri Basudev Khalkho critic chaired the valedictory session Sri Madhab (Kudukh) recited his poems ‘Pokh ’ Hansdah and Sri Sharat Ch. Naik spoke about (Like painted snake) and ‘Doble Angle o yang the necessity to preserve and promote tribal kaatha’ (My mother language is great). languages. Sri Sharat Ch. Naik proposed vote In the fourth session that was chaired by of thanks. Dr , noted fiction writer Sri Mangla Khalkho (Kudukh) read out his story ‘Karam Kismait’ (Karam’s Blessings), SYMPOSIUM ON LIFE AND WORKS OF B. while well-known Kui story writer Sri JAYANTAKUMAR SHARMA Dinabandhu Kanhanr read out two of his 16 July 2015, N.G. College, Imphal stories ‘Soru Penu’ (God of Hill) and ‘Budhi Budha Mutu’ (The old man and woman The regional office of Sahitya Akademi at killed) and noted poet Prof Mary S. Soreng Kolkata, in association with the Department (Khadia) recited her poem ‘Bidhaba Aagnesh’ of Manipuri, N.G. College, organized a (Life of a widow). daylong symposium on “Life and Works of In the fifth session that was chaired by B. Jayantakumar Sharma” at the college Dr Rajkishore Nayak, well-known Santali premises in Imphal on July 16, 2015. The

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 79 symposium was compered by Kh. Bishwamitra, a noted Manipuri film-maker. Sri Goutam Paul, officer-in-charge, Sahitya Akademi, Kolkata, welcomed the participants and audience. Dr Y. Momon Devi, Principal, N.G. College chaired the inaugural session. In the chief guest’s speech, Professor H. Behari Singh, Convener, Manipuri Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, discussed on Dr Ramakanta Rath delivering the inaugural address Jayantakumar’s achievements. Dr N. Achouba, Coordinator, NAAC, N.G. inaugurated the seminar. Dr Gourhari Das, College, proposed a vote of thanks. Professor Convener, Odia Advisory Board, Sahitya N. Khagendra Singh chaired the first session. Akademi, delivered the introductory remarks. Sri G. Bijoykumar Sharma presented his paper Sri Ramachandra Behera chaired the session on the life and works of B. Jayantakumar while Sei Satrughna Pandab delivered the Sharma, Professor . Ratankumar on the keynote address and Dr Bijayananda Singh translation works of Jayantakumar Sharma proposed a vote of thanks. Professor Dasharathi and Dr K. Shantibala Devi on the unpublished Das chaired the first session. Sri Phanindra works of Jayantakumar Sharma related to Bhusan Nanda presented a paper on “Kahanikar children literature. The second session was O Rachanakar Bamacharan”, Sri Khirod chaired by Sri Kh. Prakash Singh. Sri Ph. Chandra Behera on “Samasamayika Kathakar Iboyaima Sharma discussed the poetic beauty O Bamacharan” and Sri Pabitra Panigrahi on of his lyrics, Smt. K. Rashmani Devi narrated “Bamacharananka Sahityare Bharatiya his patriotic songs and Dr L. C. Memi Parampara O Mulyabodh.” Dr Jatin Nayak commented on his contribution to oral chaired the second session. Sri Babaji Ch. literature of Manipur. Patnaik presented paper on “Bamacharananka Sahityare Manabatara Charitra”, Sri Banchhanidhi Das on “Bamacharananka Jibana BIRTH CENTENARY S EMINAR ON BAMACHARAN O Tanka Samaya”, Smt Bhagyalipi Malla on MITRA “Chandra O Champa ra Darshanikata” and 19 July 2015, Bhubaneswar Sri Premananda Mahapatra discussed on “Bamacharananka Sahityare Samajachitra”. Sri The regional office Kolkata organized a birth Pitabasa Routray proposed a vote of thanks. centenary seminar on Bamacharan Mitra at the State Archives Conference Hall in Bhubaneswar on July 19, 2015. In the SYMPOSIUM ON VANDAL LITERATURE inaugural session, Sri Mihir Kumar Sahoo, July 22, 2015, Thanjavur Programme Officer, Sahitya Akademi, Kolkata, welcomed the participants and audience. Dr The sub-regional office of Sahitya Akademi Ramakanta Rath, Fellow, Sahitya Akademi, at Chennai organized a daylong symposium

80 / Annual Report 2015–2016 on ‘Vandal Literature’ on July 22, 2015 at Bengaluru, in association with the Department Bharath Arts and Science College in Thanjavur. of Kannada Studies, Central University of In the inaugural session, Sri K.P. Karnataka in Kalaburagi, organized a two-day Radhakrishnan, Officer-in-Charge, Sahitya seminar on ‘Kannada Literature and Nativity’ Akademi, Chennai, welcomed the participants at the University premises on August 6-7, and audience and spoke briefly about the 2015. importance of Vandal literature and the In the inaugural session, Sri S.P. symposium. Prof K. Nachimuthu, Convener, Mahalingeshwar, Regional Secretary, Tamil Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, in Bengaluru, welcomed the participants, his presidential address, talked about the dignitaries and audience and spoke briefly relevance of regional literature and dialects. about various initiatives of the Akademi to He highlighted how the vandal literature is promote Kannada literature. In his the writing of common people and based on introductory address, Dr Vikram Visaji, the Ainthinai classification of Sangam period. Member, Kannada Advisory Board, Sahitya Sri M. Rajendra, Editor, Kanaiyaazhi, talked Akademi, talked about reciprocity of about the inseparability of the language, region regionalism in literature and culture and and literature of Tamil country side literature. unveiled the theme of the Seminar. In his Ms. Punitha Ganesan, Chairman, Bharath inaugural address, Prof Giraddi Govindaraj, Educational Trust, thanked the Akademi for eminent Kannada writer, talked about the hosting the symposium in the college premises. importance and relevance of regional identity In the first session that was chaired by Sri in Kannada literature but observed that Vyakulan who spoke about the creations of imbibing and absorbing other literary, cultural C.M. Muthu, three noted scholars, Sri M. and linguistic traditions would only enrich Govindaraju, Sri K. Jawahar and Sri A.P. nativism rather than replacing it. Prof H.M. Bhalaiyan, presented their papers on ‘Creations Maheshwariah, Vice Chancellor, Central of Sa. Subashchandra Bose,’ ‘Creations of University of Karnataka, chaired the session Solai Sundaraperumal’ and ‘Creations of and urged the scholars and laymen alike to Vaimainathan’ respectively. In the second rediscover native sciences and literature for session that was chaired by Sri N. the betterment of the local communities and Gnandhiraviyam who spoke about creations the country. Dr. Narahalli Balasubramanya, of Su. Tamilselvi, two noted scholars, Ms. Convener, Kannada Advisory Board, Sahitya S. Kalpana and Sri S. Mathavan, presented Akademi, Prof. N. Nagaraj, Registrar, Central their papers on ‘Creations of Pavai Chandran’ University of Karnataka, Prof Shivaganga and ‘Creations of Uttamacholan’ respectively. Rumma, Dean and Head, Kannada Studies Prof Nachimuthu summed up the day’s Department were the Guests of Honour. proceedings. Sri Lenin proposed a vote of In the first session, three eminent Kannada thanks. writers and scholars, Sri H.S. Raghavendra Rao, Sri Nataraj Huliyar and Prof O.L. Nagabhushana Swamy, presented their papers SEMINAR ON KANNADA LITERATURE AND on ‘Kannada Literature - Culture and Native NATIVITY Perception,’ ‘Regional Sensibility and Universal 6-7 August 2015, Kalaburagi Sensibility’ and ‘Limitations and Prospects of Nativity’ respectively. In the second session, The regional office of Sahitya Akademi at Ms. B.N. Bai spoke on the

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 81 reconstruction of regional identities, Sri anniversary of Brajmohan Thakur and birth Ramzan Dara on Vachana literature and centenaries of Upendra Thakur Mohan, regional consciousness and Sri Giridhar Jha Vikal and Paramanand Shastri Chandrashekhara Nangali about metres like at the university premises in Purnea on August Ragale, Shatpadi and Sangatya and their role 8-9, 2015. in evolving of regional identities. In the third In the inaugural session, Dr Devendra session, three noted scholars, Sri Appagere Kumar Devesh, Officer on Special Duty, Somashekhar, Sri Swami Rao Kulkarni and Sahitya Akademi, welcomed the participants Prof O.L. Nagabhushana Swamy presented and dignitaries. Smt. Mridula Mishra, their papers on ‘Tatvapada: An evolution of Chairman, Bihar Land Tribunal, was the Chief Regional Consciousness,’ ‘Notion of Nativity Guest and spoke about uniting the in Keertanegalu’ and ‘Drama and Native communities and traditions through languages Perceptions’ respectively. In the fourth session, and literature and observed that Sahitya three noted scholars, Sri Veeranna Dande, Sri Akademi has been doing this job commendably K.Y. Narayana Swamy and Sri Krishnamurthy for over six decades. In her inaugural address, Hanur, presented their papers on ‘Kannada Dr Bina Thakur, Convener, Maithili Advisory Folk Poetics,’ ‘Nativity in Folk Stories’ and Board, Sahitya Akademi, provided elaborate ‘The Native World Vision in Kannada Folk overview of the presence of culture, history Epics’ respectively. In the fifth session, two and literature in the works of Upendra Thakur noted scholars, Sri S. Nataraja Budalu and Mohan, Giridhar Jha Vikal and Paramanand Sri Amaresh Nugadoni, presented their papers Shastri. The session was chaired by Sri Kamal on ‘Modern : Nationality – Anand, noted journalist and he talked about Internationality- Nativity’ and ‘The Prospects literary connections of Purnea and his closes and Risks of Native Perception in Kannada association with Upendra Thakur Mohan. He Stories’ respectively. observed the literary greats of Purnea and In the valedictory session, Dr Narahalli stated that this seminar will enrich further Balasubramanya chaired and talked about the literary status of Purnea. Sri Virendra dangers of politicizing nativism while Prof Mohan Thakur, Secretary, Vidhi Mahavidyalay, Rajendra Chenni delivered the valedictory proposed vote of thanks. address and talked about the native world In the first session that was chaired by of Kannada novels. Sri Sisir Kumar Jha, two noted scholars, Sri Ramnaresh Singh and Sri Surendranath, presented their papers. Sri Ramnaresh talked SEMINAR ON 125TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF about ‘Karuna Rasa’ in the works of Sri BRAJMOHAN THAKUR AND BIRTH CENTENARIES Upendra Thakur Mohan. Sri Surendranath OF UPENDRA THAKUR MOHAN, GIRIDHAR presented paper on ‘Life and Works of Upendra JHA VIKAL AND PARAMANAND SHASTRI Thakur Mohan.’ In the second and third August 8-9, 2015, Purnea sessions that were chaired by Sri Saket Anand Jha, two noted scholars, Sri Gaurikant Jha Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, in association and Sri Kamal Mohan Thakur, presented their with the Brajmohan Thakur Vidhi papers. Sri Gaurikant Jha presented a critical Mahavidyalay, Purnea, organized a two day evaluation and comparative analysis of the Seminar to commemorate 125th birth times of Sri Upendra Mohan Thakur and the

82 / Annual Report 2015–2016 Sri Bhairav Lal Das, Sri Kamalkant Jha, Sri Vidyanand Jha ‘Panjikar’, Sri Virednra Mohan Thakur, Sri Indranath Jha, presented their papers focusing on ‘Characters and Creativity in Acharya Paramanand Shastri,’ ‘Paramanand Shastri and Maithili Literary Research,’ ‘Works of Paramanand Shastri,’ ‘Characters of Brajmohan Thakur’s Works,’ ‘Brajmohan Thakur and study of Maithili in Calcutta L-R Ashutosh Thakur, Bina Thakur, Mridula Mishra, University’ and ‘Maithili Folk Art D.K. Devesh and Kamal Anand and Bikal’ respectively. The sessions were coordinated by Dr Bina Thakur. Sri present life and observed that Sri Upendra Vivekanand Thakur concluded the session Thakur Mohan’s works are very relevant in with his remarks. the present times. Sri Kamal Mohan Thakur presented paper on ‘Baji Uthal Murali’ and highlighted Sri Upendra Mohan’s sympathy CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS towards oppressed in his works. In the fourth August 8-10, 2015, New Delhi session that was chaired by Sri Lakshmidhar Mishra, three noted scholars, Dr Yoganand Sahitya Akademi,in association with the Jha, Sri Amalendu and Dr Ministry of Culture, Government of India, Kulanand Jha, presented their papers. Dr commemorated the Birth Centenary of Yoganand Jha evaluated Sri Upendra Thakur Bhisham Sahni in New Delhi on August 8- Mohan’s works in the light of his contemporary 10, 2015. The celebrations started with the poets such as Eshnath Jha, Madhup, Aarsi inauguration of Book and Photo exhibition Prasad Sigh. Sri Amalendu Shekhar Pathak by Dr Mahesh Sharma, Hon’ble Minister of presented philosophical import of Sri Upendra State for Culture and Tourism (Independent Mohan’s works. Dr Kulanand Jha talked about Charge) followed by the inaugural session of pithy aphorisms of Sri Upendra Thakur the Birth Centenary Seminar on Bhisham Mohan. In the fifth session that was chaired Sahni. by Ms. Shanti Jha, three noted scholars, Sri In the inaugural session, Dr K. Panchanan Mishra, Dr K.P. Yadav and Sri Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Akadem,i Phoolchandra Jha Praveen, presented their welcomed the participants and audience and papers focusing on ‘Characters and Creativity spoke briefly about various facets of Bhisham in Giridhar Jha Vikal’s Works,’ ‘Diary of Sahni. Addressing various literary enthusiasts Brajmohan Thakur’ and ‘Maithilik Patratmak who had gathered from nook and corner of Shailik Upanyason Aanganak Rekha’ the country, Dr Mahesh Sharma said that these respectively. In the sixth and seventh sessions centenary celebrations of Shri Bisham Sahani that were chaired by Sri Vivekanand Thakur, were just the beginning and his valuable six noted scholars, Sri Shiv Kumar Mishra, compositions would be fondly remembered

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 83 forever. His works would be reminisced submissive and his works were never a subject throughout the country by organizing such for controversy. He was polite and his works literary programs. Dr Mahesh Sharma told advocated compassion. Sri Narendra Kumar that whenever he had hard times, he would Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Sri find solace in the compositions of great writers Pramod Kumar Jain, Joint Secretary, Ministry like Shri Bisham Sahani. He also noted that of Culture and Sri Ramesh Upadhyay graced the Ministry of Culture would take all necessary the occasion. In the session a monograph on efforts to conserve his house located at Shri Bisham Sahani was released. Sri Brajendra Rawalpindi and observed that India was being Tripathi, Deputy Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, looked upon for her intangible culture. Time coordinated the event. had come to celebrate such noted personalities In the first session that focused on Bisham so that people would get boundless inspiration Sahani’s reminiscence, Smt. Kalpana Sahani, from them.Eminent actor and nephew of daughter of Bisham Sahani said that her father Bhisham Sahani, Shri Parikshit Sahani was a man of broad vision and even a common remembered his father Shri Balraj Sahani and man could understand his compositions. Shri his uncle and said that Bisham Sahani was Kewal Goswami and Ms. Harshi Anand, famous like his father. He also said that versatile artists film director Shri , Shri work whole heartedly and Shri Bisham Sahani Devendra Raj Ankur and Shri Narendra Mohan was one such person. He told that his uncle were also part of the first session.The second brought him up and after his demise he session focused on Bisham Sahani and new himself had to manage everything.In his story movement was chaired by Prof. presidential address, Sahitya Akademi’s Nityanand Tiwari. In this session, Shri Abdul President Shri Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari Bismillah, Shri Bushan and Shri Ajay remarked that Bisham Sahan’s mother was a Tiwari presented their papers. Prof. Nityanand Punjabi and all his family members knew Tiwari read few stories of Bisham Sahani and Urdu. He was an English lecturer but he said that his stories paved way for present would write in Hindi. He was calm and approach to writing trends. Bisham Sahani

Dr Mahesh Sharma releasing the monograph on Bhisham Sahni

84 / Annual Report 2015–2016 was one such personality who was very rare about various facets of Ayothidasa Pandithar to come across.The third session concentrated and described him as a thinker, revolutionary on ‘Bisham Sahani’s fiction: resistence to journalist and fought for the upliftment of communalism and separation’. Shri Asghar all the oppressed irrespective of caste status. Wajahat, Prof Gopeshwar Singh and Shri Ravi She observed that Ayothidasa Pandithar was Tripathi presented their papers in this session. the forerunner of Ambedkar and yet did not Bisham Sahani’s writings were discussed and receive the recognition he deserved. Sri how he managed to bring in progressive ideals Bhaktavatsala Bharathi, Director, PILC, spoke in his works.The fourth session was centered about the inspiring life of Ayothidasa Pandithar, on Bisham Sahani’s dramas and films and his how he overcame insurmountable odds, creative sense.As part of his birth centenary uplifted the oppressed masses, spread celebrations, an exhibition comprising books Buddhism in Tamil Nadu and toiled for and paintings was organized. lowest all his life. Dr Dharmaraj of Folklore The Akademi also arranged the theatrical Department, Madurai Kamaraj University, performances on the evening of both the days talked about the philosophy of Ayothidasa of the seminar at Abhimanch Auditorium of Pandithar and observed that it is essential to National School of Drama. On 9th August know about the fundamental philosophy of – Leela Nandlal Ki was staged, conceptualized Ayothidasa Pandithar. He remarked that and directed by Ramji Bali and on 10th Aytothidasa was a purely rational person and August – Chief Ki Dawat and Other Stories provided rational explanations to many was staged, conceptualized and directed by practices of Tamil Nadu and highlighted Devendra Raj Ankur. Ayothidasa Pandithar’s proactive measures to get society rid of blind beliefs and superstitious practices. He stressed that in the 21st century SYMPOSIUM ON AYOTHI DASA PANDITHAR it is imperative for youngsters to study August 11, 2015, Puducherry Ayothidasa Pandithar’s philosophy and works and that will help them to overcome new The sub-regional office of Sahitya Akademi types of inequality brought about by the at Chennai, in association with the Pondicherry globalization and technological advances. Dr Institute of Linguistics and Culture, organized a daylong symposium on the eminent Dalit writer and scholar, Sri Ayothidasa Pandithar on August 11, 2015 at PILC premises in Puducherry. In the inaugural session, Sri K.P. Radhakrishnan, Officer-in-Charge, Sahitya Akademi, Chennai, welcomed the participants and audience and spoke about various initiatives of Sahitya Akademi in promoting the welfare and literature of Dalits all over India and in 24 recognized Indian languages. Prof Bama, Member, General Council, Sahitya Prof. Aranga Malika delivering lecture during Akademi, who chaired the session, talked symposium on Ayothidasa Pandithar

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 85 R. Sambath, Member, General Council, by the Sahitya Akademi. Inaugurating the Sahitya Akademi, talked about numerous seminar, Dr H.C. Boralingaiah, Vice measures taken by Ayothidasa Pandithar to Chancellor, Kannada University, Hampi, talked uplift oppressed masses and proposed a vote about Sri Nagegowda’s invaluable of thanks. contributions to native cuture research and In the first session that was chaired by folk literature. In his keynote address, Dr Sri Sundara Murugan, Member, Tamil Advisory Karigowda Beechanahalli, noted Kannada Board, Sahitya Akademi, two noted scholars, fiction writer, highlighted the amount of Dr T. Parthiban and Dr Aranga Mallika, research that Sri Nagegowda put into each presented their papers on ‘Movements of of his work and his multifaceted career. Sri Culture of Ayothi Dasa Pandithar’ and T. Thimmegowda, I.A.S. (Rted.) and ‘Ayothidasa Pandithar and Kundalakesi’ Chairman, Karnataka Janapada Parishat, chaired respectively. the session and talked about contributions In the second session, two noted scholars, of Janapada Loka. Smt. Indira Balakrishna, Mu. Shaktivel and Sathu Arimavalavan, Managing Trustee of Karnataka Janapada presented their papers on ‘Educational Parishat and daughter of H.L. Nagegowda Perspective of Ayothidasa Pandithar’ and and Dr. Jayaprakash Gowda, President, ‘Ayothidasa Pandithar and Avvaiyar’ Karnataka Sangha, Mandya were the guests respectively. of honour. In the valedictory session, Sri Manikko In the first session that was devoted to Pannerselvam delivered the valedictory address ‘The life and literary works of H.L. and talked about the multifaceted personality Nagegowda,’ three noted scholars, Dr Kuruva of Ayothidasa Pandithar and his philosophical Basavara, Dr K.R. Sandhya Reddy and Dr explanations for many activities of everyday Krishnamurthy Hanur presented papers on life. Sri Sundara Murugan proposed a vote ‘Life of H.L. Nagegowda,’ ‘Kannada Folklore of thanks. and H.L. Nagegowda’ and ‘Prose Writings of H.L. Nagegowda’ respectively that brought out several hitherto unknown facts. In the BIRTH CENTENARY SEMINAR ON H.L. afternoon a documentary film on H.L. NAGEGOWDA Nagegowda was screened. 14 August 2015, Bangalore

The regional office of Sahitya Akademi at Bengaluru, in association with Karnataka Janapada Parishant, organized a seminar to commemorate the birth centenary of Sri H.L. Nagegowda, eminent Kannada writer and folklorist at Nayana Auditorium in Bengaluru on August 14, 2015. In the inaugural session, Sri S.P. Mahalingeshwar, Regional Secretary, Sahitya Akademi welcomed the participants and audience and briefly spoke about seminars and birth centenary commemorations organized Dr.Narahalli Balasubramanya and others seen.

86 / Annual Report 2015–2016 Dr Narahalli Balasubramanya, Convener, Behari Singh, Convener, Manipuri Advisory Kannada Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, Board, Sahitya Akademi, who was the Guest chaired the valedictory session and presented of Honor, talked about the direct and indirect a critical evaluation of works of H.L. influences of English literature on Manipuri Nagegowda. Sri Go Ru Chennabasappa, literature. Ms. Kumari Malen Chanu of the eminent Kannada writer and folklorist, Department proposed vote of thanks. delivered the valedictory address. Sri H.R. Prof N. Khagendra Singh chaired the first Raje Gowda, Hon Secretary, Karnataka session and three noted scholars presented Janapada Parishat, proposed a vote of thanks. their papers. Dr Binata Nongmaithem spoke on the influence of English literature and literary trends on M. K. Binodini’s short SYMPOSIUM ON THE INFLUENCE OF ENGLISH stories. Dr Ratnabali of Manipur College LITERATURE ON MANIPURI LITERATURE talked about the influence of English literature 18 August 2015, Imphal on Dr Kamal’s works and Dr P. Dinesh Meitei spoke on the influence of T.S. Eliot on Biren’s The regional office of Sahitya Akademi at poetry. Prof Th. Ratankumar Singh chaired Kolkata in association with the English Literary the second session and three noted scholars Circle, Dept. of English, Manipur University, presented their papers. Sri L. Joychandra organized a daylong symposium on ‘The Singh spoke on the influence of English on Influence of English Literature on Manipuri pre-war and post-war Manipuri Poetry. Dr Th. Literature’ at the university premises in Imphal Umabati Chanu spoke on influence of the on August 18, 2015. stream of consciousness technique on Pacha In the inaugural session, Sri Goutam Paul, Meitei’s Imphal Amasun Magee Eshing Officer-in-Charge, Sahitya Akademi, Kolkata, Nungsitki Phibamand and Dr O. S. Devi welcomed the participants and audience and spoke on influence of G. B. Shaw on the spoke briefly about the theme of the plays of G. C. Tongra. symposium. Prof H. Nandakumar Sarma, Vice Chancellor, Manipur University, was the Chief Guest of the symposium and talked about SYMPOSIUM ON the importance and relevance of literature to August 19, 2015, Aligarh society. In his presidential address, Prof N. Khagendra Singh, highlighted the sensitive Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, in association nature of the Meiteis who have carved a niche with the Aligarh Muslim University, organized for themselves in the fields of performing arts a daylong symposium on eminent Urdu poet and observed that their sensitive nature may Kaifi Azmi in Aligarh on August 19, 2015. have helped Manipuri writers absorb and In the inaugural session, Lt Gen Zameer internalize English literature in their own Uddin Shah (Retd), Vice Chancellor, Aligarh writings. Prof Th. Ratankumar, eminent Muslim University, presided over, Prof Shafey scholar, in his keynote address, provided Kidwai, Member, General Council, Sahitya overview of influence of English literature on Akademi, delivered the introductory remarks, Manipuri literature over the years and observed Sri , noted poet and film lyricist, that with any other thing in the world, this delivered the inaugural address, Brigadier Syed has both positive and negative sides. Prof H. Ahmad Ali (Retd), Pro-Vice Chancellor,

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 87 Aligarh Muslim University, was the Guest of AMU Vice Chancellor, Lt. Gen. Zameer Uddin Honor, Ms. , well-known film Shah paid rich tributes to Kaifi Azmi through actress and social activist, was the Chief Guest, a poem “Ajeeb Admi Tha Who.” AMU Pro- Prof Irteza Kareem, Director, National Council Vice Chancellor, Brigadier S Ahmad Ali, in for Promotion of Urdu Language, New Delhi, his address pointed out that society needed delivered the keynote address, Sri Chandra another Kaifi Azmi. “When there are signs Bhan Khayal, Convener, Urdu Advisory Board, of people being divided and when there is Sahitya Akademi, delivered special address a presence of hatred, a Kaifi Azmi is much and Sri Mushtaque Sadaf, Programme Officer, needed to bring peace with his words,” said Sahitya Akademi, proposed a vote of thanks. Brigadier Ali. Ms Shabana Azmi remembered In his address Sri Javed Akhtar observed that her father Kaif Azmi as person who was very despite the political and economic shifts in different from other fathers. She said that she India, Kaifi Azmi retained his idealism and was a ‘different’ daughter of a ‘different’ father. remained optimistic of a socialist future for “In fact, I now displayed it with such new India. Kaifi’s optimism was reflected in poetry found confidence that instead of being replete with dreams of a socialist egalitarian sniggered at by my class-mates, I became an society in which the voice of another fellow object of envy”, said Mrs Shabana Azmi. She human being would be heard like a resonating highlighted many things she learnt from her sound of one’s self. Javed Akhtar also said illustrious father. In his keynote address, Prof that today the market forces and globalization Irteza Kareem said that like other famous may have turned society more selfish and self- poets, Kaifi Azmi began as a ghazal writer, centred but no human society can thrive if cramming his poetry with the repeated themes it fails to heed the call for justice to all of love and romance in a style that was replete sections, especially the marginalized, poor and with clichés and metaphors. However, his down- trodden. In his presidential address, association with the Progressive Writers’

Inaugural session of the symposium in progress

88 / Annual Report 2015–2016 Movement and Communist Party made him SYMPOSIUM ON LIFE AND WORKS OF embark on the path of social discourse. “Kaifi’s ASHANGBAM MINEKETAN poetry continues to influence generations for 19 August 2015, Kakching, Manipur passionate espousal of causes. His poems celebrate love, compassion and human equality. The regional office of Sahitya Akademi at The lyrical beauty and powerful expression Kolkata, in association with the Department of his film songs have captivated millions,” of Manipuri, Kha Manipur College organized said Prof Kareem. Co-ordinator of the Seminar a daylong symposium on “Life and Works and General Council member of the Akademi, of Ashangbam Mineketan” at the college Prof Shafey Kidwai, said that Kaifi’s songs premises in Kakching on August 19, 2015. have been a part of our collective conscience. The welcome address was delivered by Sri He said, “Kaifi was a poet of masses. He spoke Goutam Paul, Office-in-Charge, Sahitya in the voice of propinquity about injustice Akdemi Eastern Region. The Chief Guest of and exploitation. His poetry was rich with the programme was Professor H. Behari Singh, emotion and empathy towards the Convener, Manipuri Advisory Board, Sahitya disadvantaged sections of the society,” said Akademi with Sri Ksh. Shamu Singh, Prof. Kidwai in his introductory remarks. Mr. Principal, Kha-Manipur College, Kakching, in Chandra Bhan Khayal, Convener, Urdu the chair. The vote of the thanks of the Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi also expressed inaugural session was proposed by Sri P. his views on Kaifi Azmi. Dr. Mushtaq Sadaf, Somorendra Singh. In the first session Sri P. Programme Officer, Sahitya Akademi Nabachandra Singh, Sri Th. Ratankumar Singh conducted the programme and thanked the and Sri Rajen Toijamba presented papers on participants and audience. Ms. Shabana Azmi “Minaketan as an Essayist”, “Minaketan as a inaugurated the Kaifi Azmi Collection at Critic” and “Minaketan as a Playwright” Maulana Azad Library. On this occasion a respectively with Professor N. Khagendra catalogue of Kaifi Azmi’s Collection was also Singh in the chair.In the second session, released. papers were presented by Sri S. Lanchenba After inaugural session, a day-long Meetei, Sri Ch. Rajketan Singh and Sri T. symposium on Kaifi Azmi was held in which Kunjeshore Singh on the topics of “Minaketan several papers in Urdu, Hindi and English as a Poet”, “Folklore Elements in Minaketan’s were read. Two different sessions of the Literature” and “Diction of Minaketan” symposium were presided over by Prof. Syed respectively with Smt N. Aruna Devi in the Mohd. Hashim and Prof. Khurshid Ahmad chair. who highlighted the creative dexterity of Kaifi Azmi reflected in Ghazals, poems and film lyrics. SYMPOSIUM ON CONTEMPORARY INDIAN Prof Ali Ahmad Fatmi, Prof. Asim POETRY Siddiqui, Prof. Sami Rafiq, Prof. Sahab Ali, August 21-22, 2015, Shimla Dr. Ajay Bisaria, Dr. Sarwat Mehdi, Dr. Seema Saghir and Prof. Saghir Afraheem presented Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, in association their papers on different topics during the with the Department of Language and Culture, symposium. Government of , organized a two-day symposium on Current Scenario

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 89 of Contemporary Hindi Poetry at the Gaiety chaired by Shri Vishnu Nagar. Shri Ajay, Shri Theatre in Shimla on August 21-22, 2015. Tej Ram Sharma, Ms. Chandraleka Tadwal, Dr. Arun Diwakar Nath Bajpai, Vice Shri Keshav, Shri Arun Kumar Sharma, Shri Chancellor, Himachal Pradesh University Pratyush Guleri and other poets such as Shri lighted the lamp and inaugurated the Ashutosh Dube, Shri Harishchandra Pandey symposium. The first session was chaired by and Ms. Leena Malhotra participated and distinguished Hindi poet Shri Mangalesh recited their poems. Dabral. In his chair message, he highlighted the multidimensional aspects of contemporary Hindi poetry. Shri Anil Rakeshi and other SYMPOSIUM ON KASHMIR DI PUNJABI three poets – Shri Om Nishchal, Shri Radhe POTHOHARI KAVITA Shyam Tiwari and Shri Jitendra Shrivastav August 22, 2015, Jammu recited their poems and pointed out the pattern, style and the crafts of Hindi poetry.In Sahitya Akademi organized a daylong the second session, Dr. Satya Narayan recited symposium on ‘Jammu Kashmir di Punjabi a poem of Shrinivas Shrikant. Shri Suresh Pothohari Kavita’ at K.L. Sehgal Hall of J&K Sen Nishant narrated his artistic ability and Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, appreciated his creative skills. In his chair Jammu on August 22, 2015. Smt. Surinder message, Prof. Kumar Krishna noted that Neer, Member, Punjabi Advisory Board, Shrinivas Shrikant’s first poetry was written Sahitya Akademi, welcomed the participants in 1954 titled ‘Rehdi Wale ki Ladki’ and and audience and spoke briefly about various observed that although this was a school level initiatives of Sahitya Akademi to promote poetry, it had such a word power that enabled . The keynote address was him to establish a Department delivered by eminent Punjabi writer Sri. Khalid in his College. Hussain. In the first session that was chaired In the poetry reading session on the by Dr Arvinder Singh Aman, Additional second day, Shri Dwijendra Dwij, Shri Athma Secretary, J & K Academy of Art, Culture Ranjan, Ms. Rekha Vashisht, Shri Mohan and Language, two noted scholars Prof Sahil, Shri Sudarshan Vashisht and other Randheer Kaur and Sri Anwar Khan presented poets such as Shri Gyan Prakash Vivek, Ms. papers on the historical background and future Arthi Smit, Shri Sanjay Kundan and Shri of Punjabi Pothohari Kavita. In the second Sanjeev Kaushal recited their poems. Shri session that was chaired by Sri Davinder Gyan Prakash Vivek chaired this session. Shri Vishvnagrik, six noted poets, Swami Antar Dwijendra Dwij read a Ghazal and Ms. Athma Neerav, Gursharan Singh Gulshan, Saleem Ram recited few poems titled ‘Prithvi Par Javaid, Qari Mohd Ashraf, Parvaiz Malik and Letna’ and ‘ Puja’. Ms. Rekha Vashisht Sheikh Zahoor, recited their Pothohari poems recited her poem on ‘Nadhiyaan Raastha Badhalthi Hai’ and Shri Brajendra Tripathi read his poem which described Delhi and SYMPOSIUM ON SINDHI DRAMA WRITING people’s lifestyles. Shri Gyan Prakash Vivek TODAY: RAJASTHAN CHAPTER read his poem called ‘Mandir ki Seediyon Par 23 August 2015, Bikaner. Deepak Jala Raha Hoon’. Shri Mohan Sahil’s poems highlighted rural environment and its The regional office of Sahitya Akademi at lifestyles in detail. The second session was Mumbai, in association with Sujaag Sindhi

90 / Annual Report 2015–2016 and Vishal Sindhu Samaj Samskritik Manch, Rajasthan (last two decades). He observed organized a daylong symposium on ‘Sindhi that Rajasthan was the first state of independent Drama Writing Today: Rajasthan Chapter’ in India where the first Sindhi Play Bigidyalu Bikaner on August 23, 2015. Gharu was written by Govardhan Bharati in In the inaugural session, Sri Krishna 1960 and was staged in Delhi. Sindhi plays Kimbahune, Regional Secretary, Sahitya were usually performed during the festivals. Akademi, welcomed the participants and In this session Sri Bhagwan Atlani read out audience and spoke briefly about various his play Indradanush, and Sri Harish Devnani literary initiatives of Sahitya Akademi to read out Mehanat. In the third session, which promote Sindhi literature across the country. was chaired by Sri Bhagwan Atlani, Sri Suresh Inaugurating the symposium, Sri Shrilal Mohta Hindusthani along with Sri Jaya Kishan thanked the Akademi for organizing the Keshwani read out his play Shinakhat, and symposium in the city and briefly talked Sri Suresh Bablani read out his play Galleeche about various aspects of Sindhi literature. Sri Jo Tukdo. Sri Bhagwan Atlani delivered S.L. Harsh chaired the session. In his keynote valedictory address. address, Sri Jetho Lalwani provided historical backdrop to Sindhi playwriting and bird’s eye view of the development and evolution of SYMPOSIUM ON WRITING LITERARY Sindhi drama. Sri Devichand Khatri, Editor, HISTORY Sujaag, proposed a vote of thanks. 23 August 2015, Bhubaneswar Sri Harish Devnani chaired the first session. In this session Sri Bhagwan Atlani presented The regional office of Sahitya Akademi at a paper on development of published Sindhi Kolkata organized a daylong symposium on plays in Rajasthan (last two decades). After ‘Writing Literary History’ at Odisha State the paper presentation Sri Suresh Sindhu read Archives Conference Hall in Bhubaneswar on out his play Vajud. Sri Lachman Bhambhani August 23, 2015. In the inaugural session, read out Mamata Jo Mout. Sri Lachman Dr Mihir Kumar Sahoo, Programme Officer, Bhambhani chaired the second session. Sri Sahitya Akademi, Kolkata, welcomed the Suresh Bablani presented his paper on participants and audience. In his presidential development of staging Sindhi plays in address, Prof Jatin Nayak observed that stories, poetry, novels that entertain people alone are not literature and historians of literature should include genres such as autobiographies, travelogues and tribal and oral literature as literature proper. In his keynote address Sri Prasanna Kumar Mohanty presented an overview of attempts to write literary histories in Odia. In his address Dr Gourhari Das, Convener, Odia Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, observed that though there are comprehensive regional and language-wise literary histories, there is no comprehensive L-R: S.L. Harsh, Jetho Lalwani, Shrilal Mohta, history of Indian literature. Professor Niladri Krishna Kimbahune, Devichand Khatri Bhushan Harichandan called for increased

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 91 Kolkata, welcomed the participants and audience. In his inaugural address, Prof Chitta Ranjan Tripathy, Vice Chancellor, , talked about the importance and relevance of translation in the multilingual country like India. In his presidential address, Prof Gopala Krushna Rath observed that literal translations are impossible and when made they lose the purpose. Prof Krushna Chandra Pradhan, Member, General Council, Sahitya Dr Gourhari Das delivering the lecture on Writing Literary History Akademi, presented overview of translation activity in Odia over discussions on Sarala Mahabharat and observed the decades. Dr Panchanan Mishra’s translation that such discussions would unfold many a of Rike’s elegies in Odia was released during new dimension of . Sri Pitabasa the session. Dr Manindra Meher proposed a Routray proposed vote of thanks. Prof vote of thanks. Bauribandhu Kar chaired the first session and Sri Das chaired the first session three noted scholars, Sri Animesh Mahapatra, and two noted scholars Dr Panchanan Mishra Sri Sricharan Mohanty and Sri Surendra and Dr Debi Prasanna Pattanaik presented Maharana, presented their papers on various papers on challenges before translators. Prof aspects of writing Odia literary history. Prof Kalidas Mishra chaired the second session in Gaganendranath Dash chaired the second which three noted scholars, Prof Debendra session and three noted scholars, Sri Benudhar Kumar Dash, Prof Manoranjan Pradhan and Padhi, Sri Santosh Kumar Tripathy and Sri Ashit Mohanty presented papers focusing Professor Krushna Chandra Pradhan presented on changing phases of translation in the their papers. Sri Banoj Tripathy proposed a changing world. vote of thanks.

SYMPOSIUM ON BENGALI LITERATURE IN SYMPOSIUM ON “TRANSLATION” NORTH-EAST INDIA: HISTORY AND 25 August 2015, Sambalpur University, Burla CONTEMPORARY TRENDS 25 August 2015, Cotton College, Guwahati The regional office of Sahitya Akademi, in association with the Department of Odia, The regional office of Sahitya Akademi at Sambalpur University, organized a daylong Kolkata, in association with Cotton College, symposium on ‘Translation’ at Statistic organized a daylong symposium on ‘Bengali auditorium, Sambalpur University in Burla Literature in North-East India: History and on August 25, 2015. Contemporary Trends’ at the college premises In the inaugural session, Dr Mihir Kumar on August 25, 2015. Sahoo, Programme Officer, Sahitya Akademi, In the inaugural session, Sri Goutam Paul,

92 / Annual Report 2015–2016 Officer-in-Charge, Sahitya Akademi, Kolkata, papers and observed that fragmentation is welcomed the participants, dignitaries and hurting humanity badly and appealed to heed audience. In his inaugural address, Prof medieval Bengali poet Sri Chandidas’ cry Dhrubajyoti Saikia, Vice Chancellor, Cotton ‘None but man is Absolute Truth.’ College State University, thanked the Akademi The welcome address was delivered by Sri for organizing such an important event in the Gautam Paul, Officer in-charge, Sahitya college. Dr Niroda Devi, Principal, Cotton Akademi Eastern Region. He extended a warm College, traced Bengali literature within North welcome to all the dignitaries, participants Eastern regions of the country. In his keynote and general audience with a hope that the address, Prof Usharanjan Bhattacharya, intended programmed would achieve its goal. presented overview of the impact and influence Professor Dhrubajyoti Saikia delivered a very of Bengali literature in the region. Dr short inaugural speech wherein he expressed Ramkumar Mukhopadhyay, Convener, Bengali his satisfaction and pressed the need of many Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, and chief such programmes in near and far future Dr guest of the symposium, observed that events Niroda Devi delivered a special speech to the of this nature will benefit the region. Dr Mita audience and expressed that diverse language Chakraborty, Head, Bengali Department, and culture of this region will progress hand- Cotton College, chaired the session.Dr Prasanta in-hand and a new horizon will be unveiled. Chakraborty proposed vote of thanks. Professor Usharanjan Bhattacharya Prof Bani Prasanna Mishra chaired the first presented a detailed key-note address which session and two noted scholars, Dr Amalendu dealt many an aspect of the scope as well Bhattacharya and Sri Debashish Dutta, talked as the problems of Bengal Literature in the about genesis of Bengali literary study in the North-East. In his speech, he pointed out region and socio-cultural and literary activities the effect of partition of the country and its of Bengali community in Dimapur, aftermath. He strongly countered the question respectively. Prof Tapodheer Bhattacharya of short of class novels coming out from the chaired the second session and two noted writers of this region. Dr Bhattacharya scholars, Sri Rameshwar Bhattacharya and Dr specifically named of a few novels which in Jyotirmoy Sengupta, talked about History of his views made deep mark in the reader’s North East India’s Bengali literature and mind. contemporary trends in the region’s Bengali Dr Ramkumar Mukhopadhyay, Chief literature. Sri Debiprasad Sinha chaired the Guest of the programme expressed his pleasure third session and two noted scholars, Sri on today’s subject of discussion with a wish Malay Kanti Dey and Sri Pal lab Bhattacharya, that the discussion will fetch a very positive talked about characteristics and definition of conclusion which will take North-Eastern North East India’s Bengali literature. Dr literature in the right direction. Inaugural Ramkumar Mukhopadhyay chaired the second session and academic session were ended with session and two noted scholars, Prof the Vote of Thanks by Dr Prasanta Chakraborty. Baniprasanna Mishra and Prof Tapodheer Bhattacharya, talked about socio-politico-eco and cultural aspects of North East India to SEMINAR ON BINTI LITERATURE IN SANTALI understand better the evolution and status 29-30 August 2015, Bhubaneswar (Odisha) of Bengali literature in the region. Dr Ramkumar Mukhopadhyay summed up the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi organized Semi-

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 93 nar on Binti literature in in Santali Language with OLCHIKI Scripts, at Bhubaneswar on 29th and 30th August, which have merits and needs of the time. 2015. Sri Nityananda Hembram inaugutated Akademi also gives Awards every year like the seminar. In his brief speech he appreciated Sahitya Akademi Main Award, Translation Sahitya Akademi for organising literary Prize, Yuva Puraskar and Bal Sahitya Puraskar programme for Santali language and provid- for outstanding works in the respective lan- ing opportunity to the budding poets and guages. Such programmes are held every year writers. Binti for Santali People play a vital in the various parts of the country. Santali role in performing their social rites. It has programme have been organized in the states got many social and Literal value. He has of Odisha, , West Bengal and Assam. also described the important point on JOMSIM Apart from this some programme are being BINTI, KARAM BINTI, CHHATIYAR held at New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and BINTI, BAPLA BINTI and BHANDAN Port Blair. BINTI. Chairing the session, Sri Gangadhar At the beginning, Dr. Devendra Kumar Hansdah, Convenor, Santali Advisory Board, Devesh, Officer on Special Duty, Sahitya Sahitya Akademi, expressed the importance Akademi welcomed the participants and the of BINTI. He has also appreciated Sahitya audience. He informed that after recognition Akademi’s work for the development of Santali of Santali language by the Government of Literature. India, SahityaAkademi has started works for The First Sesssion was chaired by Dr. Santali Language and literature from the year Damaynati Beshra, which was devoted to 2005. SahityaAkademi is organizing various JOMSIM BINTI. Sri Purnachandra Soren type of literary programmes, which gives described and presented the paper on opportunity to the poets, writers and scholars ‘Dharti Sirjon’ of JOMSIM BINTI. Sri to explore and share their literary creations. Khetramohan Tudu described and presented Sahitya Akademi has published so many books the paper on ‘Manmi Sirjon’ of JOMSIM BINTI. Sri Laxman Marndi presented the paper on ‘Manmiba,d and Parish Hating’ of JOMSIM BINTI. On the second day second sesssion of the Seminar was presided over by Sri Gangadhar Hansda. The session was devoted to KARAM BINTI. Sri Motilala Hansda (‘Karmu Dharmu Kisan en Habij’), Sri Khetramohan Tudu L-R Motilal Hansda, an artist, Naku Hansda, Gangadhar Hansda and (‘Rengejog and Karma Khetramohan Tudu pante’) and Dr. Naku

94 / Annual Report 2015–2016 Hansda (‘Karam then Seterarruwar’) presented habit in children and urged all the creative their papers on different aspects of KARAM writers to take up the task of writing for BINTI. children. Sri Tanaji Halarnakar, Convener, Third Session was chaired by Sri Jadumani Konkani Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi Beshra. This session was devoted to and Chair of the inaugural session, said that CHHATIYAR BINTI. Sri PradhanMurmu literature for children should impart knowledge (‘Chhut Pheraw’) and Sri Sushil Soren to the child reader in a fascinating way. In (‘Chhatiyar and Njutmem’) presented their the age of globalization and high technology papers in this session. children obviously get easy access to the Fourth Session was devoted to ‘Bapla windows of several kinds of knowledge, and Binti’, which was presided over by Sri it was needed for a writer to understand this Sobhanath Beshra. Sri Somai Kisku (‘Raibar situation as challenge, he stated.Sri John Khon Sunumsasang’). Sri Kalicharan Hembram Mendonsa, Member, Konkani Advisory Board, (‘Bariyat Daram and Itud Sindur’) and Sri Sahitya Akademi, proposed a vote of thanks. Gorachand Murmu (‘ChadiKutam and Bala In the two sessions devoted to Konkani Njepel’) presented their papers on different Bal Sahitya: Aayachee Sthitee and Konkani aspects of BAPLA BINTI. Bal Sahitya: Fudaranchi Awhaanaa and chaired Fifth Session was chaired by Sri Nityanand by Sri Dinesh Manerkar and Sri Prasad Hembram. This session was devoted to Lolayenkar respectively, eight noted scholars BHANDAN BINTI. Sri Rameswar Murmu of children’s literature, Ms Rajani Bhembre, (‘Telnahan’ of BHANDAN BINTI), Sri Somay Ms Deepa Murkunde, Sri Prabhakar Bhide, Kisku and Sri LaxmanMarndi described on Sri Prakash Paryenkar, Sri Guru Baliga, Sri ‘Jilingdahar‘ of Bhandan Binti. Vinci Quadros, Ms Rajashri Bandodkar- Karapurkar, and Sri Ramnath Gawade, presented papers concerning several issues and SEMINAR ON LITERATURE FOR CHILDREN IN challenges concerning children’s literature in KONKANAI: PRESENT STATUS AND . CHALLENGES IN FUTURE 30 August 2015, Panaji, NATIONAL SEMINAR ON NATIVISM AND The regional office of Sahitya Akademi at MARATHI NOVEL Mumbai, in association with the Directorate 1–2 September 2015, Nagpur of Art and Culture, Govt. of Goa, organized a daylong Seminar on “Literature for Children Sahitya Akademi, Regional Office, Mumbai, in Konkanai: Present Status and Challenges in collaboration with the Department of in Future” in Panaji on August 30, 2015. Marathi, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur In the inaugural session, Sri Krishna University, and Girish Gandhi Pratishthan, Kimbahune, Regional Secretary, Sahitya Nagpur, jointly organized a two-day National Akademi, Mumbai, welcomed the participants, Seminar on Nativism and Marathi Novel on dignitaries and audience and spoke briefly 1 – 2 September 2015 in Nagpur. Prof. about Sahitya Akademi’s initiatives to promote Bhalchandra Nemade, Convener, Marathi children’s literature. In his inaugural address, Advisory Board, inaugurated the seminar. Dr Sri Gurunath Kelekar, eminent Konkani writer, Ganesh Devy, eminent linguist and critic, talked about the need to inculcate reading chaired the inaugural session.

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 95 At the outset Sri Krishna Kimbahune, it has better readership compared to other Regional Secretary, in his welcome address genres of literature. In the keynote address briefed the idea of nativism initiated in 1980 Sri Ranganath Pathare, Member, Marathi by Prof. Bhalchandra Nemade in his article Advisory Board, said that to be ‘deshiya’ ‘Sahityatil Deshiyata’, saying nativism (Nativist) means connected to our own land. emphasizes the close connection of a writer The concept of deshiyata includes being nativist to his/her own land, people, culture, and and nativism as well. He also pointed out literary traditions. Quoting Prof. Nemade, he that nativism must not be exaggerated, saying said that nativism believes in that the greatness that suffering has no cast, gender or religion, of a literary movement or a writer is not he drew an analogy between suffering and decided by international standards. But is nativism. He recommended two canons for determined by how many functions ranging nativist criticism, one being internalization, from spiritual evaluation to linguistic and the other uncertainty. Speaking as the experimentation it serves. In the inaugural chair of the session Dr Ganesh Devy, said address Prof. Bhalchandra Nemade stated that that ‘deshiyata’ means the memory of the the traditions of any region cannot be neglected human being at last seventy thousand years by labeling any format as standard one. The on the basis of which human being is able traditional language will continue to be revived to be alive. Literature aims at keeping humanity by the next generations. The regional language alive and for being alive ‘deshiyata’ is essential. or expression suffered in the name of He also said that deshiyata is not only essential globalization, multinationalism. Despite these in India or Africa but also in the World, and attacks the ‘deshiyata’ (Nativism) in our for many centuries to come. Dr Akshaykumar country has survived because of our history. Kale, Member, Marathi Advisory Board, made Those who are trying to distort it in the name the introductory remarks. He spoke of how of modernization must be opposed, he literature was considered sole right of the professed. He further added that novel is a upper cast persons. Lately the literature and best medium for spreading this concept, as the language become Anglo-Indian. Dr

(L to R) Krishna Kimbahune, Ganesh Devi, Bhalchandra Nemade, Rangnath Pathare and Akshaykumar Kale

96 / Annual Report 2015–2016 Shailendra Lende, Department of Marathi, writing. This also established their commitment Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur to their land. Sri Pravin Bandekar observed University, proposed a vote of thanks. that native culture could strongly be witnessed The first session – ‘Deshivaad : Sankalpana in Vyankatesh Madgulkar’s novel Bangarwadi aani Swaroop’, was chaired by Dr Ashok and Anand Yadhav’s Gotawala and further in Babar. Dr Shobha Naik and Sri Ravindra Ingle Uddhav Shelke, D.B. Mokashi, Bhalchandra Chavarekar presented their papers in this Nemade, Bhau Padhye, Manohar Talhar, session. Dr Shobha Naik’s paper discussed Baburao Bagul and others. that nativism is a vast and multidemential The fourth session – ‘Deshiyata aani Marathi literary theory and is a laurel in the hat of Kadambari after 1990’, was chaired by Prof. human culture. Prof. Nemade’s concept of Vasudeo Sawant. Sri Nitin Rindhe and Sri nativism respects every society, civilization, Nandkumar More presented their papers in culture, language, and strongly recommends this session. Marathi novel after 1990 to nurture the regional and local values of established a genuine perspective for life. Sri Ravindra Ingle Chavarekar pointed investigating into modernism. The out that concept of nativism appears to be characteristics of nativism could be seen in incomplete, as it has nothing to suggest in the novels of Krishnat Khot, Ramesh Ingle the times of globalization. Utradkar, Rajan Gawas, Ganesh Awte and The second session – ‘Deshiyata aani Baburao Musale, observed Sri Nitin Rindhe. Marathi Kadambari : Anubandh’, was chaired Sri Nandkumar More’s paper investigated into by Dr Avinash Sapre. Sri Santosh Koti and the novels by Shyam Manohar, Vilas Sarang, Dr Alka Nathrekar Kulkarni presented their Anil Damble, Makarand Sathe and Vishram papers in this session. Sri Santosh Koti said Gupte. that the roots nativism are in the philosophy The last session was chaired by Dr Keshav of Gautam Buddha and Mahaveer. As far has M. Sadre. Dr Sushama Karogal and Dr Prachi the genre of novel is concern. Deshiyata is Gurjarpadhye presented their papers in this first seen in Sane Guruji’s novel Shyamchi session. Dr Sushama Karogal presented her Aai. While thinking of deshiyata and Marathi views on nativism and literature in Gujarati, novel we need to think of four aspects i.e. and Dr Prachi Gurjarapadhye’s paper discussed if the subject matter is deshi or not, the place nativism in Mahashweta Devi’s novels. Sri where the plot takes place, structure and Suresh Dwadashiwar, delivered valedictory language, and the sensibility of the writer. address. Dr Pramod Munghate, Department Dr Nathrekar paper developed the concept of Marathi, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj of nativism referring to Rajan Gawas’ novel Nagpur University, proposed a vote of thanks. Bh-Balicha. The third session – ‘Deshiyata aani Sathottari Marathi Kadambari’, was chaired SEMINAR ON BIRTH CENTENARY OF by Sri Kautikrao Thale Patil. Sri Randhir 3-4 September 2015, Tirur, Kerala Shinde and Sri Pravin Bandekar presented their papers in this session. Sri Randhir Shinde The regional office of Sahitya Akademi at said that the native sensibility appears to be Bengaluru in association with the Regional prominent in Marathi novel after 1960. The Centre of Sree Sankaracharya University of writers from various rural areas took themselves Sanskrit at Tirur organized a birth centenary

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 97 Smt. P. Padmini presented a paper focusing on ‘Family Concepts in Uroob’s Writings’. The subsequent session had Sri K.P. Sankran, eminent literary critic in the chair in which read their papers on ‘Distance Concepts in Uroob’s Writings’, ‘Films of Uroob’ and ‘World of Uroob’s Stories’ respectively. On the first session of the second day, Sri N. Sasidharan, well known playwright was in the chair. In that session, Sri Sunil Elayidom L-R: Alankode Leelakrishnan, C. Radhakrishnan, and Ms. Suja Susan George Convener, Malayalam Advisory Board and others seen. presented their papers on ‘Texture Life in Sundarikalum seminar on the distinguished Malayalam writer Sundaranmaarum’ and ‘New Humanitarian Sri P.C. Kuttikrishnan, popularly known by Concepts in Uroob’s Writings’ respectively. his penname ‘Uroob’ on 3rd and 4th September The fourth session was chaired by Sri Akbar 2015 at the University premises. In the Kakkattil, eminent Malayalam writer. Sri P. inaugural session, Sri S.P. Mahalingeshwar, Surendran presented his paper on ‘Nationalism Regional Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, and Humanism in the Novel Sundarikalum Bengaluru, welcomed the dignitaries, Sundaranmaarum’ and Ms. L. Sushma presented participants and audience and highlighted her paper on ‘Uroob in Liteary History’ in Uroob’s significant literary contributions. In that session. The valedictory session was chaired his introductory address, Sri K.S Ravikumar, by Sri Unnikrishna Pillai and Sri C.V. Member, Malayalam Advisory Board, Sahitya Balakrishnan delivered a thoughtful valedictory Akademi highlighted Uroob’s life, personality address. The seminar ended with a vote of and works. Sri C. Radhakrishnan, Convener, thanks proposed by Smt. Rukmini. Malayalam Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, inaugurated the seminar and shared his experiences with Uroob. Sri K. Jayakumar, SYMPOSIUM ON TRENDS IN TAMIL AND Vice-Chancellor of Malayalam University delivered keynote address. Sri M.C. Dileep 7 September 2015, Trivandrum Kumar, Vice-Chancellor of Sree Sankaracharya University chaired the inaugural session and The regional office of Sahitya Akademi at elaborated Uroob’s social, political and literary Bengaluru organized a daylong symposium on contributions. Sri Alankode Leelakrishnan, ‘Trends in Tamil and Malayalam Literature’ eminent Malayalam writer gave felicitations. in collaboration with Trivandrum Tamil Mr. Unnikrishna Pillai of Malayalam Sangam on 07 September 2015 at Trivandrum. department proposed a vote of thanks. Sri Sri S.P. Mahalingeshwar, Regional Secretary, P.K. Pokker, Professor of Philosophy in Calicut Sahitya Akademi, Bengaluru welcomed the University chaired the first session in which gathering. The symposium was presided over

98 / Annual Report 2015–2016 by Prof. K. Nachimuthu, Convener, Tamil symposium. The first session focused on ‘Tribal Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi. Sri A. Notions in North Kannada Literature’ in Madhavan, veteran Tamil writer gave which Sri Rajasekhara Halemane, Sri felicitations. Sri M. Muthuraman, President Venkatagiri V. Dalavai and Sri Vijay Boratti of Trivandrum Tamil Sangam proposed a vote presented their papers. The second session, of thanks. In the first session, Sri Sukumaran, Sri V.B. Tarakeshwar and Sri Basavaraj Nellisari eminent poet, analyzed the trends in Tamil presented their papers on ‘The Diverse poetry. Followed him was Dr. C.R. Prasad, Subaltern Groups’. Eminent Kannada writer who presented his paper on contemporary Sri Shivaram Shetty in his speech insisted on . Dr. K.S. Ravikumar and the encouragement of writers who come Dr. M. Nainar spoke on Malayalam short forward to promote tribal literature. stories and Tamil short stories respectively. In the second session, the theme was Dr. George Onakkur presented his paper on trends in SYMPOSIUM ON READING AND REFLECTING Malayalam novels. Dr. Anandakumar gave an MALAYALAM POETRY account of modern trends in Tamil novels. 12 September 2015, Calicut Papers on children’s literature in Tamil and Malayalam were presented by Dr. C. Sethupathi The regional office of Sahitya Akademi at and Dr. S.R. Lal respectively. Prof. K. Bengaluru, in collaboration with Sanghaditha, Nachimuthu chaired the valedictory session. women’s monthly, organized a daylong Sri , Sahitya Akademi symposium on ‘Reading and Reflecting Award winner delivered an informative Malayalam Poetry’ on valedictory address. Dr. George Onakkur 12 September 2015 at Anweshi Women’s offered felicitations and Sri Nellai Su. Muthu, Councelling Centre, Calicut. Ms. Jayanthi, Editor, Kerala Tamil, proposed a vote of Member of Kerla Sahitya Akademi welcomed thanks. the participants and gathering. Ms. Charulatha delivered introductory remarks. Smt. Savithri Rajeevan, Member, Malayalam Advisory Board SYMPOSIUM ON SUBALTERN ELEMENTS IN inaugurated the symposium. In her keynote NORTH KARNATAKA LITERATURE address, Dr. T.V. Suneetha lauded the efforts 9 September 2015, Bellary, Karnataka of ‘Sanghaditha’ magazine for having come forward to conduct the symposium. The regional office of Sahitya Akademi at Presidential address was delivered by Ms. K. Bengaluru, in collaboration with Vijayanagara Ajitha, Managing Editor of ‘Sanghaditha’ and Sri Krishnadevaraya University organized a President of ‘Anweshi’. The session concluded daylong symposium on ‘Subaltern Elements with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Sreeja, in North Karnataka Literature’ on 09 Secretary of ‘Anweshi’. The first session was September 2015 in the University premises. chaired by Sri Kalpetta Narayanan wherein Eminent Kannada writer Sri S.G. Siddaramaiah Ms. V.M. Girija spoke on the works of inaugurated the symposium and stressed the Poetess Balamaniyamma and Dr. P.M. Girish need to preserve the cultural traditions of presented his paper on linguistics of poetry. tribal communities. Prof. T.M. Bhaskar, In the next session, Ms. Usha Kumari spoke Registrar of the University chaired the on feminist concepts handled in contemporary

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 99 poetry. Ms. Girija Pathekkara shared the SEMINAR ON K ATHEYTAR G ADHYA-LITERTURE challenges she faced in publishing field. She September 18-19, 2015, was followed by Ms. Sheeba Divakaran, who spoke on the challenges faced by poetesses Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi,in association between their creative and personal lives. On with the Sukhadia University, the next day, the speakers presented their own Udaipur organized a two-day Seminar on poems which were evaluated by Sri Kalpetta Kathetan Gadhya – literature beyond the story Narayanan and Ms. V.M. Girija. and the Novel on 18th and 19th September 2015 in Udaipur. The chief guest for the seminar was the President of the Sahitya SEMINAR ON AND Akademi, Dr Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari. The PUNARJAGARAN introductory speech was given by the Convener 13-14 September, of the Hindi Advisory Board of Sahitya Akademi, Dr Surya Prasad Dixit. Prof. Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, in collaboration Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari said that without with the Sanskritik Sangam, Allahabad, imagination, nothing creative can take birth. organized a two-day seminar on 13-14 Research also shows that readers prefer non- September 2015 at Allahabad. The seminar fiction to fiction. Diary-writing, interviews, was inaugurated by the chancellor of Banaras Epistolary literature are all very much read Hindu University, Professor Girishchandra and appreciated. Participants in the seminar Tripathi. In his address he emphasized on the included Satish Jaiswal, Gajendra Patel, richness and antiquity of the , Ramashankar Dwivedi Bharti and the immense literary heritage. Prof. Bina Gorey, Krishna Kumar Sharma and Madhav Thakur, Convener Maithili Advisory Board Hada. introduced the topic at seminar and in the keynote address, eminent Maithili scholar Prof. Vasukinath Jha talked about the importance SYMPOSIUM ON CONSCIOUSNESS IN DOGRI and relevance of Maithili Language and LITERATURE literature in changing times. Dharnidhar Jha, 19 September 2015, Palampur (Himachal the President of Mithila Sanskritik Sangam Pradesh) emphasized on the role of regional languages apart from the role of the mother tongue. Sahitya Akademi organized a Symposium on The seminar was divided into 4 sessions each, Consciousness in Dogri Literature at D.A.V. which was presided by Shri Ramanand Jha Girls’ college, Palampur. Dr Devendra Kumar ‘Raman’, Dr. Prabhash Kumar Jha, Dr. Devesh, Officer on Special Duty, Sahitya Yoganand Jha and Dr. Umaraman Jha. Among Akademi, in his welcome address elaborated those who presented papers were that one of the responsibilities of the Akademi Amalendushekhar Pathak, Pankaj Parashar, is to make good literature available to people, Panchanan Mishra, Sri Yoganand Jha, Dr. even in the far-flung corners of the country. Shankar Deo Jah, Sri Tarakant Jah, Dr. Renowned Dogri-Hindi writer Dr Pratyush Jayshankar Mishra, Sri Manzar Sulaiman, Dr. Guleri presided over the session while the Ashok ‘Avichal’, Ms. Revati Mishra and Navin keynote address was delivered by Prof. Lalit Choudhary. Mangotra, Convener, Dogri Advisory Board,

100 / Annual Report 2015–2016 Sahitya Akademi. In the programme, papers istry of Home Affairs, Government of India were presented on Dogri Poems and Dogri inaugurated the Seminar. Novels by Dr Bansi Lal and Dr. Nirmal Vinod In his inaugural speech, Sri Girish Shankar respectively. The principal of the K.C.B.D.A.V said that Hindi language written as Official Girls’ College, Dr N.D. Sharma proposed a Language is quite different with the language, vote of thanks. which is used for Hindi literature. We may say it a technical language. Even it is not spoken language also. Sri Gaur stated the SEMINAR ON IMPLEMENTATION OF ODDICIAL condition and directions of Official Language LANGUAGES; CHALLNEGES AND SOLUTIONS today and said that Hindi is a language of 21 September 2015, New Delhi human and cultural unity, but we have to be careful to use it as a language of translation. Sahitya Akademi organized a seminar on It is also necessary that we should use simple ‘Implementation of official language challenges language. and solutions’ at New Delhi on 21 September In his presidential speech, Prof. Vishwanath 2015. In the inaugural session Dr. K. Prasad Tiwari said that we are in lack of the Sreenivasrao, Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, feeling of national integarity. We live in a welcomed the participants and audience. Sri diverse country, but our language should be Ved Prakash Gaur, Director (Official Lan- single, as our flag is single. We should take guage), Ministry of Culture delivered the efforts and practice to speak and write in introductory speech. The session was chaired Hindi. It is unfortunate, that we just celebrate by Dr. Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, President, Hindi weeks/fortnights only and satisfied with Sahitya Akademi. Sri Girish Shankar, Secre- it. tary, Department of Official Language, Min- The first session was focused on ‘The

L-R. Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, K. Sreeniwasarao, Girish Shankar, V.P. Gaud and Devendra Kumar Divesh

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 101 Implementation of Official Language: Its States Hindi is popular and getting much more and Directions’ chaired by Prof. Kesarilal reception in North-East and literature is being Verma, Director, Central Hindi Directorate. written, but status of the implementation of Participants included Dr. Jaiprakash Kardam, Official Language is not satisfactory. Dr. Director, Central Hindi Training Institute Arvindakshan said that in southern states of and Dr. Jyotish Joshi, Editor, Lalit Kala India, implementation of Hindi as an official Akademi. language is much satisfactory. The work of Dr. Jyotish Joshi expressed his anxity implementation offices is adorable. Anyone regarding the bad situation of the implemen- can see the positive approach towards Hindi tation of Official Language. He said that the in the schools and colleges of South India. work of implementation of Official Language Dr. Paliwal said that the status of Official and the officials concerned with are not taken Language in Northern India is not satisfactory. seriously. We are just accommodating the We are not getting rid of imperialism. We burden of English for the sake of our jobs. don’t get suitable material in Hindi medium, Dr. Goswami stated that the policies of Official as in English. In his presidential remarks, Dr. Language are not implemented apropriatly, Vimal said that the question of implemen- and this is only for the lack of the firm tation of Official Language is not being solved willingness and pressure of high level authori- yet, however in India, most of the works are ties. He said that we should avoid to be being done in Hindi. dependent on translations only. In his presi- All the offices associated with TOLIC, dential speech, Prof. Kesarilal Verma stated Delhi (Centre) were invited to take part in about the plan and projects being operated the seminar. All the offices were involved to by the Commission for Scientific and Tech- organize Rajbhasha celebrations in their of- nical terminology. He said that in supervision fices, inspite of this, many offices attended of the Commission various scholars were the seminar actively. All the sessions of the prepared subjectwise and Administrative ter- seminar were conducted by Dr. Devendra minology. Commission alwarys stresses to use Kumar Devesh, Officer on Special Duty on simple words and language. (Programme), who was the Incharge of the The second session was focused on ‘Imple- Official Language Implementation in the mentation of Official Language: Different Akademi. Dimensions’ chaired by Prof. Prasad Vimal, distinguished Hindi writer and Ex- Director, Central Hindi Directorate. Partici- SEMINAR ON MEDIEVAL RAJASTHANI pants included Dr. A. Arvindakshan, Dr. Rita LITERATURE Rani Paliwal and Dr. Chandam Ingo Singh, 22-23 September 2015, who presented their papers on the implemen- tation of Official language in Southern India; Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi in association Northern India and North-Eastern India with Rammat, organized a two-day seminar respectively. on ‘Medieval Rajasthani Literature’ at the Dr. Chandam presented brief history of Town Hall Art Gallery in Jodhpur on Hindi activities and also stated the present September 22-23, 2015. In the inaugural scenario regarding Hindi in all the states of session, Dr Arjun Deo Charan, Convener, North-Eastern India. He said that though Rajasthani Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi,

102 / Annual Report 2015–2016 in his introductory address, stressed upon the note address was delivered by Sri Thiru Prasad necessity for the young scholars to first acquaint Nepal, Member, General Council, Sahitya themselves with the millennium old traditions Akademi. He traced the journey of Nepalese of Rajasthan. Dr Dev Kothari, who was the poetry and found it to be rich in expressions. Chief Guest, talked about variety of medieval While welcoming Sri Prem Pradhan, Convener literary productions of Rajasthan and alluded Nepali Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi to millennium old dohas and other materials introduced the topic. He said poetry adds of that period. In his keynote address, Dr meaning to life. The business session was Chandraprakash Deval observed that Rajasthan presided over by Bhupendra Adhikari. has been in the forefront so far as preservation Participants include Sachen Rai, Sri Vijay is concerned and it is time for the concerned Kumar Subba and Sri Kamal Regmi. to highlight this achievement. The first session was chaired by Dr. Gajesingh Rajpurohit andpapers were presented by Dr. Gajadaan SEMINAR ON NON FICTIONAL PROSE OF Chaaran, Syam Sunder Bharti and Meenakshi BODO LITERATURE, ITS PAST PRESENT AND Borana. The second session was chaired by FUTURE Dr. Kundan Mali and the papers were presented 25 September 2015, Dudhnoi, Assam by Dr. Rajendra Baarhat, Dr. Jagdish Giri and Dr. Prakash Amravat. The third session was Sahitya Akademi organized a seminar on “Non chaired by Dr. Narpatsingh Sodha and papers Fictional Prose of Bodo Literature, Its Past were presented by Dr. Gajsingh Rajpurohit, Present and Future” in collaboration with Girdhardaan Ratna, Rajendar Kumar Vyas.The Bodo Sahitya Sabha on 25 September 2015 fourth session war chaired by Dr. Mangat at Dudhnoi College, Dudhnoi, Goalpara, Badal and poet Dr. Idan Singh Bhati presented Assam. several illustrations of the revival of In the inaugural session, the welcome poetry. Dr. Dhananjay Amravat presented a address was delivered by Sri Goutam Paul, paper on the religious proclivity of medieval Officer in Charge, Sahitya Akademi Eastern chaarans and participants included Sheen Kaaf Region and the introductory address was Nizam, Zahoor Khan, Sohandaan Charan and delivered by Sri Dr Premananda Machahary, Farooq Afridi.The valedictory session was Convener of the Bodo Advisory Board of chaired by Dr. Kiran Nahta. Sahitya Akademi. The seminar was inaugurated by Sri Kameswar Brahma, President of Bodo Sahitya Sabha. The keynote address was SYMPOSIUM ON NEPALI LYRICAL POETRY delivered by Sri Bisweswar Baumatary, Vice 24 September 2015 at Geyzing (West ). President of Bodo Sahitya Sabha with Gopal Phukan, Principal of Dudhnoi College. The Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, in collaboration vote of thanks was proposed by Kamala Kt. with Paschim Sikkim Sahitya Prakashan, Mushahary, General Secretary, Bodo Sahitya organized a symposium on Nepali lyrical Sabha. poetry on September 24, 2015 at Geyzing. While in the first session papers were The inaugural session was chaired by Shri presented by Smt Indira Boro and Smt Swarna Pradyumya Shreshtha Member, Nepali Prabha Chainary with Sri Bhupen Narzaree Advisory Board Sahitya Akademi and the key in the chair, in the second session, papers were

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 103 presented by Sri Jibeswar Koch and Sri Phukan scholars such as Smt. Indira Boro and Smt. Ch. Basumatary with Dr Anil Boro in the Swarna Prabha Chainary presented papers in chair. the first session with Sri Bhupen Narzaree in the chair. In the second session, papers were presented by Sri Jibeswar Koch and Sri SYMPOSIUM ON F OLK-BALLAD OF RAJASTHAN Phukan Ch. Basumatary with Dr. Anil Boro 25 September, 2015, Shridungargarh in the chair.

Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, in association with the Rashtrabhasha Hindi Prachar Samiti, SYMPOSIUM ON NEPALI DRAMA Shridungargarh organized a Symposium on 26 September, Kalimpong Rajasthani Folktales in the Sanskriti Bhawan auditorium, Shridungargarh on September A symposium on Nepali Drama was organized 25, 2015. Chief Guest for the event was Dr. by Sahitya Akademi in collaboration with Sohandaan Charan whilespeakers included Nepali Sahitya Adhyayan Samiti, Kalimpong, Prithviraj Ratnu, Dr. Bhawar Singh Samaur, 26 September 2015. In his welcome address, Rameshwar Godara and others. Sri Prem Pradhan said that Nepali drama should be given the true importance it deserves. Keynote address was given by Prof. SEMINAR ON NON-FICTIONAL PROSE OF Pratap Chandra Pradhan, Dean Sikkim BODO LITERATURE – ITS PAST, PRESENT AND University. Inaugural session was chaired by FUTURE Sri Gyan Sutar, president of the smiti. The September 25, 2015, Dudhnoi academic session was presided over by senior Nepali playwright Sri Nand Hangkim. Sahitya Akademi Eastern Regional Office Papers were presented by Sri Mukti Prasad organized a seminar on ‘Non Fictional Prose Upadhyaya, Dr. Krishnaraj Ghatani and Dr. of Bodo Literature – Its Past, Present and Mamta Lama. Future’ in collaboration with Bodo Sahitya Sabha on 25 September 2015 at Dudhnoi College, Assam. In the inaugural session, Sri SYMPOSIUM ON MODERN ASSAMESE DRAMA Goutam Paul, Officer-in-Charge delivered the IN CONTEXT TO CONTEMPORARY INDIAN welcome address and the introductory address DRAMA was delivered by Sri Premananda Machahary, 26 September 2015, Kokrajhar, Assam Convener, Bodo Advisory Board of Sahitya Akademi. Sri Kameswar Brahma, President, Sahitya Akademi Eastern Regional Office Bodo Sahitya Sabha inaugurated the seminar organized a symposium on ‘Modern Assamese and the keynote address was given by Sri Drama in Context to Contemporary Indian Bisweswar Baumatary, Vice President of Bodo Drama’ in collaboration with the Department Sahitya Sabha with Sri Gopal Phukan, Principal of Assamese, Bodoland University, Assam on of Dudhnoi College. The inaugural session 26 September 2015. Prof. Hemanta Kr. ended with a vote of thanks proposed by Baruah, Vice Chancellor of Bodoland Smt. Kamala Kt. Mushahary, General University inaugurated the symposium by Secretary, Bodo Sahitya Sabha. Noted lighting the ceremonial lamp. Welcome

104 / Annual Report 2015–2016 address was delivered by Prof. Karabi Deka Longzomba, Sri K. Radhakumar and Dr. Ng. Hazarika, Convener, Assamese Advisory Board Ekashini Devi as paper readers who presented and Dr. Navjyoti Sarmah gave the introductory papers on ‘Trends of Contemporary Manipuri address. Dr. Hitendra Kr. Mishra, Associate Poetry’, ‘Modernist Elements in the Poems of Professor, NEHU, Shillong. Dr. Satyakam Elangbam Nilakanta’ and ‘Style and Diction Bothakur chaired the first session in which of Ashangbam Minaketan’s ‘Bidai Ashirbad’ three noted scholars presented their papers, and ‘Asheibagee Nityapad’ respectively with namely Dr. Jagadish Patgiri, Dr. Naren Patgiri Professor Kh. Kunjo Singh in chair. After the and Dr. Ismail Hussain. The second session lunch, the second session had Sri Th. had Dr. Bhabendra Kalita in the chair and Tarunkumar, Sri Nando Ningombam and papers were read by Dr. Binita Bora Professor H. Nani Kumar as paper presenters Devchoudhuri, Dr. Indira Boro Dr. Hemanta who presented papers on ‘Use of Irony and Kr. Das and Smt. Runu Devnath. In the Living Speech in the Poems of Laishram valedictory session with Dr. Hitendra Samarendra’, ‘Themes and Language of the Kr. Mishra in the chair, Dr. Sekhar Brahma poems of Sri Biren’ and ‘Impact of Folklore graced to be the Guest of Honour and the on the Poems of Arambam Ongbi Memchoubi’ valedictory address was delivered by Dr. respectively with Professor N. Khagendra Jagadish Patgiri. Singh in the chair. The seminar continued on the second day with Dr K. Bijaylata, Dr M. Tuleshwori, Sri O. Kunjo and Sri Kh. SEMINAR ON CONTEMPORARY MANIPURI Inaobi as paper presenters in the third session, POETRY who presented papers on ‘The Innovative 26-27 September 2015, Imphal Aspects in the Poems of Thangjam Ibopishak’, ‘Themes and Poetic of R. K. Madhubir’s Sahitya Akademi Eastern Regional Office Poems’, ‘The Structure of the Poems of R. conducted a two day seminar on K. Bhubonsana’ and ‘Mythology in the Poems ‘Contemporary Manipuri Poetry’ in of S. Lanchenba Meetei’ respectively with Sri collaboration with The Cultural Forum, Kh. Prakash Singh in the chair. Post lunch, Manipur on 26 – 27 September 2015 at the fourth session began with Sri Ph. Khelendro Manipur Hindi Parishad Auditorium, Imphal. Singh, Sri M. Rajesh, Sri Budhichandra Sri Gautam Paul, Officer-in-Charge welcomed Heisnam and Dr K. Shantibala as paper the gathering and introduced Prof. Behari presenters who presented papers on ‘A Critical Singh who graced to be the chief guest in Study of the Poems of Birendrajit Naorem’, the inaugural session. Prof. N. Khagendra ‘Themes and Language in the Poems of Raghu Singh introduced the theme of the seminar.The Leishangthem’, ‘Tradition and Modernism in inaugural session was chaired by Sri Salam the Poems of Naorem Bidyasagar’, and ‘The Birendra Singh. Prof. Behari Singh in his Importance of Poetry in Contemporary address spoke on the richness of Manipuri Manipuri Literature’ respectively with Professor literature and the importance of encouraging Rajen Toijamba in the chair.At the end of young and aspiring litterateurs. Smt. Kh. the fourth session, Sri Naorem Ahanjao, life Senita Devi, General Secretary of The Cultural member of the Cultural Forum, Manipur Forum proposed a vote of thanks. The first proposed a vote of thanks. session began with Dr. Saratchandra

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 105 SEMINAR ON “ROMANTICISM IN BODO introduced the topic and key-note address was POETRY” given by Dr. Jiwan Namdung, distinguished 27 September 2015, BTAD, Assam Nepali poet and critic. The academic session of the symposium was presided over by Dr. Sahitya Akademi Eastern Regional Office Jas Yonjan ‘Pyasi’, eminent Nepali writer. organized a birth centenary seminar on Shri Participants included Shri Naresh Chandra Ishan Ch. Mwshahary (1915-2015) and a Khatri, Shri Jai Cactus, Sri Tejman Baraiyali National Seminar on “Romanticism in Bodo and Sri Megnath Chettri. Poetry” in collaboration with the Department of Bodo, Gyanpeeth Degree College, Assam on 27 September 2015at the college premises. SYMPOSIUM ON MODERN RAJASTHANI STORY In the inaugural session, Sri Goutam Paul, 27 September 2015, Bikaner Officer-in-Charge welcomed the participants and the audience. The keynote address was Sahitya Akademi, in association with Mukti delivered by Dr Anil Boro. Sri Brajendra Sanstha, Bikaner organized a symposium on Kumar Brahma graced to be the chief guest Modern Rajasthani Story on September 27, in the inaugural session with Dr Adaram 2015. Speakers on the occasion included Dr. Basumatary in the chair. The inaugural session Arjun Dev Charan, Chief Guest Bhanwarlal concluded with a vote of thanks proposed Bhramar, Mohd. Alok, Ramswarup Kisan, by Sri Pranab Jyoti Narzary, Secretary, Bodo Madhu Acharya Ashawadi. Vote of thanks was Dept. Teachers’ Association. In the first session, given by veteran theatre artist Suresh papers were presented by Dr. Bhowmik Ch. Hindustani. Participants included Hiralal Boro, Dr. Sunil Phukan Basumatary, Sri Harsh, Sardar ali Cadihar, Atmaram Bhati, Birupaksha Giri Basumatary, Dr. Nareswar Shamim Bikaneri and others. Narzary and Ms. Rwiroob Brahma with Dr. Bhupen Narzary in the chair. In the second session, papers were read by Dr. Tulon Mwshahary, Dr. Basumatary, SYMPOSIUM ON URDU SHAIRI IN TAMIL NADU 27 September 2015, Chennai Sri Gwgwm Brahma Kachary Sri Mihir Kr. Brahma and Ms. Dipali Kherkatary with Sri Janil Kumar Brahma in the chair.

SYMPOSIUM ON POST INDEPENDENCE TRENDS IN 27 September 2015, Siliguri

Sahitya Akademi, organized a symposium on Post Independence trends in Nepali literature, in collaboration with Nandi Tiwari Smriti Pratishthan, on September 27, 2015 at Siliguri. Inaugural session was chaired by Sri M.B. Pradhan, noted Nepali writer. Sire Prem Pradhan convenor, Nepali Advisory Board Inaugural session of the symposium in progress

106 / Annual Report 2015–2016 Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi organized a Sharma delivered presidential address and Sri Symposium on ‘Urdu Shairi in Tamil Nadu’ L. Deven Singh proposed a vote of thanks. at New College, Chennai on September 27, Sri A. Kholchandra, Sri L. Gojen, Sri 2015. In the inaugural session, Dr K. Ranbir Maugang and Prof. I. S. Kangjam and Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, Sri I. Tinken, Sri Budha Chingtham and welcomed the participants and audience and Sri L. Dorendra presented their papers in the spoke briefly about various initiatives of the first and second sessions respectively. Professor Akademi to promote Urdu literature in several E. Dinamani Singh in his chair message of parts of the country. Sri Chandra Bhan Khayal the last session summed up the day’s chaired the session. Sri Musa Raja inaugurated proceedings. the symposium and evinced optimism about the future of in Tamil Nadu. Well-known scholar Dr Sayeed Sajjad Hussain BIRTH CENTENARY SEMINAR ON DINANATH delivered the keynote address and presented SHARMA a historical overview of Urdu poetry in Tamil 28 September 2015, Nadu. Sri Mushtaq Sadaf, Programme Officer, Sahitya Akademi, proposed a vote of thanks. The eastern region of Sahitya Akademi First session of the symposium was chaired organized a birth centenary seminar on by Shri. Musa Rajaand in the session two Dinanath Sharma in collaboration with the well-known scholars Dr. K.H.Kalimullah and Department of Assamese, Gauhati University, Dr. M.Sauduhin presented their papers. on 28 September 2015 at the University Second session was chaired by Dr.Kazi Habib premises. In the inaugural session, the Ahmad. In this session, three well-known ceremonial lamp was lighted by Sri Hariprasad scholars, DrM.B.Amanullah, Dr. Thaiyab Sarma, Rector of Gauhati University. Welcome Kiradi and Dr. Muzaffaruddin presented their address was delivered by Smt Arupa , papers. General Council Member of Sahitya Akademi. The seminar was inaugurated by Professor Karabi Deka Hazarika, Convener, Assamese SYMPOSIUM ON “G. C. TONGBRA’S PLACE Advisory Board. Prof. Dipti Phukan Patgiri IN MANIPURI DRAMA” of Gauhati University delivered introductory 28 September 2015, Imphal address. Prof. Gobinda Prasad Sarma, eminent writer along with Prof. Taranee Deka of Sahitya Akademi Eastern Regional Office, in Gauhati University delivered keynote address. collaboration with the Manipuri Literary The inaugural session concluded with a vote Society organized a daylong symposium on of thanks proposed by Sri Kamaluddin Ahmed, ‘G.C. Tongbra’s Place in Manipuri Drama’ on Associate Professor in Gauhati University. In 28 September 2015 at Manipur Hindi Parishad the academic session,papers were presented by Hall, Imphal. Welcoming the huge gathering, Prof. Tarani Deka, Smt. Jahnavi Devi, Smt. Sri Goutam Paul, Officer in Charge highlighted Rekha Rani Devi, Sri Pranjal Sharma his life and literary works. Professor H. Behari Bashishtha, Smt. Sarala Seal Kalita and Sri Singh, Convener, Manipuri Advisory Board, Jayanta Pathak with Sri Umesh Deka in the in his address as the Chief Guest, elaborated chair. the rationale of the symposium. Sri Prahlad

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 107 SEMINAR ON INDIAN LITERARY the third session chaired by Prof G.M. HISTORIOGRAPHY Sundaravalli, four well-known scholars, Prof 28-29 September 2015, Tirupati Malashri Lal, Prof Arindam Chakrabarti, Prof Madhurantakam Narendra and Sri Tirupati Sahitya Akademi, in collaboration with the Rao, presented their papers on English literary Department of English, S.V. University, historiography, Sanskrit literary historiography organized a two day national seminar on and Telugu literary historiography respectively. Indian Literary Historiography at the In the fourth session that was compered by University premises in Tirupat on September Prof T. and chaired by Prof E.V. 28-29, 2015. In the inaugural session, Dr Ramakrishnan, three noted scholars, Sri Lalit K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, Kumar, Ms. Prachi Khandeparkar and Sri welcomed the participants, dignitaries and Hemant Dave, presented their papers on audience and spoke briefly about the literary historiography in Maithili, Marathi importance of the seminar. In his introductory and Gujarati, respectively. In the fifth session address, Prof Harish Trivedi talked about that was compred by Prof P. Usha Rani and various attempts at historiography and traced chaired by Prof Malashri Lal, three well- the reasons for their failure. Prof K. Rajagopal, known scholars, Dr Esther Syiem, Prof H.S. Vice Chancellor of the University, thanked Shivaprakash and Sri Judhajit Sarkar, presented the Akademi for choosing S.V. University to their papers about literary historiography in organize a prestigious seminar like this. In North-Eastern languages, Kannada and Bengali, his keynote address, Prof Indra Nath respectively. The valedictory session was Choudhuri, eminent scholar, presented a moderated by Prof Harish Trivedi. Prof M. historical overview of literary historiography Devarajulu, Registrar of the University was in India. Prof K. Satchidanandan unveiled the the Guest of Honor. A panel discussion theme of the seminar. Prof Madhurantakam featuring Prof K. Satchidanandan, Prof Malashri Narendra proposed a vote of thanks. Lal, Prof Ipshita Chanda and Prof E.V. In the first session that was chaired by Prof Ramakrishnan took place analyzing and K. Satchidanandan and compered by Prof P. summing up the proceedings of the seminar. Kusuma Harinath, three noted scholars, Prof Ms. Gitanjali Chatterjee, Deputy Secretary, E.V. Ramakrishnan, Prof P.P. Raveendran and Sahitya Akademi, proposed a vote of thanks. Prof Ipshita Chanda, presented their papers highlighting overview of literary historiography in South India, Malayalam literary SEMINAR ON YOUNG WRITING IN TAMIL historiography and overview of Eastern Indian September 30 & October 1, 2015, Madurai literary historiography, respectively. In the second session that was compered by Prof he sub-regional office of Sahitya Akademi at K. Suma Kiran and chaired by Prof M.A.K. Chennai, in association with the Department Sukumar, three noted scholars, Prof Gopal of Tamil, Lady Doak College, Madurai, Guru, Prof Avadhesh Kumar Singh and Prof organized a two-day seminar on Young Writing Jatindra K. Nayak presented their papers in Tamil at the college auditorium in Madurai featuring polemics of literary historiography, on September 30, 2015 and October 1, 2015. evolution of Hindi literary historiography and In the inaugural session, Sri K.P. Odia literary historiography, respectively. In Radhakrishnan, Officer-in-Charge, Sahitya

108 / Annual Report 2015–2016 Akademi, Chennai, welcomed the participants In the fifth session devoted to ‘Future of and audience and spoke briefly about various Young Writing in Tamil’ and chaired by Sri initiatives of Sahitya Akademi to promote D. Seenichamy, three noted young writers, young writers, poets, playwrights and Sri N. Jeyabaskaran, Ms. Mubin Sadhika and translators across the country and in all the Ms. Vidhya, presented their papers. 24 officially recognized languages of India. In the valedictory session, Dr. R. In his Presidential address, Prof. K. Kamarasu, Member, General Council, Sahitya Nachimuthu, Convener, Tamil Advisory Board, Akademi, chaired the session, Sri Vannadasan, Sahitya Akademi, talked about the necessity eminent Tamil writer, delivered the valedictory to promote literature by youth as young address, Sri Su. Venkatesan, well-known people are backbone of any civilization. He Tamil writer, presented felicitations and Sri praised the Akademi for promoting young K.P. Radhakrishnan proposed a vote of writing in all the languages and highlighted thanks. the impact of Sahitya Akademi’s Yuva Puraskar on young authors across the country. In his keynote address, Sri M. Rajendran, Editor, SYMPOSIUM ON BIRTH CENTENARY OF PALLA Kanaiyazhi, presented an overview of the DURGAIAH evolution of young writing in Tamil over the 4 October 2015, Hyderabad years and highlighted some of the important young Tamil writers in the current scenario. The regional office of Sahitya Akademi at In the first session devoted to ‘Myself and Bengaluru organized a daylong symposium on My Writing’ and chaired by Ms. Andal the life and literary works of Palla Durgaiah Priyadarshini, three noted young writers, Sri on 04 October 2015 at Andhra Saraswatha R. Abilash, Sri Ke. Veerapandian and Ms. Parishad, Hyderabad. Sri S.P. Mahalingeshwar, Lakshmi Saravanakumar talked about their Regional Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, creative world and shared their experiences Bengaluru welcomed the participants and the as creative writers. audience. Dr. N. Gopi, Convener, Telugu In the second session devoted to ‘Young Advisory Board in his chair address remarked Writing Today in Tamil’ and chaired by Ms. that Dugraiah’s works were commendable and Tamilselvi, two noted young scholars, Sri also recited a few extracts from his poetry. Sureshkumara and Ms. Chandra, Sri K.V. Ramanachari, Advisor to Telangana presented their papers on current young writing Government, in his speech highlighted his in Tamil. qualities and observed that Durgaiah’s works In the third session devoted to readings constitute a great treasure of Telangana’s and chaired by Prof P. Sivakami, young staff literature. Dr. Ammangi Venugopal, Member, members of Lady Doak College presented Telugu Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, readings of their select short stories and poems. spoke on the critical observations made by In the fourth session devoted to ‘Promising Palla Durgaiah on various Telugu poets. In Young Writing’ and chaired by Sri N. the first session, Sri Manasa Chennappa chaired Sivasubramanian, three noted young writers, and also presented a paper on Durgaiah’s work Sri B. Anandakumar, Sri K. Parthibha Raja ‘Gangireddu’ wherein Durgaiah had depicted and Sri Stalin Rajangam presented their papers the travail of poor farmers of Telangana region. Sri Sanganabhatla Narasaiah presented his on the theme.

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 109 L–R: A Ramanujachari, S.P. Mahalingeshwar, N. Gopi, Ammangi Venugopal and other seen paper on ‘The Development of Prabandha SYMPOSIUM ON NAVAN PUNJABI NOVEL Literature: A Research of Palla Durgaiah’ and 9 October 2015, Moga (Punjab) he elaborated on the fine analysis and commentary contained in the treatise. In the A symposium on ‘Navan Punjabi Novel’ was second session that was chaired by Sri Bhoyi organized by Sahitya Akademi on 9th October Vijaya Bharathi, papers were read by Sri 2015 at Jagat Sewak Khalsa College for Women, Gannamaraju Girija Manohara Babu and Sri Mahina, Moga. Dr. Surinder Kumar Chenna Keshava Reddy. Sri Gannamaraju’s Daweshwar, Punjab University, Chandigarh paper threw light on the way how Durgaiah chaired the programme and Harsimran Singh had depicted the pitiable state of farmers and Randhava, University, Haryana Sri Chenna Keshava Reddy’s paper made a deep analysis on Durgaiah’s lyrics. Dr. N. was the guest of honour. Papers were presented Gopi chaired the valedictory session and Sri by Surjint singh, Surjit Barar and Raman C. Narayana Reddy, Fellow of Sahitya Akademi Sharma. Baldev Singh Sadaknama, Punjabi graced to be the chief guest of that session. Advisory Board Member of Sahitya Akademi Sri Narayana Reddy expressed his delight for welcomed and convened the programme on having come forward to celebrate the birth behalf of Sahitya Akademi. centenary of a forgotten literary doyen. Sri Mamidi Harikrishna, Director, Department of Language & Culture, Government of Telangana, SEMINAR ON BEYOND THE WRITTEN: was the Guest of Honour and he remarked CONFLUENCE OF AUTHORS AND PUBLISHERS that he was elated at the literary activities 9-10 October, 2015, Gangtok that were being held in the newly formed Telangana state. Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi organized a seminar on Confluence of Authors and

110 / Annual Report 2015–2016 Publishers featuring eminent authors, that writing and publishing fraternity should publishers and media personalities on October seriously deliberate on Richard Dawkins’ 9-10, 2015 at Tara Palace in Gangtok. assertion that science should also be treated In the inaugural session, Dr K. as part of literature. He hoped this effort by Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, Sahitya Akademi will bear wonderful fruits. welcomed the participants and audience and In his speech, Sri Leeladhar Jagoori, eminent spoke about the background in which the Hindi writer who was also the Guest of Seminar is taking place – emergence of digital Honour of Seminar, talked about the necessity publishing, mobile publishing etc and of publishers to be more helpful to the writing challenges they pose, especially for vernacular community in the process of production, publishing. In his introductory remarks, Sri monetarily and in all other ways. This is Arun Maheswari, Member, General Council, essential since print or digital are ways of talked about the problems and challenges that production and at all costs writers’ interests publishers in India from digital publishing should be protected, preserved and promoted. and enumerated the details. He also highlighted Ms. Gitanjali Chatterjee, Deputy Secretary, the problem of sales that all the publishers Sahitya Akademi proposed a vote of thanks. face and the underlying reason of declining In the first session that was devoted to readership across the country, especially among ‘Initial Phase of Publishing in Indian Languages’ the youth of the country. In his Presidential and chaired by Sri Arunesh Neeran, three address, Dr Baldeo Bhai Sharma, Chairman, noted editors and publishers, Sri Harsha Datta, India, applauded Sahitya Sri Deepchand Sankhla and Sri Ramgopal Akademi for taking initiative to bring together Sharma, presented their papers focusing on publishers and authors in this hour of crisis ‘the history of book publishing in Bengal,’ and also for agreeing to host more conferences ‘the history of book publishing in the Hindi in future across India. He talked about despite speaking world’ and ‘the history of book rapid advances of digital technology and publishing in India and impact it made on modern innovative tools for reading and writing, the traditional printed books hold several advantages and urged the publishers, organizations like Sahitya Akademi, departments of Ministries in the government of India to take more initiatives to inculcate healthy reading habits in the children and youth of the country instead of telling all the time that reading habit has declined in the country. He agreed K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, with Dr Sreenivasarao in delivering the welcome address

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 111 the country’ respectively. In the second session before the authors and publishers and especially that was devoted to ‘Publishing in Indian that of copyright. He said copyright act has Languages in 21st century: Challenges and fixed period of copyright but e-books are New Directions’ and chaired by Sri Prakash forever and wondered if that means copyright Dubey, two noted editors and publishers, Ms. is forever. Prof Arun Kamal, in his speech Neeta Gupta and Sri A. Krishna Rao, talked highlighted the issues of copyright, royalty about the publishers’ point of view and the in the publishing sector in Indian languages. writers’ perspectives on the issue and challenges He said interests of the writers and monetary before the writers, respectively. In the third benefits they deserve should be protected and session that was devoted to ‘Challenges in promoted. He observed that like in England Promoting Book Culture and Role of Media’ and other countries writers’ forum or trust and chaired by Sri Prakash Dubey, two media or association should be created in India and personalities, Sri Rajeev Ranjan Nag and Sri institutions like Sahitya Akademi should come Anant Vijay, presented their papers. Sri Rajeev forward to fulfil this. Prof Arun Kamal said Ranjan Nag focused on ‘Digital Media’s Role good relationship between authors and in Promoting Book Culture in India’ and publishers is essential for welfare of writers highlighted the needs and challenges in this of all genres and ensuring production of regard. He also talked about the influence and quality books. Sri Arun Jakhade, in his speech impact of newer technologies in reading habits, outlined number of ways to improve the especially among youth in the country and relationship between authors and publishers Media’s role in promoting good literature. Sri and observed that publishers should be Anant Vijay, in a powerful speech, listed out considerate towards authors when it comes the problems and challenges in the writing to the issues like copyright and royalty. He community, problems faced by the media also highlighted the changing nature of houses in devoting spaces for literary events commercial interests of the writers and this of literary organizations and literary is akin to the role reversal and is a worrying communities’ unwillingness to embrace and trend. He highlighted publishers’ perspective adopt new technologies. A brief interactive of copyright issue. Sri Akhilesh, in his speech session followed the presentations. Dr K. highlighted the problems faced by the writers Sreenivasarao summed up the day’s proceedings at the hands of publishers. A brief but lively and proposed a vote of thanks. Ms. Gitanjali interactive session followed the presentations. Chatterjee, Deputy Secretary, Sahitya Akademi In the fifth and final session of the seminar initiated the proceedings of the second day devoted to ‘New Dimensions of Publishing: and welcomed and introduced the participants E-Books and Social Media’ and chaired by of two sessions of the day. In the fourth Sri Maalan, three noted scholars, Sri Suresh session devoted to ‘Relation between publisher Rituparna, Ms. Devapriya Roy and Sri Thiru and writers: Problem of copyright’ and chaired Prasad Nepali, presented their papers. Sri by Prof Shafey Kidwai, three noted scholars, Maalan, in his speech outlined the advantages Prof Arun Kamal, Sri Arun Jakhade and Sri and disadvantages of the electronic publishing Akhilesh presented their papers. Prof Kidwai and observed that print books will hold their outlined the changing relationship between space in publishing world. Sri Maalan writers and publishers and also between writers highlighted that print and electronic versions and readers. Prof Kidwai highlighted challenges are ways of production and what holds key

112 / Annual Report 2015–2016 is quality content. Sri Suresh Rituparna, in SYMPOSIUM ON LIFE AND WORKS OF PANDIT his speech observed that tensions between N. KHELCHANDRA SINGH authors and publishers will always exist and 10 October 2015, Imphal harmonious relationship will ensure quality productions. Sri Suresh Rituparna stated that The eastern region of Sahitya Akademi, in even technology is changing and despite all collaboration with Manipur Sahitya Parishad the benefits and advantages that technology organized a daylong symposium on the ‘Life provides to publishing, it is too premature and Works of Pandit N. Khelchandra Singh’ to call for the demise of print books. He said on 10 October 2015 at Government Dance however technology has changed the College, Imphal. Sri Goutam Paul, Officer- perspectives of publishing and it will be in-Charge delivered welcome address and prudent for both publishers and authors use briefly outlined the literary achievements of it effectively. Sri Suresh Rituparna highlighted Pandit N. Khelchandra Singh. Prof. H. Behari man is the center and important and all Singh, Convener, Manipuri Advisory Board technology is there to serve humanity and in his introductory remarks revealed the multi not the other way around and it is important faceted personality of Pandit Singh. Sri Th. humans use technology effectively for Tombi Singh in his Presidential address asserted betterment of humanity. Ms. Devapriya Roy, Pandit’s relevance to the contemporary society in her speech talked about the adaptability of Manipur. The inaugural session ended with by authors and publishers to newer a vote of thanks proposed by Prof. L. technologies. She illustrated how technology Sadananda Singh of Manipuri Sahitya Parishad. and social media helped in her writing her In the first session that was chaired by Sri own work – something that is a physical, R.K. Jhalajit Singh, papers were read by Sri print book. She talked about many advantages B. Kulachandra Sharma, Sri N. Indiramani that social media and e-books provide to and Dr. Th. Ibohambi Singh. The papers authors, readers and publishers in India. Sri focused on the multitude contributions to Thiru Prasad Nepal, in his speech observed Manipuri culture and literature. Prof. N. Tombi that it is print books that are real and not Singh chaired the second session and papers the digitally produced books as the latter can were presented by Sri L. Sharatchandra Singh, never give the experience of reading a book. Sri Birachandra and Dr. Y. Kunjabihari Singh. He highlighted both in the print publishing Paper readers focused on the lesser known and digital publishing the relationship between aspects of Pandit Khelchandra. The symposium authors and publishers have been smooth in ended with a vote of thanks proposed by Sri the world of Indian-Nepali Writing. Sri Thiru Priyobrato Singh. Prasad talked about social media as a social instrument is only capable of reflecting the society and reality and reminded writers the SEMINAR ON HUMOUR AND SATIRE IN DOGRI quality of a book does not lie in the print LITERATURE or digital production but in the writer. A 10-11 October 2015 at Jammu brief and lively interactive session followed the presentations. Ms. Gitanjali Chatterjee A two-day literary seminar jointly organized proposed a vote of thanks. by Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi and Dogri Sanstha, Jammu on the topic ‘humour and

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 113 satire in Dogri literature.’ The seminar was Two paper reading sessions were held inaugurated by Prof. Ashok Aima,Vice on first day of the seminar. First session was Chancellor, Central University, Jammu at KL presided over by Prof. Champa Sharma. Three Sehgal Hall, Jammu. papers were presented in the session on poetry Congratulating the organizers for this first by Sri Prakash Premi, Sri Surjit Hosh and ever seminar on such an important topic, Prof. Dr. Bansi Lal. In the second session Sri Aima said that it was obligatory on the part Susheel Begana and Sri Sunil Sharma read of CUJ to work for the promotion of one their papers on Dogri Ghazal and Dogri of the major languages of the Region. The essasy. The third paper of Dr. Rajesh Manhas inaugural session of the seminar started with was presented by Dr. Lalit Magotra in his welcome address by Dr. Devendra Kumar absence. This session was presided over by Devesh, Officer on Special Duty, Sahitya eminent poet and intellectual Dhyan Singh. Akademi. Second day, first session was presided over Prof. Lalit Magotra, Convener, Dogri by renowned poet and Sahitya Akademi Advisory Board of Sahitya Akademi introduced awardee Sri Darshan Darshi. Eminent story the subject of the seminar and gave an writer Sri Shiv Mehta read out his paper on introduction of the papers to be presented. the element of humour and satire in Dogri Dr Veena Gupta, former HoD, Dogri short story quoting various short stories. The second paper was presented by Dr. Chanchal Bhasin based on her study on Dogri novels. She identified element of satire and humour in Dogri novels and supported her paper with appropriate references. Second session was chaired by well known litterateur Sri N.D. Jamwal. Three papers were presented by Sri Sandeep Dubey, Sri Raj Kumar Bahrupia and Dr. Rattan L-R. Veena Gupta, Lalit Magotra, Ashok Aima, Chhatrapal, Basotra on Kundaliyaan, Nirmal Vinod and Devendra Kumar Devesh Dogri plays and one act plays respectively. Department, , read the key note address highlighting the prevalence of humour and satire in both folk as well SYMPOSIUM ON 150TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY as written literature of Dogri . The inaugural OF PANUGANTI LAKSHMI NARASIMHA RAO session was presided over by Sri Chhatrapal, 11 October 2015, President, Dogri Sanstha and conducted by Dr. Nirmal Vinod, General Secretary of Dogri The regional office of Sahitya Akademi at Sanstha. Bengaluru, in collaboration with Annamayya

114 / Annual Report 2015–2016 Kalavedika conducted a daylong symposium Dr. Narisetti Venkata Krishna Rao deeply on the 150th birth anniversary of ‘Kavi Sekara’ analysed Panuganti’s play ‘Kanthabharanam’. Panuganti Lakshmi Narasimha Rao’ on 11 Smt. Koganti Uma Rani presented her paper October 2015 at Padmavathi Kalyana Vedika, on the life of women in his work ‘Sakshi Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Gudur. Sri Essays’. Sri Talluri Labon Babu in his paper S.P. Mahalingeshwar, Regional Secretary, gave a detailed account of ‘Diversity in Sahitya Akademi, Bengaluru delivered the Language in Sakshi Essays’. In the valedictory welcome address. In his presidential address, session, Dr. N. Gopi was the chief guest. Dr. Dr. N. Gopi, Convener, Telugu Advisory Papineni Sivasankar summed up the day’s Board explored the multifaceted greatness of proceedings. Sri Modugula Ravikrishna Sri Panuganti Rao. Dr. Papineni Sivasankar, proposed a vote of thanks. Member, Telugu Advisory Board, in his keynote address remarked that Panuganti Rao was a source of inspiration to the writers of all ages SYMPOSIUM ON KIRAT BABANI and explained how prose form gained 11 October 2015, Mumbai. prominence through the pen of Panguanti. Sri Mandali Buddha Prasad, the Chief Guest Sahitya Akademi, Regional Office, Mumbai, and Deputy Speaker, A.P. Assembly, paid organized a symposium on the late Kirat floral tributes to the photograph of Panuganti Babani, renowned Sindhi writer, translator, Rao. In his address, he observed that Panuganti and activist, at its auditorium on 11.10.2015. Rao was one of the pioneers of modern Telugu At the outset, Krishna Kimbahune, Regional Literature. He also added that Panuganti used Secretary, R.O. Mumbai, welcomed the his literary talents to reform the society. Sri gathering and participants. He described Babani Modugula Ravikrishna proposed a vote of as a distinctive Sindhi litterateur, a Sahitya thanks. The first session was chaired by Sri Akademi award winner and a wonderful fusion Modugula Ravikrishna. Sri Ravela Sambasiva of different personalities. He was an Rao in his paper analysed on ‘Humour and ambassador of Sindhi culture. Ms Kala Prakash satire in ‘Sakshi Essays’ and Dr. S. Raghu read while presiding the inaugural session shared a paper on ‘Panuganti as a Social Observer’. her memory of literary interactions with Babani. The second session was chaired by Sri Prem Prakash, Convener, Sindhi Advisory Penugonda Lakshminarayana. In that session, Board, delivered the key-note address. He opined that Babani was a dancing wave of a river which kept on flowing in spite of obstacles. He strived hard to keep the Sindhi legacy and culture floating after the Partition. He is considered as one of the pillars of Sindhi literature. The first session was chaired by Laxman Dubey, and Mohan Gehani presented a paper on life and works of Babani. He was closely associated with Babani for sixty years. He opined that there should be a serious debate Symposium in progress on various aspects of Babani’s life and works.

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 115 Jetho Lalwani’s paper was pitched on plays Kumar Devesh, Officer on Special Duty, and short stories written by Kirat Babani who Sahitya Akademi, welcomed the gathering and was awarded by Akademi for his play Dharti briefly spoke about the activities of Sahitya Jo Sad . The third paper of the session was Akademi. The session was compered by Sri presented by Sandhya Kundnani which was B. Raj Sunuwar, General Secretary, Nepali based on autobiographical writings of Babani. Sahitya Sammelan, who also proposed the The second session comprised of paper vote of thanks at the end of the session. readers such as Laxman Dubey, whose paper Following Sahitya Akademi publications were was a review on poetic form of Babani’s also released by the esteemed guests: Murjhaye writing. Hundraj Balwani’s paper was on Vriksha (Hindi translation of the Akademi Sindhiyat in Babani’s writings. He said that Award-winning Nepali novel Udasin Rukhharu Babani’s writings were truly based on Sindhi of Prem Pradhan by Omnarayan Gupta), life sketches. This session was chaired by Paryavekshan (Hindi translation of the Akademi Meena Rupchandani. Award-winning Nepali criticism of Jiwan The third session which was chaired by Namdung by Kharagraj Giri), Yo Prachin Mohan Gehani witnessed the papers on Veena (Nepali translation of O.N.V. Kurup’s Babani’s contribution to Sindhi Criticism anthology of Malayalam poems by Monika presented by Meena Rupchandani and Babani’s Mukhia), Bharatiya Nepali Ekanki Sanchayan travelogue presented by Shobha Lalchandani. (anthology of Nepali one-act plays, edited by Kala Prakash shared her experience with Krishna Pradhan) and Chowrang (Nepali Babani in the last session dedicated to Moments translation of the Akademi Award-winning with Kirat Babani. This session was truly a Konkani plays of Pundalik N. Nayak by tribute to Kirat Babani and was also shared Bhanu Chhetri).First session of the seminar by his kith and kin of Babani also. was chaired by Dr. Jiwan Namdung, well- known Nepali poet and critic. Sri Arjun Pradhan, Ms. Monika Mukhia and Dr Raj SEMINAR ON POST-MODERNISM IN INDIAN Kumar Chhetri presented their papers on NEPALI LITERATURE 17-18 October 2015, Darjeeling (W.B.)

Sahitya Akademi, in collaboration with Nepali Sahitya Sammelan, Darjeeling, organized a two-day seminar on ‘Post- modernism in Indian Nepali Literature’ on 17-18 October 2015 at Darjeeling.The seminar was inaugurated by Akademi Award winner Nepali writer Sri Nand Hangkhim. The introductory address was given by Sri Prem Pradhan, convenor, Nepali Advisory Board, while Sri Karn Thami, President, Nepali Sahitya Sammelan, L-R. Manika Mukhia, Jeewan Namdung, Bhanu Chhetri, Prem presided over the session. Dr Devendra Pradhan, Nand Hangkhim, Karna Thami and D.K. Devesh

116 / Annual Report 2015–2016 ‘Influence and consequences of Post-modernism Manujlata Sharma on ‘Hardik tanka evam in Indian Nepali Literature’, ‘Theoritical seejokavya’and Prof Arunendra Singh Rathore aspects of Post-modernism in Indian Nepali was the Chief Guest. Sri Vijay Pandya chaired Literature’ and ‘Post-modernised writings in the second session while Sri Harshdev Madhav reference to the Contemporary Indian Nepali presented a paper ‘Samskrut mei monoimage Literature’ respectively. Sri Laxman Srimal, kavita’ and Sri Manibhai Prajapati presented noted Nepali writer, chaired the second session a paper on ‘Adhunik Samskrut Sahitya aur of the seminar. Dr Bina Hangkhim, presented vidhaye’ respectively. her paper titled ‘Post modernism in Indian Nepali poetry’, while other paper on ‘Post- modernism in Indian Nepali Play’ was BIRTH-CENTENARY SEMINAR ON presented by Dr Navin Paudyal. Third session FATURANANDA of the seminar was chaired by Dr Gokul Sinha. 18 October 2015, Bhubaneswar Dr Binesh Pradhan presented his paper on the topic ‘Post modernism in Indian Nepali The eastern region of Sahitya Akademi novels’, while Sri Gyan Bahadur Chhetri talked celebrated the birth centenary of Sri on ‘Post modernized Nepali literature in Phaturananda by organizing a daylong seminar North-Eastern India’. Sri C. K. Rai, member, on 18 October 2015 at Bhubaneswar. Dr. Nepali Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi Mihir Kumar Sahoo, Programme Officer, proposed the vote of thanks at the end. Sahitya Akademi,delivered welcome address. Sahitya Akademi’s Odia Advisory Board Convener Dr. Gourahari Das introduced SYMPOSIUM ON CONTEMPORARY POETIC Phaturananda’s life to the audience. Sri Soumya GENRES AND SANSKRIT POETRY Ranjan Patnaik, Editor of Sambad inaugurated October 18, 2015, the seminar. Dr. Bijayananda Singh, Member of Odia Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, in association delivered keynote address and elaboratedthe with Gujarat Arts and Science College, multiple aspects of Phaturananda. Odisha Ahmedabad, organized a daylong symposium Sahitya Academy President Sri Satkadi Hota on Contemporary Poetic Genres and Sanskrit presided over the seminar. In the first session Poetry in Ahmedabad on October 18, 2015. Dr Radhavallabh Tripathi, Convener, Sanskrit Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, chaired over the first session. In the session, Sri Gautam Patel presented a paper ‘Gujarat ka Adhunik Samskrut Sahitya,’ Sri Abhirajan Rajendra Mishra presented a paper on ‘Adhunik Samskrut Mahakavya,’ Sri Ramakant Shukla on ‘Adhunik Samskrut Geethikavya’ and Inaugural session of the seminar in progress

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 117 that was chaired by Prof. Srinivas Mishra, Literature’ on 28 October 2015 as part of Dr. Laxmikanta Tripathy discussed the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the College. In poems of Phaturananda and Smt. Radhu the inaugural session chaired by Dr. Ananda Mishra talked on his autobiography. Dr. Saikia, Dr. Anjan Saikia, Principal of the Bibhuti Patnaik chaired the second session College delivered welcome address and on wherein Prof. Ajay Kumar Patnaik discussed behalf of Sahitya Akademi, Sri Goutam Paul, his translation works and Sri Mrunal Officer-in-Charge, welcomed the participants Chatterjee spoke on ‘Phaturananda Katha and the audience. Dr. , Sahitya and Sishu Sahitya’. Sri Pitabas Routray Ex – President of Asom Sahitya Sabha chaired the valedictory session and Prof. inaugurated the seminar. Dr. Madan Sarma Nikhilananda Panigrahi delivered valedictory of Tezpur University delivered keynote address. address. Sri Dipen Nath proposed a vote of thanks. In the first session that was chaired by Dr. Lakshmi Nandan Bora, Dr. Kusumbor Baruah SYMPOSIUM ON ACHARYA KSHEMCHANDRA and one of the College staff presented their ‘SUMAN’ papers on the creative and musical literature October 21, 2015, New Delhi of Assam. In the second session, Sri Durlav Chandra Mahanta was in the chair and papers Sahitya Akademi organized a Seminar on the were presented by Sri Rajib Borah and Sri Birth Centenary of distinguished writer and Padmaloson Nath on reflection of national editor, Sri Kshemchandra ‘Suman’. The consciousness in the socialistic thoughts found symposium was chaired by eminent litterateur in Assamese poetry and literature. In the Sri and the introductory valedictory session chaired by Sri Ananda speech was given by Indra Sengar. Others who Saikia, Dr. Pradip Kumar Baruah delivered presented their papers include Parmanand valedictory address and the seminar concluded Panchal, Sudhesh, Hari Singh Pal and with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Bornali Dharmapal Arya. Borthakur. It was emphasized that Kshemchandra ‘Suman’ was an accomplished writer whose huge body of work is unmatched. The welcome SEMINAR ON WOMEN’S DISCOURSE IN address was given by Brajendra Tripathi and the vote of thanks was given by Hindi Editor 29-30 October 2015, Sagar Sri Kumar Anupam. A two day seminar was organized by the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhiin association SEMINAR ON ‘NATIONAL CONSCIOUSNESS AND with the Sanskrit Department of Shri Hari ASSAMESE LITERATURE’ Singh Gaur University on 29th and 30th 28 October 2015, Guwahati October, 2015. Prof. Radhavallabh Tripathi was the keynote speaker at the event. The The eastern region of Sahitya Akademi, in chief guest for the event was Prof. Saashi collaboration with the Assamese Department Prabha Kumar, the Chancellor of Sanchi of Cinnamara College organized a seminar on University. The inaugural address was given ‘National Consciousness and Assamese by Prof. Anand Prakash Tripathi. The first

118 / Annual Report 2015–2016 session had speakers like Dr. Naunihal Gautam, women is a symbol of power. Prof. Dr. Sukhdev Vajpeyi, it was chaired by Sri Radhavallabh Tripathi said we need a society Ramratan Pandey. The second session was where man and woman exist equally. And chaired by Prof. Umarani Tripathi, Dr. Ramhet literature that is written for the welfare of Gautamey. Dr. Poornachandra, Dr. Sanjay the society never goes waste. Prof. Kusum Kumar, Dr. Shashi Kumar Singh read the Bhuria Dutta chaired the fourth session in research papers. In the closing session the chief which Prof. Saroj Kaushal, Prof. Manjulata guest Prof. said that Sharma, Dr. Archana Choudhary, Dr. women is a symbol of power. Prof. Kumar Singh Dev read their Radhavallabh Tripathi said we need a society research papers. The vote of thanks was given where man and woman exist equally. And by Prof. A. L. Tripathi. literature that is written for the welfare of the society never goes waste. Prof. Kusum Bhuria Dutta chaired the fourth session in SYMPOSIUM ON NINTEENTH CENTURY URDU which Prof. Saroj Kaushal, Prof. Manjulata NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES Sharma, Dr. Archana Choudhary, Dr. October 31, 2015, Mumbai Dharmendra Kumar Singh Dev read their research papers. The vote of thanks was given On 31st October 2015, Sahitya Akademi, by Prof. A. L. Tripathi. New Delhi organized a symposium on Nineteenth Century Urdu Newspapers and Magazines’ Linguistic Study at Mumbai. NATIONAL SEMINAR ON WOMEN’S DISCOURSE Inaugural session of this symposium was IN SANSKRIT LITERATURE chaired by Begam Abida Inamdar, Head of 29-30 October 2015, New Delhi Deccan Muslim Institute, . Keynote address was given by famous Urdu thinker A two day seminar was organized by the and critic Shamim Tariq. He spoke about Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi in association various aspects of nineteenth century Urdu with the Sanskrit Department of Shri Hari magazines and newspapers. He told that Urdu Singh Gaur University on 29th and 30th October, 2015. Prof. Radhavallabh Tripathi was the keynote speaker at the event. The chief guest for the event was Prof. Saashi Prabha Kumar, the Chancellor of Sanchi University. The inaugural address was given by Prof. Anand Prakash Tripathi. The first session had speakers like Dr. Naunihal Gautam, Dr. Sukhdev Vajpeyi, it was chaired by Sri Ramratan Pandey. The second session was chaired by Prof. Umarani Tripathi, Dr. Ramhet Gautamey. Dr. Poornachandra, Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Dr. Shashi Kumar Singh read the research papers. In the closing session the chief guest Prof. Abhiraj Rajendra Mishra said that Inaugural session of the seminar in progress

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 119 Journalism has never left the peace and Harihar Vaishnav, five noted scholars, tranquility, and participated in the freedom Yashvanth Gautam, Vikram Soni, Shivkumar fight. In this session Sayeed Yahya Nisheeth Pandey, Baldev Patra and Khem Vaishnav presented an article. Sahitya Akademi’s presented their papers focusing on Written Program Officer Dr. Mushtaq Sadaf welcomed Halbi Literature, Evolution of Halbi language the participants and audience. Begam Abida and script, Relationship between Halbi and Inamdar gave an inaugural speech thanking Chattisgarhi, Culture of Halbi and and Sahitya Akademi for giving us an opportunity World View of Halbis, respectively. In the to think about the previous years’ Urdu second session that was chaired by Prof newspapers and magazines. Second session Mahendra Kumar Mishra, five noted scholars, was headed by Urdu Daily ‘Inqilaab’, Mumbai’s Subash Pandey, Balbir Singh Kutch, Narayan editor Shahid Latif. In this session, Salim Singh Baghel, Rudranarayan Panigrahi and Shahzaad, Athar Ajiz and Shakil Rasheed Rupendra Kavi, presented their papers focusing presented their papers. on Past, Present and Future of Halbi culture, Halbi lok sangeet, Halbi parivesh ke lok nrtya, Halbi parivesh ke tyauhar evam utsav and HALBI LANGUAGE CONVENTION sociological understanding of Halba 31 October 2015, Jagadalpur communities, respectively. In the third and fourth session devoted to Story Reading and Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, in collaboration Poetry Recitation, two fiction writers read out with Bastar University, Jagdalpur, Chattisgarh their stories and twelve noted poets recited organised a Halbi Language Convention at their compositions, respectively. The Akademi Jagdalpur, Chattisgarh. In the inaugural session, has also organised Loka: The Many Voices Dr K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya programme where four different local folk Akademi delivered the welcome address while groups performed the traditional folk songs the inaugural address was delivered by Dr. and dances of Chattisgarh N.D.R. Chandra, Vice-Chancellor, Bastar University. Dr. Ramsingh Thakur, noted Halbi poet was the Guest of Honour in the inaugural SYMPOSIUM ON GURAJADA’S LITERARY session while Prof. , Director, CRITICISM Centre for Oral and Tribal Literature, Sahitya 1 November 2015, Srikakulam Akademi presided over the inaugural session. Two Halbi language books translated into The regional office of Sahitya Akademi at Hindi titled Lakshmi Jagar by Harihar Vaishnav Bengaluru, in collaboration with the Telugu and Andhkar Ka Desh by Sonsingh Pujari, Department of Gurajada Educational Society published by the Akademi were also released organized a daylong symposium on “Gurajada’s during the occasion. Apart from inaugural Literary Criticism” on 01 November 2015 session there were four more session where in Srikakulam. Sri Suresh Kumar, Programme a number of writers/scholars have participated Assistant, Sahitya Akademi, Bengaluru and presented their papers on different aspect welcomed the audience and dignitaries. Sri of Halbi language and literature as well as N. Gopi, Convener, Telugu Advisory Board, presented their poems and short stories. In Sahitya Akademi, presided over the inaugural the first session that was chaired by Prof session and spoke on Gurajada’s literary

120 / Annual Report 2015–2016 reformations. Sri G.V. Swamy Naidu, session. At the end of the second session, a Chairman of Gurajada Educational Society short film “Kamalini” (Gurajada’s Diddu Batu) delivered the inaugural address. was screened. Dr. N. Gopi chaired the Sri Rachapalem Chandrasekhara Reddy, valedictory session. Sri G.V. Swamy Naidu Member, Telugu Advisory Board, Sahitya was the guest of honour in the valedictory Akademi, in his keynote address analyzed his session. Sri B. Gowrisankar Rao, in his address, greatest work ‘Kanyasulkam’. Sri Ampalam summed up the day’s proceedings. Sri Srinivasa Babu proposed a vote of thanks in Phulakandam Srinivasa Rao proposed a vote the inaugural session. Sri Attada Appala Naidu of thanks. chaired and presented a paper on ‘A Review of the Literary Criticism on Gurajada’s Short Story’ in the first session. Two other scholars, BIRTH CENTENARY SEMINAR ON SINDHI Sri B.V.A. Rama Rao presented a paper on GHAZALS, PRABHU CHHUGANI ‘WAFA’ ‘Gurajada’s Life and Literary Personality’ and 1-2 November 2015, Sri Kalidasu Purushottam presented a paper on ‘A Review of the Literary Criticism on Sahitya Akademi, to commemorate the Birth “Kanyasulkam”’ in the first session. Sri Ganteda Centenary of pioneer of Sindhi Ghazals, Prabhu Gowri Naidu chaired and presented a paper Chhugani ‘Wafa’, organized a seminar on 1- on ‘A Review of the Literary Criticism on 2 November 2015, at the Sahitya Akademi Gurajada’s Poetry’ in the second session. Two Auditorium, Sharda Cinema Bldg., MMGS other scholars, Sri A. Gopala Rao presented Marg, Dadar (East), Mumbai. In his welcome a paper on ‘A Review on Negative Criticism address, Krishna Kimbahune, Regional on Gurajada’s Literature’ and Sri K. Sanjeeva Secretary, welcomed the participating Rao presented a paper on ‘An Evaluation of litterateurs and gave a brief introduction of Gurajada’s Literary Criticism’ in the second ‘Wafa’. Vasdev Mohi, an eminent Sindhi Poet, in his inaugural address described ‘Wafa’ as a poet (shayar) of romance. His compositions are like a rhythm. He never cheated with his words. He morphed a Ghazal into a song. He is an inventor of Panchkada, a unique form of poetry consisting of five lines in Sindhi literature. His poems are aesthetic and full of romance. His shayari (poem) is a legacy for Sindhi poets. In his key-note address, Prem Prakash, Convener Sindhi Symposium in progress Advisory Board explained the

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 121 audience the outline of the seminar and its collection of poems). The book includes nazm, various sessions. The motive behind such bait, rubai some poems on children, poems sessions is to find the different aspects of on politics which was a contrast to the form writings of ‘Wafa’. Akademi feels privileged usually written by Wafa. in organizing such centenary seminars to pay The second session included the writers homage to a renowned poet. He described like Govardhan Sharma ‘Ghayal’, who chaired ‘Wafa’ as a sincere poet. He never wrote the session, Jetho Lalwani, Sandhya Kundnani travelogue, diary or any other form and stick and Sarita Sharma, the paper readers. Jetho to his own form of poetry. A reader experiences Lalwani evaluated Wafa’s collection of poems the coolness of moonlight, twinkling of stars Surkha Gulab, Surahakhwab which won the a wave in dark sunlight while reading his Sahitya Akademi Award in 1981. The poems. His poems are the journey of sentiment. collection included the Wafa’s creations namely He was influenced by the works of Sindhi Panchkadas, a poem of five lines. These poets like Bewas and Nawaz. His poems are panchkadas are translated in other Indian included in the Sindhi films. His poems Languages also. Sarita Sagar reviewed Tun (shayari) are the like color and glow which Sagar Maan Lahar again a collection of poems are the mirror of his emotions. by Wafa. She described the poems of this The inaugural session was followed by collection as the waves of water, the emotions release of monograph on Prabhu ‘Wafa’ written and experience of poet. Sandhya Kundnani by Mohan Gehani on the hands of Vasdev gave her assessment on Achalji Unn, a Mohi and Prem Prakash. Kamla Goklani and collection of poems written by Wafa in 1992. Vimmi Sadarangani recited some of the poems The book included 73 ghazals, 43 poems, of ‘Wafa’ at the end of inaugural session. and also the Sindhi folk songs called Ladas The first session was chaired by Arjan and Bhagat. The session ended with Chawla, a member of Sindhi Advisory Board reminiscence shared by the family of ‘Wafa’ of Sahitya Akademi. The paper presenters were which includes his daughters, son-in-laws, Mohan Gehani, Veena Shringi and Hundraj sisters etc. Shobha Lalchandani, Nand Jhaveri Balwani. Mohan Gehani, a renowned writer and Rahul Bijlani were also included in this and scholar, presented a paper titled ‘Wafa’s session. They presented some of the panchkadas Life and Poetry’. He gave a conception of of Wafa. Wafa’s inclination towards romantism. He The third session of the seminar which brought suffism in . Veena Shringi, commenced on 2 November 2015 was chaired a member of Sindhi Advisory board and a by Mohan Gehani. The papers were presented writer, gave her review on Wafa’s collection by Maya Rahi, Meena Roopchandani and of poems Jhankar. His poems depict delicacy, Vinod Assudani. Maya Rahi gave her a hope, at the same instance distress. The book assessment on Seeja Lahan Te Aahe, a collection includes poems, kafiya, rubai, folk songs etc. of poems by Wafa. The said collection was The poems from the said collection are included written by Wafa in his passing age. Wafa’s in Sindhi film Abana. She recited some of poems which always created a positive vibe the rubai’s and poems from the book. Her amongst reader are little sorrowful and paper was followed the paper of Hundraj distressed in this collection. Meena Balwani, a renowned Sindhi writer. He gave Roopchandani, a senior Sindhi writer, gave his assessment on Wafa’s book Parvaz (a her thoughts on Luchhe Pai Yaktare Jee Taar,

122 / Annual Report 2015–2016 a collection of Wafa’s poems. This book carries Goverdhan Sharma ‘Ghayal and Nand 10 panchkadas, 38 ghazals, 13 poems, some Chhugani and was chaired by Vinod Assudani. Kafiyas etc. These poems takes readers in a Dubey who is also a popular Ghazalkar musical aura at the same time depict the poet’s expressed that Wafa is a guide for a young sorrow of losing motherland. Vinod Assudani, poet, a thinker and poem is his religion. He a poet and scholar, presented a paper on Wafa’s is eternal romantic in line with poets like ghazals. He described Wafa’s ghazals as sincere, Bewas, Sachal, Shah Latif. He was a worshipper of human values, soulful, musical and also of beauty, nature but was not a philosopher of sufi values. He compared Wafa’s ghazals as he believed that philosophy arising out of with the poems of Wordsworth. His ghazals helplessness. Arjan Chawla presented his paper are bearing high sense of aesthetics, are visual on aesthetics in Wafa’s poems. He said that imagery, of tactile sense, generates creative every poet wants to carve a striking creation energy and are not influenced by post and Wafa always adhered with this belief. Wafa modernism. Mohan Gehani, the chair, is a lover’s poet. His poems are sensual. concluded that selection and elimination are Govardhan Sharma also presented his paper important in Art and Wafa remains in his own on same line and enlighten about the music creative zone. in Wafa’s poems. His creations have lyricism. In the fourth session Kamla Goklani Nand Chhugani reviewed Wafa’s diversified presented her paper on Wafa’s panchkadas. She form as a translator. Wafa, as a translator of said, though panchkadas consist of words, Kaleel Jibran’s Paigaam stands apart from phrases are expressive, soulful, reminds the other Sindhi poets. He did not disturb its music of an ocean, a newness of thoughts originality while translating Paigaam and and touches the heart of a reader. The included some Ikhlaki Nukte also. Vinod panchkadas epitomize an example of Shringar Assudani, who chaired the session, opined Ras, Vibhathsa Ras etc. where a silence is that eternal poetry is not a mere expression also having a notion. Another scholar Vimmi but a process of finding self. Poet sees life Sadarangani presented a paper on Wafa’s poetry with very different angle and has a futuristic form ‘Tissita’ which is nothing but a haiku vision which can be perceived in Wafa’s poetry. which brings a reality to its existence. The first haiku in Sindhi was written by Wafa. He brings nature in haiku also. He pays tribute to the poets like Shah Latif, Rohal through his haiku’s. Khiman Mulani informed the audience about different forms of poems, baits, rubaiys in Wafa’s writings. The session was chaired by Maya Rahi. The fifth and last session comprised of Sindhi poets like Laxman Dubey, Arjan Chawla, L–R: Khiman Mulani, Maya Rahi, Kamla Goklani and Vimmi Sadarangani

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 123 Prem Prakash summed up the seminar by commemorating the centenary of Haiku in evaluating each paper presented. The seminar Tamil language. He also enumerated on the was attended by very active, live and scholarly nature of Haiku and grammar involved. Prof audience. V. Anandhan, Principal, Avvaiyar Government College for Women, offered felicitations, thanked the Akademi for organizing the NATIONAL SEMINAR ON BHARATIYA SAHITYA symposium in the college and appealed to MEIN DALIT STRI KA CHITRAN AUR the Akademi to organize more literary events CHINTAYEIN in Karaikal. Prof V. Anandhan released the 2-3 November 2015, New Delhi book on poet Kambathasan, published by Sahitya Akademi and Sri Sayubu Maraikar, Sahitya Akademi in association with Kamla noted Tamil writer received the first copy. Sri Nehru College, Delhi held an seminar on Sundara Murugan, Member, Tamil Advisory Bharatiya Sahitya Mein Dalit Stri ka Chitran Board, Sahitya Akademi, talked about the Aur Chintayein on 2-3 November 2015. forms of Haiku and proposed a vote of thanks. In the first session, Dr N. Ilango, Head, Dept. of Tamil, Avvaiyar Government College CENTENARY SYMPOSIUM ON HAIKU for Women, chaired the session and presented 3 November 2015, Karaikal a paper on ‘Social Thoughts in Haiku.’ He drew parallels between Haiku and ancient The sub-regional office of Sahitya Akademi Tamil poetry and also cited the examples of at Chennai, in association with Avvaiyar Koans. In the session, two noted poets, Sri Government College organized a daylong Thamizh Nenjan and Ms. G. Thenmozhi, symposium at the college premises in Karaikal presented their papers on ‘Origin of Haiku on November 3, 2015. – Puducherry’ and ‘Outcry in Haiku’ In the inaugural session, Sri K.P. respectively. Both the papers focused on various Radhakrishnan, Officer-in-Charge, Sahitya forms of Haiku expressions, their social Akademi, Chennai, welcomed the participants, relevance in 21st century and the benefits of audience and other dignitaries and spoke Haiku over traditional poetry in the modern briefly about various initiatives of Sahitya world. The second session was chaired by Sri Akademi to promote various forms of poetry Seenu Thamizhmani, noted Haiku poet and across India and in 24 languages. In his presented a paper on ‘Genre of Haiku.’ He address, Dr R. Sambath, Member, General highlighted various types of Haiku written Council, Sahitya Akademi, who also chaired by Haiku poets of Puducherry. In the session, the inaugural session, traced the similarities two noted Haiku poets, Ms. Oviyam between Haiku and ancient Tamil poetry, Thamizhselvi and Sri Pa. Thirunavukarasu, especially those composed during the Sangam presented their papers ‘Haiku-A Feminist age. He cited the examples of Tholkappiyam, Approach’ and ‘Haiku-An Aesthetic Approach’ Pathupaattu, Ettu Thogai etc. He highlighted focusing on the role of women poets in the that great Tamil poet of modern India, Sri genre of Haiku and a number of aesthetic Subramania Bharathi, has written about Haiku elements present in Haiku, respectively. A in Sudesamitran and observed that it is very large number of writers, scholars and poets appropriate that Sahitya Akademi is from Karaikal attended the symposium.

124 / Annual Report 2015–2016 SEMINAR ON “ODIA NOVEL” organized a symposium on “Manipuri Writings 8 November 2015, Tulasipur, outside Manipur with Special Reference to Tripura” on 9 November 2015 at Agartala The regional office of Sahitya Akademi at Press Club, Agartala. Sri Gautam Paul, Assistant Kolkata, in collaboration with Sarala Sahitya Editor, Sahitya Akademi, Kolkata, delivered Sansad organized a seminar on “Odia Novel” the welcome address. The chief guest of the on 8 November 2015 at Sarala Bhawan, inaugural session was Sri Behari Singh, Cuttack. Dr. K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Convener, Manipuri Advisory Board, Sahitya Sahitya Akademi, Kolkata, delivered the Akademi, while Sri Suresh Sinha, President of Manipuri Sahitya Parishad was in the chair. welcome address. Sri Pravakar Swain of Sarala Sri Abhiram Sinha proposed a vote of thanks. Sahitya Sansad was in the chair. Dr. Gourahari In the first session, three noted scholars, Smt. Das, Convener, Odia Advisory Board, Sahitya Sairta Sinha, Sri Premchandra and Sri Dilip Akademi, gave introductory remarks. Prof. Kumar Sinha presented their papers with Sri Sabita Pradhan of Visva Bharati University Kumar Sinha in the chair. In the second delivered keynote address. Smt. Pratibha Ray session that was chaired by Sri R.K. Jitendrajit graced to be the guest of honour in the Sinha, three noted scholars, Sri H. Karamjit inaugural session. The inaugural session Sinha, Sri L. Birmangal Sinha and Sri Th. concluded with a vote of thanks proposed Rathindra Sinha presented their papers. by Sri Mihir Kumar Sahoo, Programme Officer, Sahitya Akademi. In the first session that was chaired by Sri Rabinarayan Senapati, three SYMPOSIUM ON STORYTELLING AND WOMEN’S eminent scholars, Sri Hemanta Kumar Das, WRITING Sri Premananda Mahapatra and Smt. Sulochana 9-10 November 2015, Shillong Das presented their papers. In the second session, Sri Bipin Bihari Mishra was in the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, in collaboration chair and two noted scholars, Sri Prasanna with the department of English of North- Kumar Swain and Smt. Sunamani Raut Eastern Hill University (NEHU), organized presented their papers. Sri Bairagi Charan Jena a two-day symposium on ‘Storytelling and chaired the valedictory session and the Women’s Writing’ at the Old NEHU Guest valedictory address was delivered by Sri House in Shillong on November 9-10, 2015. In the inaugural session, Sri Santanu Baishnab Charan Samal. Sri Sanjay Kumar Gangopadhyay, Assistant Editor, Sahitya Patnaik proposed a vote of thanks. Akademi, welcomed the participants and audience. In her introductory address, Dr Esther Siyem, talked about the importance SYMPOSIUM ON “MANIPURI WRITINGS of both storytelling and women’s writing in OUTSIDE MANIPUR WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE the modern world and the interconnection TO TRIPURA” between them. Prof. Badaplin War, Dean of 9 November 2015, Agartala, Tripura department of Humanities at the university was the Guest of Honor, Prof. Sukalpa Sahitya Akademi organized a The regional Bhattacharjee, Head, Department of English office of Sahitya Akademi at Kolkata, in of the university chaired the session and Prof collaboration with Manipuri Sahitya Parishad Suranjana Choudhury proposed a vote of

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 125 thanks. In the first two sessions devoted to Sri Pradip Kumar Mishra, Dr. Samir Bhoi and Storytelling and chaired by Moon Moon Sri Ranjan Pradhan presented their papers. Mazumdar and Esther Siyem, six noted The seminar continued for the second day. scholars, Bibash Choudhury, Arupkumar In the third session, “Odia Lokachara” was Dutta, Deepa Balsavar, Rupanjali Baruah, the subject and Dr. Prasanna Kumar Swain Radhika Menon and Deeyali Nayar, presented was in the chair. Papers were presented by their papers. In the third and fourth sessions Sri Patnaik, Sri Krushna Chandra devoted to Women’s Writing and chaired by Nisanka, Dr. Sarat Kumar Jena and Dr. Mala Ranganathan and Jyotirmoy Prodhani, Simanchala Pradhan. The fourth session was six noted scholars, Nandana Dutta, Temsula chaired by Dr. Aswini Kumar Panda and the Ao, Anupama Basumatary, Lanosangla, Jahnavi topic was “Odia Loka Kahaani”. Papers were Baruah and Uddipana Goswami, presented presented by Sri Alok Baral, Dr. their papers. Swain, Dr. Sangram Keshari Rout and Sri Sanjaya Kumar Bag. The valedictory session was chaired by Dr. Ashok Kumar Mohanty, SEMINAR ON “FOLK CULTURE OF ODISHA” Registrar of Berhampur University. Dr. Devi 13-14 November 2015, Berhampur, Ganjam Prasanna Patnaik of Odia Department delivered the valedictory address. Dr. Devi Prasad The regional office of Sahitya Akademi at Satpathy proposed a vote of thanks. Kolkata, in collaboration with the Department of Odia, Berhampur University organized a two day seminar on “Folk Culture of Odisha” SYMPOSIUM ON BIRTH CENTENARY OF at the University premises in Berhampur on PALAGUMMI PADMARAJU 13 – 14 November 2015. Prof. Prasanta 14 November 2015, West Godavari Dt., Kumar Pathy, Vice-Chancellor (I/C) . inaugurated the seminar. Dr. Mihir Kumar Sahoo, Programme Officer, Sahitya Akademi, The regional office of Sahitya Akademi at Kolkta, welcomed the participants and Bengaluru, in collaboration with Rudraraju dignitaries. Dr. Gourahari Das, Convener, Foundation organized a daylong symposium Odia Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, gave on ‘Palagummi Padmaraju’ to commemorate introductory remarks. Dr. Pratibha Ray, his birth centenary. Sri S.P. Mahalingeshwar, eminent fictionist was the chief guest in the Regional Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, inaugural session. Prof. Prasanna Kumar Swain Bengaluru, welcomed the audience and proposed a vote of thanks. The first session gathering. Dr. N. Gopi, Convener, Telugu focused on the topic “Odia Loka Nataka”. Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, presided Prof. Krushna Chandra Pradhan was in the over the inaugural session and highlighted chair and three noted scholars, Dr. Ashok Palagummi Padmaraju’s literary achievements. Kumar Tripathy, Dr. Manoranjan Bisoyi and Sri R.V.S. Raju, Founder Chairman of Sri Sidhartha Sankar Padhi presented their Rudraraju Foundation delivered the inaugural papers. In the second session, papers were address. Smt. C. Mrunalini, Member. Telugu presented on the topic “Odia Loka Geeta”. Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, chaired Dr. Manoranjan Pradhan was in the chair and and presented a paper on ‘Padmaraju as Political four noted scholars, Dr. Dwarakanath Nayak, Writer’ in the first session. Two other scholars,

126 / Annual Report 2015–2016 Sri P.L.N. Prasad presented a paper on mentioned the role of children’s literature in ‘Bathikina College – An Analysis’ and Sri the evolution of Santali literature. In this Vedagiri Rambabu presented a paper on session Sri Purna Chandra Kisku and Sri Bipin ‘Technique in Short Stories of Padmaraju’ in Chandra Murmu recited their Santali poems the first session. Sri Rasa Raju chaired the for children, while Sri Panchu Gopal Hembram second session and three noted scholars read out his short story for children. Sri presented their papers. Sri Ch. Kumaraiah’s Pradhan Murmu, Secretary ASECA, West topic was ‘Humour in Padmaraju’s Writings’, Bengal also told a story for children, while Smt. Vadrevu Veeralakshmi Devi’s paper proposing the vote of thanks.The first session focused on ‘Influence of English Literature of the symposium was chaired by Sri Shobha on Padmaraju’s Writings’ and Sri R.S. Nath Beshra. Sri Bishwanath Tudu and Sri Venkateswararao presented a paper on Saridharam Hansda presented their papers on ‘Padmaraju’s Dramas’. Sri Yendluri Sudhakar the topics children literature in Primary delivered the valedictory address and Sri S.P. education’ and ‘modern trends in children Mahalingeshwar proposed a vote of thanks. literature.’ Sri Beshra concluded the session and talked about contemporary Santali children literature. He said that literature for children SYMPOSIUM ON SANTALI CHILDREN should be compiled in such a way that it LITERATURE will not attract them to any superstitions. 14 November 2015, Kolkata

Sahitya Akademi organized a symposium on SEMINAR ON BIRTH CENTENARY OF BUCHI ‘Santali Children Literature’at Akademi BABU Auditorim, Sahitya Akademi Regional Office, 15 November 2015, Eluru Kolkataon 14 November 2015.Sri Gautam Paul, Officer-in-charge, Regional Office, The regional office of Sahitya Akademi at Kolkata welcomed the gathering. The keynote Bengaluru, in association with Sahithi address was given by renowned Santali writer Mithrulu, Eluru organized a daylong seminar Sri Badal Hembram. In his address he on Buchi Babu, to commemorate his birth centenary on 15 November 2015 Hotel Madhulatha Conference Hall, Eluru. Sri S.P. Mahalingeshwar, Regional Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, Bengaluru, delivered the welcome address. Dr. N. Gopi, Convener, Telugu Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, chaired the inaugural session and spoke on how Buchi Babu’s works have been influencing generation of writers from time to time. Sri Venkateswarulu, President of Sahiti Mithrulu delivered inaugural address and Smt. Sivaraju Subbalakshmi was the guest of honour in the inaugural session. Keynote address was delivered Participants of the symposium by Smt. Katyayani Vidmahe, eminent Telugu

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 127 writer. In the first session, Sri Addepalli Rama Sahitya Akademi, talked about the similarities Mohana Rao chaired and presented a paper and differences in the production, nature, on “Aesthetics in Buchi Babu’s Writings”. Two genres indulged in and craft deployed by the other scholars, Smt. K.N. Malleswari presented modern poets of Tamil and Malayalam. Prof a paper on “Short Stories of Buchi Babu and A. Unnikrishnan, Principal, Sri Narayana Family Relations” and Sri Y. Rama Krishna College of Education, offered felicitations, Rao presented a paper on “Chivaraku Migiledi thanked the Akademi for organizing the – Stream of Consciousness “in the first session. symposium in the college premises and talked In the second session, Sri Thallavajjala Patanjali about essential differences in the literary Sastry chaired and presented a paper on “Short productions of Tamil and Malayalam. He cited Stories of Buchi Babu – Psychological various critical works to substantiate his point. Analysis”. Two other scholars, Sri R. In his keynote address, Dr Ilambharathi, noted Seetharama Rao presented a paper on “Buchi translator and Sahitya Akademi Translation Babu’s Writings – Existentialism” and Smt. Prize recipient, talked at length about Putla Hemalatha presented a paper on “Essays commonalities between Malayalam and Tamil of Buchi Babu”. The valedictory session was literature and observed that enhanced chaired by Sri N. Gopi and Sri Yendluri translations between these two languages will Sudhakar, Member, Telugu Advisory Board, lead to increased understanding and greater Sahitya Akademi, delivered the valedictory cooperation. He talked about the genres of address. stories, novels, poems and criticism in these two languages. Sri Sundara Murugan, Member, Tamil Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, SYMPOSIUM ON COMPARISON OF POETS OF proposed a vote of thanks. MODERN TAMIL AND MALAYALAM Sri M. Parameswaran chaired the first November 20, 2015, Mahe session and also presented a paper on ‘Impact of Malayalam Literary and Cultural elements The sub-regional office of Sahitya Akademi, in Sundara Ramasamy’s portrayal of children, in association with Sri Narayana College of women and men.’ Two noted scholars, Sri Education, Mahe, organized a daylong Nirmalya and Sri Manjakkal Upendiran, symposium on ‘Comparison of Poets of presented their papers ‘Poems of Modern Tamil and Malayalam’ at the college Sachithanandhan – Impacts on Modern Tamil premises in Mahe on November 20, 2015. Aesthetics’ and ‘Vallatholle and Bharathiyar’ In the inaugural session, Sri K.P. respectively. In the second session, five noted Radhakrishnan, Officer-in-Charge, Sahitya Malayalam poets, Sri A. Gangadharan, Sri Akademi, Chennai, welcomed the participants, Rajan Edayil Peedika, Sri Mukundan Pulari, audience and other dignitaries and spoke Sri Jinachandran Chombala and Sri M. briefly about various initiatives of Sahitya Ajaykumar, recited their Malayalam Akademi to promote various forms of poetry compositions. In the valedictory session, Prof across India and in 24 languages. He observed Uru. Asokan chaired and talked about the that symposia of this type are important as confluence and influence of Malayalam and they lead to increased understanding between . Sri H. Padhmanaban delivered litterateurs of two languages. In his speech, the valedictory address and talked about Dr R. Sambath, Member, General Council, ‘Regional dialects in Tamil, Malayalam Novels

128 / Annual Report 2015–2016 with special reference to the works of their poems, ghazals, short stories etc. Their Suryakanthan and M.Mukundan.’ Many noted writings are the mirror of society. The writers, scholars and poets from Mahe contemporary Sindhi women writer’s viz. participated in the symposium. Devi Nangrani, Sandhya Kundnani, Ritu Bhatia, Kamla Goklani, Vimmi Sadarangani, Veena Karamchandani tried the different genres SYMPOSIUM ON WOMEN’S CONTRIBUTION TO such as translation, travelogue, plays etc. SINDHI LITERATURE Krishna Kimbahune delivered vote of thanks 21 November 2015, Mumbai to end the inaugural session. The first session was chaired by Veena Sahitya Akademi, Regional Office, Mumbai, Shringi and paper presenters were Maya Rahi, in collaboration with MARUEE, New Delhi, Devi Nangrani and Sandhya Kundnani. Maya structured a Symposium on Women’s Rahi through the light on the genre poem Contribution in Sindhi Literature at its of Sindhi women litterateur. These poems are auditorium at basement hall, Mumbai. While, thoroughly based on love, emotions etc. Devi Krishna Kimbahune, Regional Secretary, R.O. Nangrani described that new poem and its Mumbai, welcomed the guests speakers and prologue is a medium of expression, emotions audience. He reiterated the need to organize in Women literature. Sandhya Kundnani such women oriented events. Dr Prem Prakash, specified the genre travelogue in women Convener, Sindhi Advisory Board of Sahitya literature which depicts the memoirs and Akademi inaugurated the symposium. He experiences of a women litterateur. She humorously described that he was the only illustrated some written by Popati male litterateur participating in the event Hiranandani, Sundari Uttamchandani, Rita meant for Women. He also thanked Akademi Shahani and Veena Shringi. The second session for accepting his proposal to organize a woman was chaired by Maya Rahi. Shalini Sagar oriented symposium though there was another shared her experience about entering the Sindhi literary event of Akademi named Asmita for Literary world and how her profession of woman. Veena Shringi, member of Sahitya presenter at AIR helped her in doing so. She Akademi’s Sindhi Advisory Board also believes that women should write while doing representing MARUEE, delivered the key- any household work. Bharati Kewalramani note address. She recounted that Sindhi women contributed to the literature since 1926. Some of the prominent women writers of pre-independence era named Chandra Advani, Guli Sadarangani, Devi Vaswani have written in different genre. The Sindhi literary world is celebrating their centenary. The Sindhi women writer lacks recognition as its men counterpart as they got scattered in post- independence era. Still Popati Hiranandani stands tall in the Sindhi literary circles. Sundari Uttamchandani, Rita Shahani, Kala Prakash Prem Prakash delivering inaugural address expressed the anguish of a women through L–R: Krishna Kimbahune, Veena Shringi

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 129 shared her experience while reading Veena presented a paper on “Tapi Dharma Rao: A Shringi’s book Kiyan Visarya Vethichad. Ritu Reformist Writer”, Sri Tatiraju Venkateswar Bhatia reviewed Indira Vaswani’s Mittiya Khan Rao presented a paper on “Uppala Lakshmana Mittaya , a book which describes Sindhi Rao’s ‘Athadu – Aame’ – Focus on Nationalist language and motherland. Shobha Lalchandani Movement, Gender Equality” and Sri Medipalli and Daya Lakhi Jashnani also shared their Ravi Kumar presented a paper on “Modern upbringing which created curiosity to enter Telugu Poets of Kalingandhra” in the first the Sindhi Literary world. At the end of session. Sri Chaganti Tulasi chaired and session a special poetry recitation session was presented a paper on “Translations and Literary enacted in which all the participants rendered Exchanges with Neighbouring Languages” in poems, short stories etc. Prem Prakash delivered the second session. Sri D. Sahadeva Rao the valedictory address to conclude the presented a paper on “Literary Contribution symposium. The programme was attended by of Panchagnula Adinarayana Sastry”, Sri Guda the Sindhi scholars, women litterateur and Sriramulu presented a paper on “Scales and also the media. Parameters in Literary Criticism” and Smt. Turlapati Rajeswari presented a paper on “Primitivity of Telugu in Kalingandhra” in SYMPOSIUM ON PRESENT TRENDS IN TELUGU the second session. Sri N. Gopi chaired the LITERATURE IN KALINGANDHRA valedictory session and Sri M.V. Kameswara 22 November 2015, Berhampur Rao, Vice President of Vikasam delivered the valedictory address. The regional office of Sahitya Akademi at Bengaluru, in association with Vikasam, Berhampur, organized a daylong symposium A SEMINAR ON MODERN TRENDS IN on “Telugu Literature in Kalingandhra” on CRITICISM IN EASTERN REGIONAL LANGUAGES 22 November 2015 at Rotary Centennial 24 November 2015, Tezpur University, Tezpur Hall, Berhampur. Sri S.P. Mahalingeshwar, The regional office of Sahitya Akademi at Regional Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, Kolkata organized a daylong seminar on Bengaluru, delivered the welcome address. Dr. “Modern Trends in Criticism of Eastern N. Gopi, Convener, Telugu Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, in his chair message elaborated on Akademi’s ventures in promoting Telugu literature. Sri D. Sahadeva Rao was the guest of honour in the inaugural session and the keynote address was delivered by Sri Vijaychandra, Secretary of Vikasam. Sri Sripathi chaired and presented a paper on “Kalingandhra Short Story, Novel Echo of Social Identity” in the first session. Sri P. Dinakar A session of seminar in progress

130 / Annual Report 2015–2016 Regional Languages” on 24 November 2015 spoke on the life and works of Kanchan at Tezpur University premises. Sri Gautam Baruah. Dr. B.N. Borthakur, President, Milan Paul, Assistant Editor, Sahitya Akademi, Jyoti Sangha proposed a vote of thanks. Kolkata, delivered the welcome address. Prof. Mihir Kanti Chaudhuri, Vice-Chancellor of the University inaugurated the seminar. Sri BAWA BALWANT CENTENARY SEMINAR Srimanta Sankaradeva of Tezpur University 27-28 November 2015, New Delhi delivered the keynote address. Prof. Pradip Jyoti Mahanta proposed a vote of thanks. The Sahitya Akademi, in collaboration with Bhai academic sessions focused on literary criticisms Sahitya Sadan, New Delhi, organized pertaining to north-eastern languages. Prof. a seminar to commemorate the birth centenary Madan Mohan Sarma chaired and also of renowned Punjabi Poet Bawa Balwant. The presented a paper on Assamese literary criticism seminar was held on 27-28 November, 2015 along with two other scholars, Sri Gopinath in Sahitya Akademi. Renu Mohan Bhan, Brahma (Bodo) and Dr. Ashok Avichal Deputy Secretary, Sahitya Akademi welcome (Maithili). The second session was chaired by the Guests, scholars and audience in the Prof. Bijoy Kumar Danta and four noted beginning. Dr. Rawail Singh, Convenor scholars, Dr. Kaijam Shantibala Devi Punjabi Advisory Board introduced the (Manipuri), Sri Babaji Charan Patnaik (Odia), scholars to the audience and also spoke about Dr. Naresh Chandra Khati (Nepali) and Sri the literary contribution of Bawa Balwant. Madan Mohan Soren (Santhali) presented Dr. Satya Pal Gautam, Former Vice-chancellor their papers. Prof. Pona Mahanta graced to Barelley University, UP inaugurating the be the guest of honour in the valedictory Seminar expressed that Bawa Balwant’s session. contribution to Indian Literature needs to be re-evaluated in the changed world scenario. Dr. Jaswinder Singh, Former Dean Academic, NATIONAL SEMINAR ON KANCHAN BARUAH , while delivering 27 November 2015, Dibrugarh, Assam the keynote address, said that progressive movement in Punjabi Literature got The regional office of Sahitya Akademi at strengthened with the Poetry of Bawa Balwant. Kolkata organized a national seminar on Prof. Bhagwan Josh of Jawahar Lal Nehru, “Kanchan Baruah” as part of 9th Dibrugarh Book Fair celebrations on 27 November 2015 University of Delhi chaired the inaugural at Dibrugarh, Assam. Dr. Gopal Ch. Barman, session. First session was chaired by Prof. Regional Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, Kokata Gurcharan Singh Arshi, Former Dean, Arts delivered the welcome address. Prof. Karabi Faculty, . Prof. Paramjit Singh Deka Hazarika, Convener, Assamese Advisory Dhingra presented his Paper on ‘Bawa Balwant Board, Sahitya Akademi, presided over the Da Kav Bhashayi Bimb’ and Monika Kumar seminar. The seminar was inauguraged by Dr. spoke on ‘Bawa Balwant Kav Vich Prakish Nagen Saikia. Sri Tapan Bandopadhyaya, Chitran’. Second session was chaired by Prof. eminent Bangla litterateur was the chief guest Jagbir Singh. Five papers were presented in on the occasion. Dr. Ananda Bormudai made this session. Prof. Sukhdev Singh presented on the critical analysis on Kanchan Baruah’s his paper on ‘Bawa Balwant Da Pragativad literary works while Sri Atanu Bhattacharya and Bawa Balwani’, Mohanjit, ‘Bawa Balwant

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 131 Da Prageet Parbandh’, Dr.Gurnaib Singh, Jibeswar Konch and Dr. Dilip Rajbongshi ‘Bawa Balwant Di Baudhik Virasat’ and Dr. presented their papers. The second session was Yadwinder Singh spoke about the ‘Bawa chaired by Dr. Tarani Deka and three scholars, Balwant Di Kav Sirjan Parkiriya’. Third session Dr. Pranjal Sharma Basishtha, Sri Pramathesh was chaired by Dr. Karnajit Singh. Five scholars Basumatary and Dr. Maheswar Kalita presented presented their papers in the session. Dr. their papers. Prof. Dhrubajyoti Saikia, Vice- Manmohan spoke about ‘Bawa Balwant Di Chancellor of the College was the chief guest Vartak Di Vishva-Drishti’ while Dr. Rajinder in the valedictory session. Prof. Devi Pal Singh Brar, ‘Bawa Balwant Di Kav- Pegu chaired the session. The seminar ended Vichardhara’; Dr. Vanita, ‘Bawa Balwant Diyan with a vote of thanks proposed by Sri Nur Myth-Kavitavan cho Ubharda Nari Bimb’; Saikia and Dr. Abu Bakkar Siddique. Dr. Kulvir, ‘Bawa Balwant De Drishtimoolak Pasar’ and Dr. Amarjit Ghumman, presented her paper on ‘Bawa Balwant Kav De Suhajatmak SYMPOSIUM ON IKKISWEIN S ADI MEIN URDU Adhyan. NAZM 28 November 2015, Bangalore

The regional office of Sahitya Akademi at NATIONAL SEMINAR ON BODO AND ASSAMESE: Bengaluru organized a symposium on MUTUAL INFLUENCE AND RELATION IN “Ikkiswein Sadi Mein Urdu Nazm” on 28 RESPECT OF LANGUAGE, LITERATURE AND November 2015 at Al-Ameen College, CULTURE” Bengaluru. Sri S.P. Mahalingeshwar, Regional 28 November 2015, Guwahati, Assam Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, Bengaluru, welcomed the participants and dignitaries. The regional office of Sahitya Akademi at The first session was chaired by Sri Mushtaf Kolkata, in collaboration with the Bodo Iqbal Tausifi and three scholars, Sri Haqqani Department of Cotton College and “Aalaap”, Ul Qasami, Sri Maher Mansoor and Sri organized a daylong seminar on “Bodo and Suleman Kumar presented their papers. The Assamese: Mutual Influence and Relation in first session concluded with a vote of thanks Respect of Language, Literature and Culture” proposed by Dr. Shaista Yusuf. Post lunch, on 28 November 2015 at the College premises. the second session was chaired by Dr. Shaista Dr. Gopal Ch. Barman, Regional Secretary, Yusuf and three noted scholars, Dr. Afaq Alam Sahitya Akademi, Kolkata delivered the Siddiqi, Dr. Zubaida Begum and Sri Sajeed welcome address. Introductory remarks were Hameed presented their papers. Dr. Shaista given by Dr. Maheswar Kalita, Secretary of summed up the day’s proceedings and proposed Aalaap. Dr. Premananda Machahary, Convener, a vote of thanks. Bodo Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, delivered the keynote address. Dr. Pramod Chandra, eminent scholar graced the session SYMPOSIUMON ‘TRAVEL WRITING AND THE as the chief guest. Prof. Birupaksha Giri INTANGIBLE HERITAGE OF INDIA’ Basumatary of Cotton College proposed a 28 November 2015, Bhopal vote of thanks. In the first session that was chaired by Dr. Anil Kumar Boro, three noted Sahitya Akademi in association with Maharani scholars, Dr. Swarna Prabha Chainary, Dr. Laxmibai Govt. Girls PG Autonomous College,

132 / Annual Report 2015–2016 Bhopal, organised a symposium symposium Guest of Honour, Shri Padamvir Singh, on ‘Travel Writing and the Intangible Heritage educationist and administrator, expanded the of India’ in Bhopal on 28 November 2015, subject towards philosophy of travel as a the environs of which city contain the valuable global discourse. The rationale for Sahitya heritage of tribal lore, the Buddhist site of Akademi’s choice of subject was presented by Sanchi and wondrous painted caves of Prof. Malashri Lal, member of the English Bimbedka. Advisory Board. Bhopal’s chairperson for the The UNESCO speaks of the intangible session, Shri Sujoy Thaosen, IPS, spoke heritage that is constantly recreated by eloquently on the need to open up the communities and groups globally, and the cultures of the north east as an example of INTACH document cites the need for the new horizons. conservation in India to safeguard some of Two academic lectures followed. Prof. the endangered cultural expressions. The Sahitya Sachidananda Mohanty, Vice Chancellor, Akademi symposiumentered this contemporary Central University, Koraput, presented his topic with the intention of relating literature research on ‘Imperial Gateways: Colonial Travel to life and allowing interdisciplinary studies in Eastern India’ wherein the examples of to expand the horizons. With this framework travellers from Odisha like , on travel writing, texts gained a spectacular Anada Shankar Ray, Kailash Chandra Bharatakar relevance and Indian material such as and Mahesh Chandra Ray, demonstrated that travelogues and oral traditions yielded a cultural travel becomes a primary means of identity vibrancy. The papers reflected on a wide range and self-definition during the colonial rule of themes, authors and locations—Ladhak to in Eastern India. From Calcutta University, Birbhum, colonial times, Bengali women Prof. Sanjukta Dasgupta’s paper on ‘Travelling travellers, early encounters in Orissa, hidden Bodies: Women Travellers of the Tagore forts of Himachal and retold histories in Family’proved that the women— using ‘the Amitav Ghosh’s inimitable style, among other female gaze’— were able to write, record, explorations in the genre. comment and create in words, impressions The inaugural session began with words of welcome from Principal, MLB College, Dr. Induprabha Tiwari and coordinator Dr Seema Raizada who spoke of the importance that the symposium held for the college students and faculty. Chief Guest, Bhopal’s famous writer Prof. , awarded a , emphasised how literary learning helps to understand culture. The Usha Bande presenting paper during the symposium

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 133 and critical observations as they stepped out on behalf of Sahitya Akademi thanked Prof. of their homes into the world. Seema Raizada profusely for the excellent The second session chaired by award coordination and arrangements. An audience winning writer from Bhopal, Shri Manzoor of about 80 persons comprising of students, Ahtesham, presented Prof. Sumanyu Satpathy’s teachers and invited members of civil society, work (University of Delhi) on the travel attended the sessions throughout the day. writing of from Deep appreciation was given to the quality Orissa,specially the less commented of presentations and the engaged remarks of works,Bharmanakarira Patra (1884) and the Chairpersons. Waltair Darshan (1903). Thereafter, writer Thespeakers supported by the Sahitya and dream analyst Madhu Tandan presented Akademi were also invited to participate in her talk on Ladhak based on her new novel a programme of creative writing at the Club Hemis, A Soul Adventure which explores the Literati of Bhopal titled Outpourings on 27 Buddhist way of life in a remote monastery. Nov held at the Bharat Bhavan. This had a The Chairperson’s thoughtful remarks on the large attendance of appreciative listeners from efficacy of travel writing alluded to his own the city. creative work also. The post lunch session, the third one, had a lavishly illustrated lecture by Dr.Usha SEMINAR ON BHAKTACHARAN DAS Bande, Shimla, on ‘Heritage Travel: The 29 November 2015, Bolgarh (Khurda), Intangible through the Tangible – A Tour of Odisha Forts and Palaces of Himachal Pradesh’ showing them as singularly different from their Sahitya Akademi in collaboration with prototypes in other parts of India. After Nandighosh, a cultural entity, Bolgarh, Khurda that,Prof. Radha Chakravarty, Ambedkar organized a seminar on Bhakta Charan Das, University, Delhi, took the audience through an epoch making poet of Odisha. In the the ‘Real and Imagined Journeys: Reading beginning of the seminar, the living jyoti from Amitav Ghosh’, a fascinating account of Egypt the birth place of the classical poet Bhakta and its links with India, with a fine theoretical Charan, Sanapadar was brought to the dias frame. with full honour and grandeur surrounded The fourth and final session presented by a devoted band of kirtan which was Prof. Malashri Lal’s pictorial documentation installed near the dias. This was followed of ‘Rural Tourism: Santhal Women in Birbhum, by memorable Chhanda from Mathura West Bengal’ with the field evidence of Mangal of Bhakta Charan chanted by the girl literature and social change. students of the Rageshree Nelayam Music These afternoon sessions were chaired by College of Bolgarh. The lighting ceremony Shri PK Das, IAS, whose own account of was rather quite enchanting and soothing to travels and the simultaneous inner journeys the members present when Professor added another perspective to the symposium. Rabindra Nath Panigrahi recited the Mangala A warm thanks was accorded to the Charan. Sahitya Akademi for bringing this meaningful Inaugural Session: In the beginning Mihir symposium subject and fine speakers to MLB Kumar Sahoo, Programme Officer, Sahitya College in Bhopal. Reciprocally, the speakers Akademi, Kolkata welcomed the distinguished

134 / Annual Report 2015–2016 participants and the audience which was followed by a short life sketch of the guest on the dias by renowned historian Sri Rabindra Kumar Parida In his versatile genius, Sri Haraprasad Das, the great columnist and poet graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and observed that Mathura Mangal, the kavya by the poet L-R M.S.H. John, Shiv Pd. Yadav, keshkar Thakur, Bina Thakur and Awadh of the middle age Kishore Ray at Maithili Symosium on 29 Nov 15, Bhagalpur Bhakta Charan is one superb epic that surpasses all time and space. papers and dwelt on the creativity of Bhakta Other dignitaries were Sri Niranjan Sahoo, Charan Das’s works with Sri Ramchandra a man of literature and the Hon’ble Collector, Mishra in the chair. In the second session Sri Khurda graced the occasion as the Guest of Adikanda Sahu, Sri Kailash Chandra Bantha, Honor. The inaugural session was presided Sri Pradip Kumar pattanaik presented their over by Sri J. B. Padhi, Vice-President, thought provoking papers on Bhaktacharan’s Nandighosh and Dr Gourahari Das, Convener, works from many angles with Sri Dukhishyam Odia Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi spoke Das in Chair. in detail of the superb and timeless creation Valedictory Session: Gopal Krishna Rath, a of Bhakta Charan. The epic like kavya Mathura poet and General Council Member of Sahitya Mangal, Manobodha Chautisha are ever Akademi Chaired the valedictory session with remembered by the reader - rural and urban Professor Prafulla Subudhi as the Chief Speaker literate and illiterate alike, he commented. and Professor Biswa Ranjan as the Chief Specifically Sri Niranjan Sahoo as the Guest Guest. All of them focused on the depth and of Honor said Manobodha Chautisha of Bhakta width and the timelessness of Bhakta Charan’s Charan awakens the human mind to get rid creations and in their words, all his creations of any kind of ego and pride. Dr Balabhadra were great pieces of monumental attraction Sahoo Bureaucrat cum the first researcher in which have got their conscientious impact this literary genre made an intellectual even now on the younger generation. deliberation in his key-note address which The seminar was attended by a large mesmerized the Bhakta Charan fans. Sri number of educationists, poets, and media Haribandhu Sahoo, an educationist proposed persons the great organisers like Sanjay the vote of thanks. Subudhi, Prafulla Mohanty, Sanatan Patasani, First and Second Session: In the first session, Gopinath Khadenga, Jagat Narayan Das, Bijay Kumar Choudhury, Biswanath Mallick Saraswati Swain, Tapan Mahapatra, Pandit and Purna Chandra Mohapatra presented Chandramani Pradhan and many others.

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 135 SYMPOSIUM ON OF CRITICISM THE STATE AND EXPECTATION IN MAITHILI LITERATURE 29 November 2015, Bhagalpur

Sahitya Akademi, in collaboration with Marwari College, Bhagalpur, organized a daylong symposium on ‘The State of Criticism and Expectation in Maithili Literature’ at the College premises on 29 November 2015. Dr. Devendra Kumar Devesh, Officer on Special Duty, Sahitya Akademi, in his welcome address elaborated Akademi’s efforts in organizing L-R: D.K. Devesh, Dhirendra Jha Dhir, programmes and book exhibitions in far and Bina Thakur, Kulanand Jha & K. P. Yadav unexplored Maithili speaking regions. Dr. Awadh Kishore Roy, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Maithili Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, Bhagalpur University inaugurated the gave introductory remarks. In his keynote symposium. Dr. M.S.H. John of Marwari address, Dr. Kulanand Jha mentioned a few College chaired the inaugural session. In her ‘Samskara’ texts in Maithili language and also introductory speech Dr. Bina Thakur, gave a brief introduction of each text. Dr. Convener, Maithili Advisory Board, Sahitya K.P. Yadav of MLT College proposed a Akademi, highlighted the importance of vote of thanks. In the academic session that Maithili literature. Dr. Devendra Jha, eminent followed, Dr. Jagdish Yadav was in the chair Maithili litterateur delivered the keynote and three noted scholars, Dr. Ramnaresh address. Dr. Shiva Prasad Yadav proposed a Singh, Dr. Ranjit Kumar Singh and Dr. vote of thanks. In the academic session that Harivansh Jha presented their papers on followed, Prof. Keshkar Thakur was in the different topics. chair and three noted scholars, Dr. Pramod Kumar Pandey, Dr. Ramsevak Singh and Dr. Mahendra Narayan Ram presented their papers SYMPOSIUM ON KONKANI POEMS AND SONGS on different topics. 2 December 2015, Mumbai

Sahitya Akademi organized one of its SYMPOSIUM ON MAITHILI SAMSKARA GEET distinctive symposium on Konkani Poems and 1 December, 2015, Saharsa Songs at its basement auditorium on 2 December 2015. Krishna Kimbahune, Sahitya Akademi, in collaboration with MLT Regional Secretary, R.O. Mumbai, welcomed College, Saharasa, organized a daylong the guest speakers, performers and audience. symposium on ‘Maithili Samskara Geet’ at the He briefed about the programme which was College premises on 1 December 2015. Dr. based on Konkani lyrical poetry. He also Devendra Kumar Devesh, Officer on Special emphasized upon organizing the Konkani Duty, Sahitya Akademi, delivered the welcome programmes in different region and not address. The inaugural session was chaired by restricting to its homeland Goa. Ajay Vaidya, Dr. Dhirendra Narayan Jha ‘Dhir’ eminent a renowned Konkani Playwright, inaugurated Maithili litterateur. Dr. Bina Thakur, Convener, the symposium. He viewed that prosody is

136 / Annual Report 2015–2016 a difficult form of poetry and a poem is the Bindiya Vast presented a paper on emotion product free verse. Tanaji Halarnkar, Convener, songs. She said that the first Konkani song Konkani Advisory Board of Sahitya Akademi of this genre was composed by Krishna Pai reiterated that Konkani songs got a wide in 1952. These songs are worthy to express recognition in Mumbai and its first song was emotions, love, philosophy etc. The Konkani broadcast on , Mumbai as language has different ascent with every passing there was no facility available for song recording mile but the emotions are identical. Shakuntala in Goa. Poem and song both are the same Bharane presented her paper on the most entity. Poetics has the boundaries of prosody. popular form of Konkani songs named Kantar He said, literature was initially in the prose (Tiyatra). This genre of songs is the core form and eventually it adopted a poetic form identity of Konkani language. These songs are as it was easy to express in a rhyme. usually sung in parties, celebrations etc. The The first session was chaired by Uday Kantar song is the contribution by Konkani Bhembre, a renowned Konkani Poet. He states Christians to the said culture. The songs are that a lyrical poem has the identical form offbeat and influenced by western culture. The irrespective of language but it concludes as second session was one of its kinds of session per the ethnicity of language. The Konkani with no paper presentation, it was truly a lyric depicts the Ramayana and the goan festival in which all the three paper Mahabharata. The Konkani lyrical poem lacks readers sang the Konkani songs in their the recognition gained by the other language respective genres. The audience present was poems due to its invaders. The session awestruck to witness the goan orchestra. comprised three papers based on different forms of Konkani poet. Akshay Nayak presented a paper on Konkani devotional SYMPOSIUM ON CHANGING SOCIAL songs. These songs are influenced by the CONSCIOUSNESS AND VALUES IN MAITHILI Marathi saint poets like Tukaram, Namdev etc. LITERATURE The trend of spiritual songs was started by December 6, 2015, Jamshedpur Manohar Shirgaonkar in Konkani culture. Sahitya Akademi, in collaboration with Mithila Sanskritik Parishad, Jamshedpur, organized a daylong symposium on ‘Changing Social Consciousness and Values in Maithili Literature’ on 6 December 2015 in Jamshedpur. Dr. Devendra Kumar Devesh, Officer on Special Duty, Sahitya Akademi, welcomed the participants and audience. Sri B.K. Das, Vice- President of Tata Steel inaugurated the symposium. Dr. Bina Thakur, Convener, Maithili Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, highlighted the theme of the symposium. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Ashok Avichal. Sri Harivallabh Singh graced to be Tanaji Halarnkar delivering the presidential address. the guest of honour on the occasion. The Also seen is Ajay Vaidya session was chaired by Dr. Lakshman Jha,

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 137 President of Mithila Sanskritik Parishad. In Tamil,’ two noted translators, Dr Jayanthasri his presidential address, he pointed out the Balakrishnan and Sri G. Kuppuswamy effects of Maithili literature on society. In the presented their papers. In the second session academic session that followed, Sri Braj Kishore chaired by Prof Sirpi Balasubramaniam and Mishra was in the chair and three noted devoted to ‘Translating among Indian scholars, Dr. Ravindra Kumar Choudhury, Sri languages,’ two noted translators, Sri Jayant Kumar Jha and Sri Anmol Jha presented Puviyarasu and Dr Thara Ganesan, presented their papers. Sri Braj Kishore Mishra summed their papers. In the valedictory session up the paper proceedings. chaired by Sri C. Ramaswamy, Convener, AMTI, Prof K. Chellappan presented the valedictory address and Prof A. Senthil Kumar, SYMPOSIUM ON CRAFT AND CHALLENGES IN Asst. Professor, AMTI, proposed a vote of TRANSLATIONS thanks. December 9, 2015, Pollachi

The sub-regional office of Sahitya Akademi SEMINAR ON DOGRI POETRY at Chennai, in collaboration with Arutchelvar December 12–13, 2015, Jammu Dr N. Mahalingam Translation Institute (AMTI), organized a daylong symposium on Sahitya Akademi, in collaboration with Jammu ‘Craft and Challenges in Translations’ at the and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Dr N. Mahalingam College of Engineering Languages, Jammu, organized a two day and Technology Campus in Pollachi on seminar on ‘Dogri Poetry’ on 12–13 December December 9, 2015. In the inaugural session, 2015 in Jammu. Dr. Devendra Kumar Devesh, Dr S. Rajmohan, Officer-in-Charge, Sahitya Officer on Special Duty, Sahitya Akademi, Akademi, Chennai, welcomed the participants delivered the welcome address. In his inaugural and audience and briefly talked about various translation initiatives of Sahitya Akademi across India. Prof K. Nachimuthu, Convener, Tamil Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, talked about various challenges in Tamil translations. Dr M. Manickam, Chairman, AMTI, thanked the Akademi and talked at length about the aims and objectives of AMTI. Prof Sirpi Balasubramaniam proposed a vote of thanks. In the first session chaired by Sri Maalan and devoted to L-R D.K. Devesh, Lalit Mangotra, R. D. Sharma, Chhatrapal and ‘Translating from English to Padma Sachedeva

138 / Annual Report 2015–2016 address, Prof. R.D. Sharma, Vice Chancellor session was chaired by Sri Jnaneshwar and of Jammu University talked about the two noted scholars, Dr. Joginder Singh and importance of poetry in an individual’s social Sri Jagdip Dubey presented their papers on life and quoted a few examples. Prof. Lalit ‘Time Consciousness in Dogri Poetry until Magotra, Convener, Dogri Advisory Board, 2000’ and ‘Time Consciousness in Dogri Sahitya Akademi, parised the Akademi for Poetry after 2000’ respectively. A brief having come forward to organize such a interactive was followed at the end of each symposium as it would expose many unaltered session. aspects of Dogri poetry. The inaugural session was chaired by Smt. eminent Dogri poetess and the keynote address was SYMPOSIUM ON CHILDREN LITERATURE: delivered by Sri Chatrapal. Sri Arvinder Singh NATURE AND CHALLENGES Aman, Additional Secretary of J & K Academy 26 December 2015, Kalavan of Art, Culture and Language proposed a vote of thanks. The first session was chaired by Sahitya Akademi, Regional Office, Mumbai, Sri Deshbandu Dogra ‘’ and three noted in collaboration with the Institute of scholars, Dr. Om Goswami, Sri Narendra Knowledge Engineering, Nashik, and Arts, Bhasin and Sri Surjit Hosh presented their Science and Commerce College, Kalavan, papers on ‘The Political Consciousness in organized a symposium on Children Literature: Dogri Poetry until 2000’, ‘The Political Nature and Challenges, on 26 December Consciousness in Dogri Poetry after 2000’ and 2015 at the Arts, Science, and Commerce ‘Humanitarian Approaches in Dogri Poetry’ College, Kalavan, Nashik District. Sri Krishna respectively. In the second session, Prof. Kimbahune, Regional Secretary, welcomed Parameshwari Sharma of Jammu University the guests and audience. Mrs Mangala Warkhede was in the chair and three noted scholars, made introductory remarks. Sri Baba , Dr. Sunil Kumar, Dr. Yash Raina and Dr. noted Marathi writer inaugurated the Nirmal Vinod presented their papers on ‘The Sufi Tone in Dogri Poetry’, ‘Myths in Dogri Poetry’ and ‘Dogri Poetry: The Present State’ respectively. In the third session that continued on the second day, Prof. Archana Kesar was in the chair and two noted scholars Dr. Chanchal Bhasina and Dr. Ashok Ambar presented their papers on ‘Women Deliberations in Dogri Poetry’ and ‘Urdu and Dogri Ghazals’ respectively. Baba Bhand inaugurating the symposium. The last and fourth academic LtoR Mangala Warkhede, Usha Shinde and Shashikant Pawar

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 139 symposium. In the inaugural address he said from mythological, historical, and social to that literature very positively influence the folk and fantasy. He suggested that the plays children’s mind. He referred to two recent for children should be short that should not experiments by Emory and Gregory Burns run into more than 15 minutes. into Neuroscience which methodically The second session – ‘Translation, established as to how children’s way of thinking Adaptation, and other experiments in Children positively changes after having read short Literature’, was chaired by Sri Eknath Pagar. stories. He emphatically said that it was Sri Pruthviraj Taur paper discussed that extremely difficult and challenging to write translated books that have attractive binding, for children, and demanded that every coloured pictures, new things are liked by successful writer should write for children. children. Sri Vilas Geethe paper discussed In Marathi there had been writers such as children literature in Bengali. Ms Sandhya Sane Guruji, N.D. Thamhankar, Vinoba Thaksale paper discussed experiment in children Bhave, Yadunath Thatte, B.R. Bhagwat, literature. Sri Bharat Sasne in his valedictory Paranjpe, Vijaya Wad, and Bharat Sasne address emphasized that fantasy is the most who had decidedly written for children. He important element in children literature. professed that children’s literature should be Finally, Sri Rajendra Kapade proposed a vote considered as significant, essential, and of thanks. prestigious as what we call the main stream literature is. The first session – ‘Children Literature: BIRTH CENTENARY S YMPOSIUM ON SATYENDRA Nature and Themes’, was chaired by Sri G.A. NATH SHARMA Buva. Sri Navanath Tupe presented paper on 27 December 2015, Guwahati ‘Balakanchya Vicharaprakriyeche Manasshastra aani Bal Sahitya’. He observed that writers Sahitya Akademi in collaboration with Asom should not merely consider children’s language Prakashan Parishad organized a birth centenary but also consider children’s thinking process. symposium on Satyendra Nath Sharma on He also observed that literature should be 27 December 2015, Sunday at Guwahati available for children in accordance with their Book Fair, Guwahati. Gopal Ch. Barman, age. For instance literature for children of the Regional Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, Eastern age between 6 and 8 must differ from that Region welcomed the participants as well as for the children age of the between10 to 12. the audience. The keynote address of the Sri Narendra Lanjewar presented paper on symposium was delivered by Nagen Saikia, ‘Vaijnanik Ashay aani Bal Sahitya’. He said Eminent Scholar while Ramkumar that oral story telling supports children’s Mukhopadhay, Convener, Bengali Advisory learning and development differently than Board, was the Chief Guest of the symposium. stories read allows from picture books. It gives Gobinda Prasad Sharma, Manjumala Das and children opportunity to exercise their Sailen Bharali were the three participants who imagination and enhance their social literacy. presented the papers on the occasion while Sri Vidyadhar karandikar presented paper on Karabi Deka Hazarika was the moderator from ‘Bal Rangabhoomi: Nava Ashay, Navya Disha’. the chair. He said that children theatre in Marathi has tradition of 150 years. The theatre developed

140 / Annual Report 2015–2016 SYMPOSIUM ON FICTIONAL LITERATURE IN ‘Prachin Marathi Sahitya ki Kathanaparampara’, MARATHI discussed that the art of narration was 29 December 2015, Jalna developed from the dialogues between the speaker and audience, and out of the some Sahitya Akademi, Regional Office, Mumbai, were developed several styles and types of in collaboration with Smt Dankunwar Mahila narration. In ancient times the types of Mahavidyalaya, Jalna organized a symposium narration prevalent were Akhyan, Pravachan, on Fictional Literature in Marathi, on 29 Kirtana etc., Sri Mahesh Kharat paper discussed December 2015 at College. Sri Krishna several types of fictional literature i.e., short Kimbahune, Regional Secretary, welcomed story and novel. Sri Raja Holkunde paper the guests and audience. In the inaugural held that in fictional literature story, time and address Sri Manohar Shahane, eminent Marathi space, narrator, and style are important writer, heartily thanked Sahitya Akademi for elements. Sri Randhir Shinde paper discussed rigorously attempting for literary awareness the narrative techniques in folk literature. He for last so many years. In connection with observed that there were number of styles the narrative he said that narration is the soul employed to narrate a story in folk literature, of each and every heart. The concept of and it was very important that folk literature narrating something to somebody was first always narrated consciousness of the masses. seen in the art of painting, he added. In the The second session – ‘Mi aani Maaje keynote address Sri Avinash Sapre Kathanatma Sahitya’, was chaired by Sri recommended to think of narratives on the Pradeep Deshpande. Sri Krishnat Khot and background of the bond between literature Sri Asaram Lomte, shared their views about and culture. Further he said that employing their creative writings. the faculty of imagination the writer/artist transforms his reality into fiction, and this transformation is art. In any fictional literature, he said that significant elements to be considered are story, development, the nature of the narrator, the quality of narration, style of language, the nature of the reader the writer has in his mind, and finally the worldview of the writer. Ms Alka Nathrekar, Head, Department of English, Smt. Dankunwar Mahila Mahavidyalaya, proposed a vote of thanks. The first session was chaired by Sri Avinash Sapre. Sri L–R: Avinash Sapre, Raja Holkunde and Mahesh Kharat Vidyasagar Patangankar –

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 141 SYMPOSIUM ON DALIT WRITINGS OF SOUTH proposed a vote of thanks at the end of the INDIA inaugural session. In the first session, Sri S. 29 December 2015, Bangalore Anilkumar presented a paper on “Dalit Fiction in Malayalam” and Dr. M.B. Manoj presented a paper on “Dalit Poetry in Malayalam”. In the second session, Sri Chilukuri Devaputra presented a paper on “Dalit Fiction in Telugu” and Dr. Putla Hemalatha presented a paper on “Dalit Poetry in Telugu”. Post lunch, the third session continued wherein Sri Ravikumar presented a paper on “Dalit Fiction in Tamil” and Dr. Aranga Mallika presented a paper on “Dalit Poetry in Tamil”. In the fourth andlast session, papers were presented by Dr. Inaugural session of the symposium in progress Mogalli Ganesh on “Dalit The regional office of Sahitya Akademi at Fiction in Kannada” and Dr. K. Anusuya Bengaluru, in association with Dr. B.R. Kamble on “Dalit Poetry in Kannada”. Ambedkar Study and Research Centre, Bangalore University organized a daylong symposium on “Dalit Writings of South India” BIRTH CENTENARY SEMINAR ON ISMAT on 29 December 2015 at Jnanabharati campus, CHUGTAI Bangalore. Sri S.P. Mahalingeshwar, Regional 2–3 January 2016, Kolkata Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, Bengaluru delivered welcome address. Prof. B. Thimmegowda, Vice Chancellor of Bangalore University inaugurated the symposium. Dr. Chandrashekar Kambar, Vice President, Sahitya Akademi, chaired the inaugural session. Prof. K.K. Seethamma, Registrar, Bangalore University and Dr. Narahalli Balasubramanya, Convener, Kannada Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, were the chief guests on the occasion. Dr. Siddalingaiah, Director of the Research Centre delivered the keynote address. Dr. Sharada Participants of the National Seminar

142 / Annual Report 2015–2016 The Akademi in Collaboration with Mahnama translated. The most complicated work is Insha organized a Birth Centenary Seminar translating poetry from a source language, as on Ismat Chugtai at Kolkata. Secretary, Sahitya it is difficult to find the peer phrases in the Akademi delivered the welcome address while target language. He also reiterated that in the introductory remarks were given by Sri India, Hindi should be treated as a filter Chander Bhan Khayal, Convener, Urdu language and also suggested a need of Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi. The dictionary containing at least 50,000 words inaugural address was delivered by Prof. in various translations. The presidential address Nabaneeta Deb Sen, eminent Bengali writer was delivered by Moinuddin Usmani, an and the presidential address was given by Smt. eminent Urdu author, and translator. He Padma Sachdev, eminent Dogri writer. The affirmed that translation is more difficult than Keynote address was presented by Farhat original writing. A translation work is like Ahsas, eminent Urdu scholar and lyricist and a bouquet of flowers in which different vote of thanks was proposed by Sri Fay Seen languages and culture survive. India is a Ejaz, Editor, Mahnama Insha – an International diversified country where language changes Urdu Magazine. Apart from inaugural session, with every 50 km radius. It is a great anguish there were five more sessions, which were that translator is not credited for his work attended by a number of writers and scholars. and treated as secondary compared to original author. A translator articulates his feelings in his works. He stressed to bring more translation work in Marathi and Urdu as there are SYMPOSIUM ON TRANSLATION CULTURE IN numerous similar words between both the WESTERN REGION languages. The inaugural session concluded 6 January 2016, Mumbai with homage paid to the departing litterateurs and . Sahitya Akademi, Regional Office, Mumbai, The first session was chaired by Namdev organized a symposium on Translation Culture Tarachandani and Raman Soni presented a in Western Region, at its auditorium on paper on literary culture in Gujarati language. 6.1.2016. At the outset, Krishna Kimbahune, He started his paper by recalling the translation Regional Secretary, R.O. Mumbai, welcomed of Panchtantra which was a first printed the gathering and participants. He proclaimed translation brought out in 1824. The that Translation Culture should adopt the translation work was introduced in Gujarati policy of translating the landmark literature literature by a Parsi which is a unique event. in different languages. The criticism should He recollected that majority of translation in also be thoroughly translated. One should set Gujarati was done from Bengali language by a principle while doing any translation. The Nagindas Parekh. He opined that translation translation should be competent. Ram Pandit, workshops should be organized periodically an eminent Marathi translator, while delivering to promote the translation culture. A paper the inaugural address shared his experience of on the Konkani translation culture was translation. He has meticulously translated presented by Prashanti Talpankar. She referred into Urdu and vice-a-versa. to the young translators who do not He believed that such translation can understand the concept of translation. They reciprocate the culture of two different regions. lack mastery over the language and hence the The idioms of any language cannot be work suffers. Some of the latest translations

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 143 have hybrid language where Konkani is 1736. The Sindhi translation includes the primarily mixed with Marathi words and also plays of Shakespeare of which the Sindhi sprinkled with Portuguese words too. She litterateurs were influenced more. The concluded that language should not be hated. translations by Hiro Thakur of Samrachnavad Translation industry is knowledge based and Kabir Vachnavali by Kamla Goklani are industry, colleges and universities should considered a gem of work in Sindhi. The include translation studies in their curriculum. translation of Dnyaneshwari from Marathi To maintain the unique character of Goa, we into Sindhi by Laxman Hardwani is also need to go back to our original nature – the considered a pearl. The translators also carry multilingual characters and not mono-lingual. the media translations as there is no dedicated The third paper in the series on Marathi media channel for Sindhi. He also opined of culture was presented by Neelima Bhave. She having translation workshops and seminars on described translation as a creative writing in such subjects in Sindhi. Namdev Tarachandani, Marathi. The initial translation was vastly of the chair, concluded the session by the phrase mythological tales. The translation of Bhagwad Best Drama is No Drama likewise a good Geeta by Sant Dnyaneshwar is a milestone translation is no translation but original. of translation in Marathi literature. The The Second session was chaired by Raman Marathi translation too is influenced by Bengali Soni and paper presented in Gujarati, Konkani, literature. Mama Warerkar translated many Marathi and Sindhi were by Panna Trivedi, short stories from Bengali into Marathi. Dilip Gokuldas Prabhu, Balwant Jeurkar and Namdev Chitre brought the Western literature to Tarachandani respectively. Panna Trivedi while Marathi. She also suggested of having quality presenting her paper recalled the eminent review of the translations. The last paper in Gujarati translator Umashankar Joshi who this session on Sindhi literature culture was brought a journal named Sanskruti on the presented by Jetho Lalwani who started with translation works. The criticism is the major his paper with the phrase Na Chhodo Na Jodo field of interest for a translator. The translation which is well suited for translators. The first work takes a reader on a journey of Indian translation in Sindhi literature was done in culture. Gokuldas Prabhu pointed out that Konkani people migrated in different states and adopted the local language which resulted a set back for Konkani literature. The translation work in Konkani primarily was of Marathi spiritual literature which gradually progressed to poetry, prose and plays. The Kannada works are also translated in Konkani but a vice-a-versa is still pending. He considered Namdev Tarachandani speaks. that Konkani language is L–R: Raman Soni, Gokuldas Prabhu, Balwant Jeurkar exposed to many languages

144 / Annual Report 2015–2016 therefore it doesn’t need any filter or doyens and immortals of modern Indian intermediate language for translation. Balwant literature by commemorating their birth Jeurkar while presenting his paper on Marathi centenaries is one of them. In his introductory translation culture was glad to note that there remarks, Dr Gourhari Das, Convener, Odia were many literary journals which has resulted Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, talked about in positive atmosphere for translation. The the life and works of Sachidanand Routray. translation regularly updates the contemporary In his keynote address, Dr Haraprasad Das, world. He also stresses for having a dictionary eminent Odia writer, talked about on translation. He pointed that translation distinguishing and salient features of in Marathi literature is on cloud nine in Sachidanand Routray’s writings. In his contemporary generation and to prove his inaugural address, Dr Ramakant Rath, eminent point he gave an instance of reviewing a Odia writer and Fellow of Sahitya Akademi, Kannada work in Marathi which was translated talked about seminal contribution of again in Kannada and brought out in book Sachidanand Routray to Odia literature. In form. While presenting his paper on Sindhi his Presidential address, Dr Vishwanath Prasad translation culture, Namdev Tarachandani Tiwari, President, Sahitya Akademi, talked affirmed that translator should be bi-cultural. about the uniqueness of Sacchidanand Routray, He should have immense passions and calmness originality of his perceptions and his timeless while translating a work. The translation is poetry and stated that Sachidanand Routray always compromised in Sindhi literature. The did not belong merely to Odia literature but Sindhi literature lacks the selection of good to the Indian literature. A documentary film literature for translation. The process of on Sachidanand Routray was screened before filtration should be challenging. He reiterated the commencement of inaugural session. In the need of reading habit in young generation the first session that was devoted to ‘The which can result in good translator. Poetry of Sachidanand Routray’ and chaired Krishna Kimbahune, Regional Secretary, by Dr Sumanyu Satpathy, three noted scholars, R.O. Mumbai, proposed the vote of thanks Rohinikanti Mukherjee, Haraprasad Paricha to sum up the symposium. Patnaik and Jatin Nayak, presented their papers on ‘The schizophrenic duality: existential ‘binary’ in SWAGAT,’ ‘Lamenting the lost SACHIDANAND ROUTRAY BIRTH CENTENARY village: Rural metaphors in Pallishree,’ and SEMINAR ‘Death be not Proud: the romance of January 12-13, 2016, New Delhi revolution in Baji Rout’ respectively. In the second session that was devoted to ‘The Sahitya Akademi organized a two-day Seminar Poetry of Sachidanand Routray’ and chaired to commemorate the birth centenary of by J.P. Dasm, four noted scholars, Soubhagya eminent Odia writer, Sachidanand Routray, Kumar Mishra, Bhagban Jayasingh, Sangram at the Akademi premises in New Delhi on Jena and Basanta Kumar Panda, presented January 12-13, 2016. In the inaugural session, their papers, ‘Sachi Routray and Contemporary Dr K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Odia Poetry,’ ‘Sachi Routray: The Editor of Akademi, welcomed the participants and Diganta,’ ‘The master’s showcase: The defining audience and spoke briefly about various poems of Kabita 1962’ and ‘Comparative initiatives of Akademi to promote literature study of Sachi Routray with poet Jibananda across the country and stated that remembering Das’ respectively. In the third session that was

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 145 devoted to ‘Sachidanand Routray the Das and BanchanidhiParida. He also Fictionist’ and chaired by Pratibha Ray, three highlighted the inspiration which Gandhi noted scholars, J.N. Patnaik, Adhyapak provided and observed that such a charisma Biswaranjan and Dash Benhur, presented their cannot be easily matched. In his keynote papers ‘A rereading of Chitragriba,’ ‘Mashanira address, Sri Rabindranath Sahoo, eminent Phula and other stories: The lingering scholar, stated that Indian independence metaphors of socialist concern’ and Sachi movement was not merely an aim towards Routray as a story writer’ respectively. In the freedom from one thing or another, but rather valedictory session, Prafulla K. Mohanty it was SarbikMukti or total liberation, chaired the session and two noted scholars, liberation of the self as much as that of the Ashok Mohapatra and Devdas Chhotray, society and the nation. He highlighted the presented their papers ‘Odisha of his time role of literature in this quest for total through Uttarakaksha, autobiography of Sachi liberation. Sri Prem Pradhan, Convener, Routray’ and ‘Romantic strain of Sachi Convener of Eastern Regional Board, Sahitya Routray’ respectively. Akademi, chaired the session. Sri Gopal Chandra Barman, Regional Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, proposed a vote of thanks. SEMINAR ON LITERATURE AND FREEDOM In the first session that was chaired by STRUGGLE Prof Sachidananda Mohanty, Vice-Chancellor 16 January 2016, Bhubaneswar of Central University, Koraput, three well- known scholars, Sri Susanta Das, Dr Anil Sahitya Akademi organized a daylong seminar Kumar Boro and Sri Dilip Borah, presented on ‘Literature and Freedom Struggle in Eastern their papers on ‘Freedom Struggle and Bengali Regional Languages’ in Bhubaneswar on Literature,’ ‘Literature and freedom struggle January 16, 2016. In the inaugural session, with reference to Bodo literature’ and ‘Freedom Dr K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Struggle and Assamese Literature’ respectively. Akademi, welcomed the participants, Sri PabakKanungo chaired the second session dignitaries and audience and spoke briefly and four noted scholars, Ms. Jayanti Rath about the power of literature to ignite (Odia), ThRatankumar Singh (Manipuri), movements, move the continents and spur Jiwan Namdung (Nepali) and Bairab Lal Das people into action across the globe. In his (Maithili) presented their papers. introductory address, DrGourhari Das, Convener, Sahitya Akademi, compared literature to a supre-sensitive gold leaf that SYMPOSIUM ON WOMEN’S EXPRESSION IN yields the quickest response to every stimulus, KANNADA LITERATURE AND CULTURE social or cultural and alluded to patriotic 19 January 2016, Bengaluru songs of India that filled the atmosphere with a strong nationalistic fervor that had a very The regional office of Sahitya Akademi at strong impact on the common man and Bengaluru, in association with the Karnataka scholars alike. In his inaugural address, Sri Women Writers’ Association, organized a Bhabani Patnaik, veteran freedom fighter, stated daylong symposium on ‘Women’s Expression that to inspire the youth to save our country in Kannada literature’ at Bharatiya Vidya literature played a vital role and recalled the Bhavan in Bengaluru on January 19, 2016. writings of , Bira Kishore In the inaugural session, Sri S.P.

146 / Annual Report 2015–2016 Mahalingeshwar, Regional Secretary, Sahitya history and urged modern women to emulate Akademi, welcomed the participants, those women found in the annals of literary dignitaries and audience and spoke briefly history. Smt. Sarvamangala, Member, Executive about various activities of Sahitya Akademi Board of Karnataka Women Writers’ to promote feminist literature across the Association, proposed vote of thanks. country and in all the 24 recognized languages. In her introductory address, Dr VasundharaBhupathi, President, Karnataka SEMINAR ON THE BIRTH CENTENARY OF N.V. Women Writers’ Association, spoke about the KRISHNA WARRIER necessity for more women friendly rules and 22 January 2016, Calicut laws and literature to reflect more on these issues. In her inaugural address, Dr Malati The regional office of Sahitya Akademi at Pattanshetti, eminent bilingual writer, observed Bengaluru, in association with the Kerala that despite the land being a male dominated Sahitya Samiti, organized a daylong seminar society, Kannada women writers have to commemorate birth centenary of N.V. traditionally showed the way by breaking the Krishna Warrier on January 22, 2016 in barriers and shackles that bind women in all Calicut. In the inaugural session, Sri S.P. the cultures and she alluded to the works Mahalingeshwar, Regional Secretary, Sahitya of AkkaMahadevi and SanchiHonnamma from Akademi, welcomed the participants, the 12th century and other modern women dignitaries and audience and spoke briefly writers to drive home her point. In his about various initiatives of Sahitya Akademi Presidential address, Dr Narahalli to promote Malayalam literature. In his Balasubramanya, Convener, Kannada Advisory inaugural address, Sri M.G.S. Narayanan, Board, Sahitya Akademi, stated that life of eminent historian, recalled that Sri Warrier any woman is multi-faceted and hence it is was a polymath and polyglot who did not necessary to trace and listen to women’s voices received due recognition in his homeland and and feminist expressions in literature too. highlighted varied contribution of Sri Warrier The first session focused on the theme to the growth and evolution of Malayalam ‘En Route to Struggle’, wherein Dr. E. Rati literature and language. In his Presidential Rao spoke on Women’s Struggle and Smt. address, Sri C. Radhakrishnan, Convener, Rupa Hasan presented a paper on Children’s Malayalam Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, Rights.During the second session on ‘Media shared many interesting anecdotes from Sri and Expression’, Dr. L.G. Meera delivered a Warrier’s literary life and also highlighted his paper on Art and Smt. Sudha Sharma Chavathi helpful nature in nurturing budding writers spoke on Media. Smt. Geetha Krishnamurthy of all hues. Smt. P. Valsala, President, Kerala spoke on Law, Smt. B.S. Shylaja spoke on Sahitya Samiti was the guest of honor and Science Literature and Smt. Asha Benakappa Sri P.P. Sreedharanunni, General Secretary, presented her speech on Medical during the Kerala Sahitya Samiti proposed vote of thanks. third session on ‘Popular Literature.’ In the first session, Sri.M.R. RaghavaWarrier DrDharanideviMalagatti, noted Kannada spoke on N.V. Krishna Warrier and modernist writer, delivered the valedictory address and movement in Malayalam poetry, while Sri. in her speech she traced the dominant women Atmaraman spoke on N.V. Krishna Warrier characters in the major literary works through as a literary critic. In the second session, Dr.

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 147 Anil K.M. spoke on the Political thought of Officer, Sahitya Akademi delivered the welcome N.V. Krishna Warrier, while Sri address. SreesylumUnnikrishnanspoke on the Devendra Kumar, the main speaker contribution of N.V. Krishna Warrier as an observed that Bagmi Biswanath Kar was the Editor and Prof K.P. Kunhikannan, spoke on founder of the Utkal Sahitya Samaj which the contribution of N.V. Krishna Warrieras is the first Odia literary organization. Like an Environmentalist and Educationalist. In Utkal Gaurav, Madhusudan Das, Biswanath the valedictory session, Dr. C. Rajendran, the is one of the chairpersons of Odisha and Odia Vice-President of Kerala Sahitya Samiti and language. He was the first Odia to deliver former Head of Department of Sanskrit, his speech in Odia in Bihar-Odisha Vidhan Calicut University delivered the valedictory Parishad (1921). He was much discussed and address and Shri. P.M. Narayanan, Treasurer the most sought after man of his time. He of the Kerala Sahitya Samiti proposed vote addressed that the publication of his total of thanks. writings shall be a fitting tribute to him. Many of his writings came out in some of the oldest Odia literary magazines like ‘Asha’, ‘Sevaka’ 150TH BIRTH CENTENARY S EMINAR ON BAGMI etc. He was a contemporary of the first Odia BISWANATH KAR dramatist Gajamohan Lal, Gourishankar Ray 23 January 2016, Cuttack and Pyarimohan Acharya. He was by far the first Odia editor who wrote from his heart Sahitya Akademi organized a one day seminar and from his own experience. Never did he on Bagmi Biswanath Kar in collaboration become a ghost editor nor take a pen name with Utkal Sahitya Samaj. Bijayananda Singh, to hide his identity. President, Utkal Sahitya Samaj presided over Gourahari Das, Convener of Odia Advisory the inaugural session of the seminar. Dasharathi Board of Sahitya Akademi expressed the Prasad Dash, Chief Guest formally inaugurated necessity of organizing such programme for the seminar. Debasana Dash, Vice President reaching every and corner of the state. Utkal Sahitya Samaj delivered the introductory He cited the example of Gopal Ch. Baharaj speech and Mihir Kumar Sahoo, Programme who had been corrected and rectified by Bagmi Biswanath Kar. He also recited a song of Baikuntha Pattanaik on Biswanath. He suggested the gathering to write books and produce documentary and films on Biswanath. Finally he said how Odia is a great old language for which it has got classical status. Dasharathi Prasad Das, the Chief Guest of the session highlighted his essay written in 1960 on Biswanath Kar. He said he had a great desire to write on Brahma Dharma. He expressed his distaste for the dwindling standard Seminar on Bagmi Biswanath Kar in progress of the Odia journal. Biswanath came

148 / Annual Report 2015–2016 in contact with Rammohan Ray, Keshav Ch. The seminar was inaugurated by Sri Sen etc. He remarked that Brahma Dharma Satyendra Singh, Former Vice-Chancellor of and Biswanath Kar are inseparable. Guru Nanak Dev University. The inaugural Bijayananda Singh, Member of Odia session commenced with the screening of a Advisory Board of Sahitya Akademi said all documentary on ‘Bisham Sahni’s Life’. The his essays are timely and unique. His realization documentary focused on important events is reflected in all his essays. His Utkal Sahitya that took place in Bisham Sahni’s life, his Press is a writer-made factory. His love for journey from his hometown Rawalpindi to Odisha and Odia is unparallel. He was much Delhi, his epic work ‘Tamas’ and the impact ahead of his time for which he became a social of various writers on his life. Welcoming the reformer besides being a great writer and speakers and audience, Dr. K. Sreenivasarao, speaker. Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, told that the In the first session under the chairmanship seminar was Akademi’s second such programme of Archana Nayak three papers were presented that was being organized to celebrate the birth by Bijaya Kumar Nanda, Pradipta Kumar centenary of Bisham Sahni. He also noted Panda and the chair Archana Nayak respectively. that Bisham Sahni’s writings were important Bijaya Kumar Nanda emphasized the growth documents of progressive tradition of Hindi and development of essays in general and Odia literature. The inaugural session was chaired essays in particular. Pradipta Kumar Panda by Prof. Surya Prasad Dixit, Convener, Hindi discussed the editing of Biswanath Kar. Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi. He observed The second session was chaired by that Bisham Sahni’s writings portray an in- Dasharathi Prasad Das while Krushna Chandra depth understanding of fellow human beings. Pradhan throws light on the versatile genius Sri Satyendra Singh was the guest of honor of Bagmi Biswanath Kar. Gobind Chandra in the inaugural session. In his keynote address, Chand highlighted the editorial ability of Sri Aravindakshan stated that Bisham Sahni’s Biswanath Kar. In the final session Sarat Ch. Pradhan writings were like a ‘torch’ to budding writers. presided over the meeting. D. P. Pattanaik, The inaugural session ended with a vote of veteran linguist emphasizes the need of thanks proposed by Dr. Mehal Singh, Prinicpal knowing the nation building spirit of of Khalsa College. Biswanath Kar. Jeevanananda Adikari extended The first session was devoted to ‘Bisham the vote of thanks. Sahni: The Light of Creation and Literary Concerns’ and was chaired by Sri Rawail Singh, Convener, Punjabi Advisory Board, BIRTH CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS OF BISHAM Sahitya Akademi. In this session, three noted SAHNI scholars, Sri Satish Verma, Sri Aarsu and Sri January 28-29, 2016, Venna Vallabha Rao presented their papers. The Akademi also arranged a theatrical Sahitya Akademi, in association with the performance on the evening of January 28, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, 2016 at Virsa Vihar. Bisham Sahni’s play organized a two day seminar on Bisham Sahni ‘Leela Nandlal Ki’ was conceptualized and to commemorate his birth centenary, on enacted. January 28 & 29, 2016 at Khalsa College, The seminar continued for the second day Amritsar. and the second session focused on ‘Bisham

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 149 Inaugural Session of the Bhisham Sahni Seminar in progress

Sahni: Literary Contribution’. This session into other languages of Akademi was organized. was chaired by Sri Ramesh Kuntal Megh and Several luminaries, writers, playwrights and two noted scholars, Sri Tarsem Gujral and literary connoisseurs participated in the two- Sri Madhav Koushik presented their papers. day literary event. The third session was chaired by Sri On 28th January – Leela Nandlal Ki was Bhanu Bharti, eminent theatre artist. Three staged, conceptualized and directed by Ramji noted scholars, Sri Rawail Singh, Sri Suresh Bali and on 29th January – Kabira Khada Seth and Sri Phoolchand Manav presented Bazar Mein was staged, conceptualized and their papers on ‘Bisham Sahni and His Plays’. directed by Kewal Dhaliwal. Some of his plays such as ‘Hanush’, ‘Kabira Khada Bazar Mein’, ‘Madhavi’ and ‘Muavze’ were discussed in the session. SEMINAR ON SAMBHU MITRA The fourth session focused on ‘Bisham 5-6 February 2016, Kolkata Sahni: Contemporary Relevance’ and was chaired by Sri Chandrika. In this session, two Sahitya Akademi organized a birth centenary noted scholars, Sri Sudarshan Vashistha and seminar on Sambhu Mitra on 5-6 February Sri Arun Hota presented their papers. 2016 at Sahitya Akademi auditorium, Kolkata. In the evening, a theatrical performance In the inaugural session K. Sreenivasarao, of Bisham Sahni’s play ‘Kabira Khada Bazar Secretary, Sahitya Akademi welcoming the Mein’ was enacted at Virsa Vihar. As part participants and guests narrated a brief outline of his birth centenary celebrations, a photo on the life and times of Sambhu Mitra. The cum book exhibition of Bisham Sahni and introductory address was delivered by his magnum opus ‘Tamas’ and its translations Ramkumar Mukhoapdhyay, Convener, Bengali

150 / Annual Report 2015–2016 Advisory Board. He spoke about the sessions. The speakers of those sessions were significance of the context in which Sambhu Arun Mukhopadhyay, Soumitra Basu, Mitra appeared. The inaugural address was Debatosh Ghosh, Rusati Sen, Supriti delivered by , eminent Mukhopadhyay and Aveek Majumder. The theatre personality. He stressed on the theatrical dramas under focus included Galileo-er Jiban, aspect of the daily life which every human Char Adhyay, , Raja, Mudrarakshas, being has to bear. For him, just like a theatre, Raja Oidipaus, Chand Baniker Pala, we are used to put on masks as well everyday Dashachakra and Putul Khela. Debatosh Ghosh before facing everyday’s ordeals. The keynote and Aveek Majumder chaired those two sessions address was delivered by Samik respectively. On the evening of the first day Bandyopadhyay, eminent critic, essayist and the documentary film on Sambhu Mitra by scholar. He stressed on the differences of Ladly Mukhopadhaya was screened as well. theatrical concepts of Sambhu Mitra and Bijan The title of the film is “The Honest Theatre: Bhattacharya as well as other major dramatists. A Quest”. He also pointed out the important features In the second session of the second day, of his dramas. He also stressed on the changing while Pradip Ghosh focused on the recitation trajectory of stagecraft as well as stage- of Sambhu Mitra, Debasis Majumder threw production of Sambhu Mitra. light on the alternative thoughts on drama Chandrasehekhara Kambara, Eminent writer, as practiced by Sambhu Mitra. Majumder scholar as well as the hon’ble Vice President chaired the session. In the last session, Anit of Sahitya Akademi, discussed on the , Ashok Mukhopadhyay and distinguished features of Sambhu Mitra’s Amitava Ray spoke on the topics of essays drama. He also compared him with other written by Sambhu Mitra, implementation of great dramatists of India, while speaking from theatrical techniques and Sambhu Mitra and the chair of the inaugural session. Gopal Ch. Plays translated by Sambhu Mitra respectively. Barman, Regional Secretary, Sahitya Akademi Prativa Agarwal chaired the session and Eastern Region, conducted the inaugural presented a Paper on “Indian concept of drama session and proposed the vote of thanks of the inaugural session. In the first academic session with its focus on the Age of Sambhu Mitra, Prabhatkumar Das and Malay Rakshit spoke on the topics of “Maharshi and Sambhu Mitra” and “Sisirkumar and Sambhu Mitra” respectively. Pabitra Sarkar, while speaking from the chair, dwelt on the topic of “ and Sambhu Mitra”. Both of the last session of the first day and the first session of the second day were on the stagecraft, stage production, acting and stage direction of Sambhu Mitra. Six eminent scholars presented their papers focusing on Dr Chandrashekhar Kambar delivering different Plays of Sambhu Mitra in those two Presidential address

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 151 and Sambhu Mitra”. Gautam Paul, Assistant multitude of peoples and communities, who, Editor, Sahitya Akademi Eastern Region, till not very long, lived in close harmony with conducted the seminar and proposed the vote a bio-diversity almost unrivaled in the world. of thanks. The songs and epics, the folklore and literature are the direct products of the interface between nature and culture - the human agency obtains SYMPOSIUM ON LITERATURE OF THE NORTH- its muse from this conflation and tongues and EAST INDIA: TRADITION AND INNOVATION voices are created. Poets articulate and rejoice 12 February 2016, , Gujarat in dilating the aspects of the ecology, myths, rituals, mysteries, mysterious faiths and Sahitya Akademi, in collaboration with West demographic traits. Their poetry is the Zone Cultural Center, Udaipur, organized a celebration of the rural flavour of their native Symposium Literature of the North-East India: places and of their neighbours creating an Tradition and Innovation, and a Poets’ Meet as almost illogical sense of yearning and belonging part of Octave 2016 in Vadodara, Gujarat, for the land, the inflections of which is rarely at Sayajinagar Griha, Akota, on Friday, 12 found in contemporary literature.” February 2016. Dr Desmond Kharmawphlang, After the keynote address Sri Swmdwn renowned poet and critic, delivered keynote Brahma rected his poems - “Monthaini Saradu,” address at the symposium. “The Funaral of Rights,” “Ekhamba Ekhamba,” At the outset Sri Krishna Kimbahune, “Sometimes,” “On the Field,” “Dreams,” Regional Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, Mumbai, “Lama”; Sri Naorem Vidyasagar Singha recited welcomed the audience and introduced the - “Refugee’s Geeta,” “Rivers, I Love You”; poet and critic-participants - Sri Swmdwn Sri Bhkata Sanwar recited - “Picture Brahma in Bodo, Sri Pranavjyoti Narzary in Memories,” “Divine Love,” “A Map of Africa”. Assamesse, Sri Naorem Vidyasagar Singha and Sri Jivan Namdung, noted writer in Nepali, Sri. H. Nanikumar Singh in Manipuri, Sri chaired the symposium, and Sri Dilip Bora Jivan Namdung and Sri Bhakta Sanwar in in Assamesse, Sri Pranavjyoti Narzary in Bodo, Nepali. Sri H. Nanikumar Singh in Manipuri presented In the keynote address Dr Kharmawphlang their papers. said, “The movingly theatrical physical features Sri Dilip Bora stated that Assamese society, of North-East India is home to a staggering enriched with a bevy of folk festivals, celebrations and art and culture, has a huge treasure of folktales which has always been a subject to wonder for all. Just in the way these folk literature has reflected the traditional scenario of Assamese society, similarly, these have also proved the innovative qualities of Assam and its people as well. Modern Assamese literature also has gone a long way. It has to be realized that literature can never survive simply being confined in the traditions, traditions can just be considered as the base or foundation of literature, and literature One of the sessions of the symposium keeps flowing towards an unseen future passing

152 / Annual Report 2015–2016 through the traditions and innovations and Telugu poet delivered the keynote address. the same momentum can also be witnessed Dr. Bhalchandra Nemade in his inaugural in Assamese literature.” Sri Pranavjyoti Narzary address stated that intolerance is not a new observed that the Bodo language is a newly term and its usage has increased in recent emerging language. The literary development days. By engaging oneself continuously in in the language came centuries later in creative endeavour or Writing, we can achieve comparison to the other major languages in freedom or independence. We shouldn’t India. The genres - short story, novel, poetry completely take advantage of freedom of in Bodo are still in the stage of adolescence. expression and if one does so, he/she will be Nevertheless, the elements of tradition and kept in prison. Mahatma Gandhiji, who modernity figure prominently in Bodo advocated freedom of expression, wrote literature. The genres like travel writing, carefully using the very principle of it. Those biography, children literature are coming up who write against the interest of the public with new enthusiasm and genuineness. Social will receive threats. When we examine the unrest, ethnic movements, and lack of lasting history, it is being repeated in the developed peace are other factors that have stood in the countries too. After the invasion of British way of steady development of Bodo literature. in India, most of the indigenous writers Sri H. Nanikumar Singha’s paper discussed started writing in English and overlooked as to how traditions have played a significant their mother tongues. English may be used role in making Manipuri literature innovative. for communication, but we must forget our Finally, Sri Sudhanshu Singh, Additional mother tongue. Director, West Zone Cultural Center, Udaipur, Sri K. Shiva Reddy presented keynote proposed a vote of thanks. address. He stressed that with the real freedom one can write better courageously. Writings is not to fight for freedom, it is an urge to NATIONAL SEMINAR ON ‘CREATIVITY AND express oneself in a meaningful way retaining FREEDOM’ integrity and individuality. 14-15 February 2016, Tirur, Kerala. Sri C. Radhakrishnan, eminent Malayalam fiction writer and Convener of Sahitya Sahitya Akademi, R.O. Bangalore in Akademi’s Malayalam Advisory Board chaired collaboration with Thunchan Memorial Trust, the inaugural Session. Thunchan Ezhuthachan Tirur had organised a two-day National spoke courageously and was truthful to his Seminar on Creativity and Freedom on 14 words and writings, pointed our Sri C. and 15 February 2016 at Thunchan Parambu, Radhakrishnan in his presidential address. Tirur. Ezhuthachan fought against evil acts and had The inaugural session of the seminar started to endure a lot of troubles in his life. Power at 10.00 a.m. on 14 February 2016. Sri K.P. is against writings. Writings should be ideal Ramanunni, Member, Sahitya Akademi’s and secular he said. Malayalam Advisory Board had welcomed the The second session on Creativity and guests. Dr. Bhalchandra Nemade, Jnanpith Freedom – The Indian Context started at 2.30 Awardee and Convener of Sahitya Akademi’s p.m. in the afternoon. Prof. K. Marathi Advisory Board inaugurated the Satchidanandan, eminent Malayalam and programme. Sri. K. Siva Redy, eminent English writer had chaired the session. Dr.

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 153 Rukmini Bhaya Nair from New Delhi and papers focusing on ‘Impact of Western Sri V.V. Subramanian from Chennai presented philosophy and modernism on Assamese short their papers. stories,’ ‘Women Psychology and Feminism in The third session started at 10.00 a.m. Assamese short stories’ and ‘Changes of Short on the second day 15 February 2016. Sri Story writing pattern’, respectively. In the Sasikumar, eminent Malayalam writer and second session that was chaired by Prof Dilip journalist chaired the session. Smt. Sarah Bora, three noted scholars, AnuradhaSarma, Joseph and Sri K.C. Narayanan veteran Apurba Borah and SidharthaGoswami, Malayalam writers read their papers. presented their papers focusing on ‘The life of down-trodden people in Assamese Shorty Story during period 1950-2010,’ ‘Mass SYMPOSIUM ON ASSAMESE SHORT STORY Movement of Assam and its impact on 29 February 2016, Guwahati Assamese short story’ and ‘Impact of Folk Culture and Myth on Assamese Short Story’ The regional office of Sahitya Akademi at respectively. Sri Nilamoni Bora, noted scholar Kolkata, in collaboration with the Department and critic, delivered a brief lecture on the topic of Modern Indian Languages and Literary of the symposium. In the valedictory session, Studies, Gauhati University, organized a Sri Kula Saikia, eminent Assamese short story daylong symposium on Assamese short story writer, delivered valedictory address and stated at the university premises on February 29, that language is a powerful tool in writing 2016. In the inaugural session, Sri Gopal Ch. a short story. Prof Dilip Bora, Department Barman, Regional Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, of Modern Indian Languages and Literary Kolkata, welcomed the participants and Studies, Gauhati University, proposed a vote audience. In her Presidential speech, Prof of thanks. KarabiDeka Hazarika, Convener, Assamese Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, presented a historical overview of the Assamese Short SYMPOSIUM ON LINGUISTIC AND CULTURAL Stories and stated that today, Assamese short BACKGROUND OF THE BODOS (MECHES) OF stories can compete with short stories in other WEST BENGAL languages in terms of quality and it is her 6 March 2016, Alipurduar, West Bengal desire to see more women writers come up in Assamese literature. Prof P. Pattanaik, Department of Modern Indian Languages and Literary Studies, Delhi University, presented a keynote address. In his inaugural address, Sri Gobinda Prasad Sarmah, eminent Assamese writer, presented the scenario of Assamese short stories in the early years of post- Independence period, innovators, pioneers and trend setters in modern Assamese short story writing. In the first session that was chaired by Sri Gobinda Prasad Sarmah, three noted scholars, Bibhas Choudhury, ManojSaikia&TaraniDeka, presented their Dance performance by a Bodo group

154 / Annual Report 2015–2016 Sahitya Akademi and Paschim Banga Bodo of the Bodo society. The customs of Bodo Sahitya Sabha organized a symposium on society and culture is rich and unique itself, Linguistic and Cultural Background of the he commented. Bidesh Suba proposed the Bodos (Meches) of West Bengal on 6 vote of thanks. March 2016 at Hemaguri, Alipurduar, West Bengal. The Inaugural Session was presided over SYMPOSIUM ON DECLINE OF THE TRIBAL by Jnan Singh Basumata, President, Paschim CULTURE AND ITS FUTURE Banga Bodo Sahitya Sabha. Subin Saiba, 7 March 2016, Bijni, Assam General Secretary, Paschim Banga Bodo Sahitya Sabha delivered the welcome address. The Sahitya Akademi in association with Bijni session was inaugurated by Ramesh Chandra College, Bijni, Assam organized a symposium Suba with a short speech. The key-note address on Decline of the Tribal Culture and its Future was given by Balendra Mochhary. He on 7 March 2016 at Bijni College, Bijni. commented that the identity of any community The inaugural function was presided over cannot be well defined without language as by Gobinda Basumatary, former General gradually they lose their identity in absence Secretary, Bodo Sahitya Sabha. The welcome of the language of their own. address was given by Birhas Giri Basumatary, Both the first and the second business Principal of Bijni College. Dr Anil Boro, sessions were chaired by Phukan Chandra Associate professer, Department of Folklore, Basumatary, a Bodo Advisory Board member. Gauhati University was the Chief Guest. Dr. Ashit Baran Narjary discussed on revitalization Boro and Dr. Phukan Ch. Basumatary, Associate of the Bodo folklore in the context of West professor, department of Bodo, Bodoland Bengal. Mahesh Chandra Narjinary discussed University presided over the first and second about the festivals of the Bodos of West Bengal session respectively as chairperson. briefly. Samendra Narjinary discussed phonetic Dr. Jibeswar Koch presented a paper on and morphological character of the Bodo Folk Music of Garo and Rabha : Its existence language of West Bengal. He continued, Bodo language is regarded as a dialect in West Bengal till now. This language should be recognized by the West Bengal Govt. immediately to make it strong and sound technically and grammatically. Without introduction in schools and colleges any language can neither be developed nor popular. Sri Gabinda Thakur delivered his paper on Folklore and Belief of the Bodos of West Bengal. He also stressed in his speech about rituals and customs Paper being presented at the symposium

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 155 and decline. In this paper Dr. Jibeswar Koch Weaving and Its Future. She discoursed on discussed about the Folk music of the Garo Tribal’s tradition of weaving in Assam, its and Rabha, two tribal communities of Assam. decline and future. At the very beginning Like the other tribal in Assam the Garo and Khaklary pointed out all the tribals in Assam Rabha also have their own language, literature, like – Bodo, Babha, Tiwa, Deuri, Mising, culture and identity, he said. Dimasa. The tribals in Assam have their own According to Dr. Koch, the increase of language, literature and culture. It can be said use of bilingual language has diminished the that tribal culture has great contribution in importance of indigenous tribal language Assamese culture. The tribal in Assam are gradually. The mixture of loan words is found Mongoloids. Its is seen that though most of in almost all sentences. The pronunciation the tribal in Assam are less educated, poor and dialects used by the tribals differ from economic background, still they are rich in place to place. However, though they speak their tradition and culture. However, in the in their own tone of dialect they sing very influence of modern period their tradition and well with perfection. culture is seen declining day by day. Sukrajit Daimary presented a paper on Dr. Ada Ram Basumatary presented a Some Traditional Food of Bodo and Garo paper on Tribal Culture and Its Threshold : Its Decline and Future. The paper is mainly of Globalization –with Special Reference to based on the indigenous tribe of Assam, Bodo Bodo. He narrated that Culture is transient and Garo and their traditional Food. He also as it keeps on changing. According to him discussed how the traditional food system of Globalization has great contribution behind these two tribes has declined day by day. Both the transient nature of culture. As today is Bodo and Garo lives on cultivation. The the world of science and technology, the Garos mainly do Jhoom cultivation. The main knowledge of entire world can reach every food of both the tribe is Rice. Both the tribes nook and corner of the world. Here, in this collect food from nature. They collect green paper Dr. Ada Ram has taken a particular vegetables like- Kheradapini, Khansisa, area of study i.e. Bodo culture. The Bodo Manimuni etc. is the largest majority tribe in North East Motison Daimary presented a paper on Assam. Bodo have their own culture & identity. Traditional Costumes of Bodos and its Decline. However, now-a-days it is witnessed that In his paper Motison Daimary has discussed different changes has come in their culture about the traditional costumes of the Bodo in different fields. For example- religion, dress and the reason behind its decline. Bodo is and cloths, food etc. the largest tribe in Assam. They have their Rupnath Owary presented a paper on the own language, dress or costume, culture and Decline of Cottage Industries Among the literature. The traditional costume or dress Bodos. He dwelt on the influence of Cottage of the Bodo is Dolhna, Phashara or Shima Industries among Bodo community. According (shawl), blouse for female and Gamsa for male. to Rupnath Owary the Cottage industries Aronai (Maflar) is also a traditional costume among the Bodos are witnessing a rapid worn both by male and female. Different change day by day. And this might be the costumes are used in different occasion. effect of Globalization on them. Cottage Champabati Khakhalary presented a paper Industries among the Bodos are actually an on Decline of Assam Tribal’s Tradition of unorganized sector, it is made by economically

156 / Annual Report 2015–2016 depressed peoples mainly the villagers. The SYMPOSIUM IN THE MEMORY OF THE TWO Cottage Industries among Bodos are mainly GREAT LITTERATEURS - ESSAYIST YASHWANT Bamboo craft, Wood craft, Clay making and SHUKLA AND DRAMATIST JASHWANT THAKER Weaving. 13 March 2016, Nadiad

Sahitya Akademi, RO, Mumbai in SYMPOSIUM ON TRENDS OF INDIAN NEPALI collaboration with Balvant Parekh Centre, SHORT STORIES: AFTER INDEPENDENCE, IN Vadodara and Surajba Mahila Arts College COLLABORATION WITH NEPALI SAHITYA organized a symposium in the memory of the PARISHAD, MANIPUR, two great litterateurs - essayist Yashwant Shukla 7 March 2016, Charhazare, Manipur and dramatist Jashwant Thaker, on Sunday, 13 March 2016 at Nadiad. Sahitya Akademi in collaboration with Nepali Sri Prakash Shah, in his keynote address, Sahitya Parishad, Manipur organized a recalled last days of Yashwantbhai and added symposium on ‘The Trends of Indian Nepali that he was acquainted with educationists short stories: after independence’ on 27 March namely Umashankar Joshi, Bhogilal Gandhi, 2016 at Charhazare, Manipur. Dr. Durga Jayantilal, Nagindas Parekh, Sharma, Nepali scholar inaugurated the and Yashwant Shukla. symposium. At the beginning Dr. Devendra Dr Raman Soni in his speech said that Kumar Devesh, Officer on Special Duty, he was a student of Yashwantbhai in Sahitya Akademi while welcoming the H.K.College from first year till his M.A. He gathering spoke briefly about the activities of also added that it was so pleasant to hear Akademi. He stated that this is first programme him in class during that time, he could not in Nepali which is organized in Manipur. Sri make the notes of his lesions due to Prem Pradhan, Convener, Nepali Advisory concentration on hearing him. He recalled his Board, Sahitya Akademi gave introductory arranging the categories of students on ground remarks and express his pleasure that his efforts and various floors, so nicely. He then switched to bring Akademi in un-touched language on to the subject given to him and concluded regions is successful. The inaugural session was with many literary aspects of Yashwantbhai’s chaired by Prof. Lok Bahadur Basnet, President, contribution to literature. Nepali Sahitya Parishad. He said that Manipur Second half of the symposium was is a historical place for and dedicated to Jashwant Thaker and the memories literature, because first Nepali book was printed by their families. First such family member only here in 1893. was Ms. Neela Jayant Joshi who was The academic session was chaired by Sri Yashwantbhai’s daughter, who happens to be Arjun Pradhan which included the papers of retired professor of philosophy. She recalled Sri Milan Bantawa, Smt. Pushpa Sharma and many incidents concerning Yashwantbhai how Sri Tanknath Khatiwada on Post-modernism, fortunate we all are to have him in literature Women discourse and War literature in context despite many alternates that he had, that time. of Nepali short stories: after independence She always had some fear of his father and respectively. At the end, Sri Kirtimani not father-in-law while showing her thesis of Khatiwada, Secretary, Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Ph.D for the critical evaluation of the work, Manipur proposed the vote of thanks. she did. She could meet many towering

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 157 personalities of literature only because of his BIRTH CENTENARY SEMINAR : HARCHARAN father’s inter-actions with them. She also had SINGH memories of Jashwant Thaker’s plays. She 14-15 March 2016, Bhatinda only had a knowledge of enjoying the play and playing the rotes in a play, but she know Sahitya Akademi in collaboration with Baba that it is also an Art and Jashwantbhai knew Farid College, Bathina organized a two day the technique of making audience to like the seminar to commemorate the birth centenary play. of veteran Punjabi writer Harcharan Singh. Thereafter it was of Ashutosh turn to The seminar was held on 14-15 March, 2016 remember his father Yashwantbhai who recalled at Seminar Hall, Baba Farid Group of some incidents and said that Yashwantbhai Instiutions, Bhatinda. Dr. Rawail Singh, wanted him to belong to Arts discipline Convenor of Punjabi Advisory Board welcomed (faculty) though was Engineer by profession the guests, scholars and audience. He talked as he could have shared many common things in detail on the literary contribution and concerning literature. He also said about achievements of Harcharan Singh. Gurmeet Jashwant Thaker and recalled one event where Singh Dhaliwal, Chairman, Baba Farid Group of Institutions inaugurated the seminar. Chief an actor could not reach to perform. Ultimately, Guest of the programme was Basant Garg he was made to perform the play with strict (IAS), Deputy Commissioner, Bathinda. Satish instructions ýou will only act which you were Kumar Verma, in his key-note address said taught’. He expressed his gratitude of being that the contribution of Harcharan Singh to accompanied of many literary personalities, Indian literature needs to be re-evaluated in only because of his father. the present scenario. Renowned playwright Two speakers, namely Hasmukh Baradi Ajmer Singh Aulakh was the Guest of Honour. and Bharat Dave could not come due to their The programme was divided into three health. Ms. Devaki Dave (daughter of Bharat session. Bhatia, Jaswinder Dave) read the paper of his father and recalled Singh, Satnam Singh Jassal chaired these some incidents of her childhood. In his paper, sessions and Uma Sethi, Pali Bhupinder Singh, he also said about Jashwant Thaker. Gurmeet Singh Hundal, Anita Madia, Ranju There was also a vide show on Jashwant Bala, Satpreet Singh Jassal, Gurpreet Kaur, Thaker which had contents of various aspects Ravinder Kumar, Pardeep Kumar, Usha Rani, of international plays for all Gujarati audience. Samagh and Taraspal Kaur presented Thereafter Pravin Pandya read some excerpts paper. from plays of Jashwant Thaker and said that The programme ended with vote of thanks he was student of both the writers and recalled few incidents. Sri Sanmya Joshi, the grand son of Yashwantbhai and eminent poet, TWO DAY BIRTH CENTENARY SEMINAR ON professor and dramatist read the easy – DINA NATH NADIMON ‘Moti’. 15-16 March 2016, Srinagar The symposium concluded with vote of thanks where on any other writers, poets, Sahitya Akademi New Delhi in association vice-chancellor, novelists were also present. with J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages organized two Day birth centenary seminar on noted Kashmiri poet, late Dina

158 / Annual Report 2015–2016 and works of the poet Nadim. Second session of the seminar was presided over by Shanti Veer Kaul.Prof. Bashar Bashir, Ghulam NabiAatish and Abdul Ahad were presented their papers.The paper readers highlighted the role of Nadim in Kashmiri poetrywith specific reference to the period in which the poet emerged. The second day of the seminar and third session was presided by Ghulam NabiKhayal.G.R. HasratGadda. Mushtaq One of the sessions of the seminar Ahmad Mushtaq and Satish Vimalwere presented their papers in this session.The last Nath Nadimon 15-16 March 2016 at seminar and fourth session was presided over by Hall of J&K Academy of Art, Culture and MishalSultanpuri and B.N. Betab and Aafaq Languages, Srinagar .The seminar evoked an Aziz presented their papers. interesting discussionamong a large section of A large number of Kashmiri writers, audience comprising writers, scholars academics and linguists attended the two day andteachers. seminar and took part in the discussions The programme began with a welcome also. speech by Prof. Mohammed ZamanAzurdah, convener Kashmiri Advisory Board of Sahitya Akademi. In hiswelcome address Azurdah BIRTH CENTENARY SEMINAR ON PRATIBHA highlighted the role of Sahitya Akademi as BASU wellas that of JKAACL in promoting and 17 March 2016, Cotton College, Guwahati propagating andliterature. As part of the event, Prof. RehmanRahi Sahitya Akademi in collaboration with Cotton presented inaugural address inwhich he College organized a birth centenary seminar highlighted various aspects of Nadim’s literary on Pratibha Basu on 17 March 2016 at work. Keynote address was read by Dr. Cotton College, Guwahati. The welcome Ahmad on behalf of Mohammad Y address of the seminar was delivered by K. ousuf Taing. In his presidential address Prof. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Akademi. Mita MarghoobBanihali emphasized the needto Chakraborty, Head of the Dept. of Bengali, preserve and promote Kashmiri as a mother Cotton College, delivered the introductory tongue and enhance itsrole in social address. Sirshendu Mukhopadhyay, eminent sphere.Secretary Academy, Dr. Aziz Bengali writer graced the occasion as the chief Hajinihighlighted the true contributions of guest of the seminar. The keynote address was Nadim to Kashmiripoetry on the occasion. delivered by Gopa Dutta Bhaumik, eminent Programme Officer, Dr.Mushtaque Sadaf Bengali scholar. The inaugural session was presented vote of thanks. chaired by Ramkumar Mukhopadhyay, First session of the seminar was presided Convener, Bengali Advisory Board. Gopal Ch. over by FarooqueNazki and ShafiShouq and Barman, Regional Secretary, Kolkata proposed Farooq Faiyaz presented their papers on life the vote of thanks. Bela Das and Kankabati

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 159 Dutta read out about the novel writings of participants and audience. Sri Gopalakrishna Pratibha Basu in the first session of the Pai was the Chief Guest. Sri Uday Bhembre, seminar. Sumita Chakrabarti chaired the first Sri , Dr Jayanti Naik, Sri session. Binata Roychowdhury, Nandita S.Ramkrishna Kini and Melvin Rodrigues Bhattacharya read out about the story writings presented their papers. Sri Madhav Borcar of Pratibha Basu in the second session of the proposed vote of thanks. seminar while Madhumita Bhattacharya conducted the session from the chair. In the third session Aveek Majumder read out the SYMPOSIUM ON ROLE OF SMALL NEPALI works on Mahabharata by Pratibha Basu, LITERARY MAGAZINES IN SOCIETY IN Memoirs by Manju Das and Brajagopal Ray COLLABORATION WITH NEPALI SAHITYA from the chair read out the Travelogues of PARISHAD, SHILLONG Pratibha Basu. Valedictory address was delivered 20 March 2016, Shillong by Usharanjan Bhattacharya. Sahitya Akademi in collaboration with Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Shillong organized a SYMPOSIUM ON PRACHIN SAHITYA AANI symposium on ‘The Role of Small Nepali ITIHASACHER AADAARIT KONKANI SAHITYA Literary Magazines in Society’ on 20 March 20 March 2016, Panaji, Goa 2016 at Manisingh Gurung Auditorium, Shillong. Sri Navasapkota, chief guest of the Sahitya Akademi, Regional Office Mumbai, symposium stated the impact of literature on in collaboration with Goa Konkani Akademi society and marked the role of Nepali literary and Institute Menezes Braganza organized a magazines. Sri Prem Pradhan, Convener, Nepali symposium on Prachin Sahitya Aani Itihasacher Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi gave Aadaarit Konkani Sahitya (Konkani Literature introductory remarks. The inaugural session Based on Ancient Literature and History) on was chaired by Prof. Nar Bahadur Rai, 20 March 2016 at Institute Menezes Braganza, Secretary, Nepali Sahitya Parishad. At the Panaji-Goa. Dr Tanaji Halarnakar, Convener, beginning Dr. Devendra Kumar Devesh, Officer Konkani Advisory Board, welcomed the guest on Special Duty, Sahitya Akademi while welcoming the gathering spoke briefly about the activities of Akademi. The academic session was chaired by Sri Vikramvir Thapa, which included the papers of Sri Sachin Rai (The role of ‘Diyalo’ magazine in the development of Indian Nepali literature), Sri Teknarayan Upadhyaya (The concern of Indian Nepali society and small literary magazines of Nepali), Sri Krishna Pradhan (A brief history of Indian Nepali literary magazines) and Smt. Laxmi Meenu (Small literary Nepali magazines from North-East L–R: Madhav Borcar, Gopalkrishna Pai, and Indian Nepali Society). Tanaji Halarnkar, Sanjay Harmalkar

160 / Annual Report 2015–2016 SEMINAR ON BODO FOLK LITERATURE AND be co-relation among various literatures, like ITS SOCIAL AND ACADEMIC VALUE Assamese, Bengali, English and so on. 21 March 2016, Baksa, Assam Sri Bisweswar Basumatary, Vice President, Bodo Sahitya Sabha delivered the Key-note Sahitya Akademi in collaboration with Bodo address. According to him, in the primitive Sahitya Sabha organized a seminar on “Bodo age, people did not know how to speak, but Folk Literature and its Social and Academic communicated by means of signals. They Value” at Barama College, Barama, Baksa, learnt to sign during their day to day work BTAD, Assam on 21 March, 2016. and also learnt to speak by listening the sound The Inaugural session was chaired by Dr. of air, water and natural objects. The tales Tiken Ch. Das, Principal, Barama College. At of grandmother or grandfather about Ghost, the very beginning, a group of students of God-Goddess, Animals, Birds, Insects, Nature Barama College sang the inaugural song. The etc have the meaningful purpose of teaching inaugural speech was delivered by Dr. Anil the lesion among the children. Folk tales bear Boro, Ex-Convenor, Bodo Advisory Board, the moral values in the Educational Institutions. Sahitya Akademi and Associate Professor, Singing the song in a group can maintain Gauhati University. He said that the Sahitya unity in the society. The mantras, tantras, Akademi has been organizing many songs have purpose to control the evil elements programmes for upliftment of Bodo literature. as well as the society. Generally, the story of The Folk literature transmits from generation Folk Literature can purify the thoughts, habits to generation which lasts forever. It has good and attitudes of the people. The story of Social and Academic value which can educate Panchatantra can give the good moral lesson the people by the way of amusement and among the society as well as the students. entertainment. The various festivals and rituals In his speech, the Chairperson Dr. Tiken expose the educative value. It gives amusement Ch. Das, Principal, Barama College expressed and at the same time brings unity and also his satisfaction on holding the Seminar at controls the society. Through the modern age Barama College, because, the students of this is prominently known as scientific age, but College have got the opportunity to learning till today the value of Folk literature is not about the Bodo Folk Literature. And for that undermined. he conveyed thanks and gratitude to Sahitya Padmashree Dr. Kameswar Brahma, the Akademi and Bodo Sahitya Sabha. President, Bodo Sahitya Sabha, delivered his speech as a special guest. He said that the topic has the immense importance for the development of language. He expressed his gratitude heartily to the College Authority for providing the venue of the College for holding the seminar. He said that this seminar has the great importance for Bodo language and Literature. He expressed his desire of holding more seminars by taking various topics, so that the people can understand the Bodo literature and get inspiration to be involved in this respect. For him, there should Participants of the seminar

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 161 The Inaugural Session came to an end educative value in the society and educational after vote of thanks was proposed by Kamala Institutions, so that we must attempt to Kt. Muchahary, General Secretary, Bodo Sahitya expand the Folk literature, said Dr. Birhasgiri Sabha. Basumatary as the Chairperson of the Seminar. First Session: Dr. Birhasgiri Basumatary, Second Session: Sri Dharannidhar Wary, Principal, Bijni College conducted the first a Renowned Bodo Writer, Chaired the Seminar. Session of the Seminar Mrs. Rwirup Brahma, Sri Rujab Mushahary, Asstt. Professor, of Asstt. Professor Dept of Bodo, Barma College, Bodo, Rangia College presented the Paper. presented the Paper. According to her, a According to him, folk literature plays a role sentence can become meaningful, if the phrase of mirror of the society, because everything and idioms are utilized properly and that can of the past of the community reflects in the take a vital role in the society. In the day Folk literature. It also reflects the thought and to day domestic works, in the paddy field, unity of the past society. Bodo phrase and hunting, fishing, the proverbs, phrase and idioms, Fables, Folk songs etc. can expose the idioms are used by common people. Moreover, moral values for the upliftment of society. The it contributes to the next generation for their story of “Sikhna Jwhwlao”, “Gambari Sikhla”, peaceful living. Though, it does not have a “Basiram jwhwlao” etc the Legendary Stories particular name of writer, the Bodo Folk gives us knowledge and excitement about Literature can help educate the illiterate people, ancient history of the Bodos. she said. In absence of Sri Nailo jalo Uzir, Assistant Sri Prasanta Boro, Asstt. Professor Dept. Professor, Dept. of Bodo, Goreswar College, of Bodo, Rangapara College and Secretary, Sri Chittaranjan Mushahary, Asst. Professor, Bodo Sahitya Sabha presented the paper on Dept. of Bodo, Barma College presented the the topic. He attempted to discuses about seminar paper. According to him, the name social and academic value of the Folk literature. of some villages in the local area of Barama, He appreciated and evaluated the tale of Naktipara, Jaripara, Makhuli etc were originally “Sandw baodia” which focused about the derived from Bodo terms, but in course of ancient Bodo people who knew how to keep time, these are converted to the terms to other clean and hygienic the river water even before language. Moreover, there are many names of Scientists have discovered the ways and means places and villages all around, which were of purifying the water. He also evaluated the originally Bodo terms. Therefore, according tale of “Oma and Swima” which gives the to him, the last alternative way to recover moral lesson to be self sufficient, active and the origin of the name of places is the Bodo intelligent; otherwise, it is certain that he will Folk literature. be deprived from all the side. Folk literature Participating in the discussion, Sri Sitaram have many social responsibility and influences Basumatary, President of Salbari Dist. Bodo in the Society in every sphere. For him, Sahitya Sabha said that there are mainly three culture does not simply mean dresses, food kinds of Folk literature (1) Mythology, (2) and living, but it includes morality also. Legendary (3) Morals. But, none of these is Replying to a question of an audience discussed today. about Ballad in Bodo, Smt. Rwirup Brahma Sri Dharanidhar Wary from the Chair said said about the Ballad relating to Bashiram Jwhwlao. The tales can inspire us and give that Folk Literature is the beginning and us much entertainment. Moreover, it has complete frame of the literature and again it

162 / Annual Report 2015–2016 can be regarded as the image of the community. Managing Director A.S.P.S. Ravi Prakash He hopes that this topic can be discussed noted. broadly in future to acquire the more and There were a lot of preconceived notions more knowledge. about a language, most important being script. “It is difficult to make people believe that there can be languages without a script,” SEMINAR ON TRIBAL LANGUAGES AND leading researcher in linguistics and former LITERATURES IN TELUGU SPEAKING AREAS Registrar of Potti Sriramulu Telugu University 26-27 March 2016, Visakhapatnam B. Ramakrishna Reddy said. West European languages – English, French, German, Spanish The language in use today is an evolved form and Portuguese – use the same Roman script of the language that the tribal people continue and each one has its own rich literary tradition, to use and it is wrong to consider the tribal he pointed out. language to be inferior, N. Gopi, convenor, “We have to accept the fact that there Telugu Advisory Board of the Sahitya Akademi are differences in perception among societies and formar Vice-Chancellor of telugu university as the value systems are different. While the has said. Mahabharata of urban society portrays Karna Speaking at the inaugural of the two-day as of a lower caste and tries to play down seminar on‘‘Tribal languages and literatures in his role, the Mahabharata narrated by tribal Telugu-speaking areas,” jointly organised by people give him due respect as a warrior,” the Sahitya Akademi and Girijan Cooperative senior journalist and writer Chintakindi Corporation at Visakhapatnam the city of Srinivasa Rao said. destiny in the state of Andhra Pradesh on In the afternoon session of first day was Saturday(26-03-2016), the former Vice- held on the language and literature of several Chancellor of Potti Sriramulu Telugu tribal groups. Mr.B.ramakrishna reddy chaired University said: “It was not the Girijans that the session and spoke on languages and are getting alienated but in reality after getting literatures of Jathapulu., Kondulu and gadaba. ‘civilised’ we are going away from our roots.” He explained the beauty of languages. He lauded the Sahitya Akademi for its efforts Sivaramakrishna director shakthi, to organise such a programe for the first time organaigation for betterment of tribes presented in the history of the akademi. a paper on languages and literatures of konda Script was not essential for a language, redlu, bagatha, valmikulu and konda doralu. Sahitya Akademi secretary K Srinivasa Rao He enphosiged about “nandhi padam” a song said emphasising on the need for compilation by tribes in eastern ghats, which tells the of Girijan literature. The akademi had girijan life in the hills. conducted a language convention for D.surya danujay and A.chendra shekar rao identification and promotion of tribal presented papers on banjara and savara tribes languages. The akademi was giving away Bhasha respectively. Samman awards in 24 languages, he added. The second day of the seminar i.e. 27 While there have been efforts to th, march 2016 elaborated the value system document the literature of some tribal languages of girijans in the remote hill areas. The day and script developed, nothing has been done started with a session of novel idea, “The to sustain it, GCC Vice-Chairman and influence of tribal languages and literatures

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 163 on classical telugu literature”. K.Malayavasini be included in the Scheduled List of Languages former head, telugu department Andhra in the Constitution. He said languages like University spoke on the subject. She told Tulu and Konkani were included in the about Kapavyopakhyanam in Indian ancient Scheduled List though they were not widely text. She also lauded the scarifies of Baktha spoken. Kannappa a girijan Shiva baktha. Convener, Telugu Advisory Board of the Writer Vadrevu Veeralaxmi devi, Akademi, N. Gopi underlined the importance K.Shyamala Teacher Dravidian University, of more research into tribal literature and Kuppam and prof.Madabhusi sampath kumar languages. Presented papers in the session. Works on Writer Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad felt tribal languages, were well placed in the that unless tribal literature was translated into speech of veeralaxmi devi. K.Shyamala spoke Hindi comparative study would not take on Chenchu and Yanadala languages and place. Sahitya Akademi Secretary K. Sreenivasa literature. Sampath kumar spoke in detailed Rao said translations of tribal literature about Erukula literature. would be commissioned by the Akademi. The next session was held on Korrajulu, However, there was a dearth of competent Pujari, Koya languages. The session was translators well-versed in tribal as well as local presided by N.Bakthavatsala reddy, he spoke languages. about Korrajulu and their literature. C.R.S.Sarma presented a paper on Koya language in the session. BIRTH CENTENARY SEMINAR ON Journalist Goparaju Narayana Rao spoke BHUBANESWAR BEHERA on ‘Manyam uprising as reflected in Girijan 27 March 2016, Bhubaneswar Odisha literature’ at the same session. N.Ch. Chakravarthy has addressed the audions on Sahitya Akademi organized a one day Birth- the topic “Tribal students and my experience” Centenary Seminar on Bhubaneswar Behera The valedictory session held on 27th on 27 March 2016 at Bhubaneswar, Odisha. evening. Writer Vadrevu China Veerabhadrudu Inaugural Session: At the outset a has bemoaned the neglect of rich tribal Monograph on Bhubaneswar Behara published languages and literature and also the lack of by the Sahitya Akademi was released. In the awareness among the elite about the cultural Inaugural session Goutam Paul, Assistant heritage of Girijans. he said the intellectuals Editor, Sahitya Akademi, welcoming the often speak of “tribal dialects” in a dismissive participants-guests and audience said manner and were not even willing to grant Bhubaneswar Behera was an engineer by formal them the status of languages. education and a teacher by choice and narrated Mr. Veerabhadrudu, with more than three a brief literary career of Sri Behera. Dr. decades of service in the Girijan Welfare Gourahari Das, eminent fictionist and the Department, said there was a mantra in convener of Odia advisory board of the Sahitya Chenchu folklore said to be much older than Akademi in his introductory remarks told that even the , according to a researcher. Prof. Behera will continue to inspire many He called upon Sahitya Akademi to get a generation of Indian readers for his straight the literature of tribals translated into various forward description and down to earth Indian languages and to encourage such approach. translators. Many of the tribal languages should The Seminar was inaugurated by veteran

164 / Annual Report 2015–2016 Odia poet Rajendra Kishore Panda who recollected his associations with Prof .Behera . Sri Panda described him as a personality who becomes a cult in his life time. His persona was much bigger than his literature and much of his illuminating self remained inexpressible, said Sri Panda. Ramakant Rath, celebrity Odia poet and former president of Sahitya Akademi attended as the Chief Guest. Paying his tribute to Prof. Behera Sri Rath said, Ramakanta Rath addressing the gathering in the inaugural session he was a legendary writer who narrated ordinary human characters with empathy. Pitabas Routray, member, Odia extraordinary artistic skill. Renowned fiction advisory board of the Sahitya Akademi writer and daughter of Prof. Behera, Yashodhara proposed vote of thanks. Mishra presented the key-note address First academic session: In the first session outlining the life and literature of Prof eminent scholars and critics discussed on the Bhubaneswar Behera. Prof. Behera’s creative Criticism and Travelogue of Prof. Behera in legacy in Odia is huge and a good number details with Akademi award winning poet Sri of his readers, critic and admirers attended Gopal Krushna Rath in the chair. Eminent the seminar to pay their rich tribute to the poet Prativa Satpathy and Prof Sumanyu legendary writer. Prof. Behera was a highly Satpathy from Delhi University presented qualified engineer who mentored major their papers. As a travel writer Prof. Behera’s construction projects in post modern India, approach to a foreign land was highly sensible later joined in technical institutions as technical and he drew a brilliant collage of memories educator and institution maker began writing inter weaving Odishan and African in his very late. He arrived in Odia literature with travelogues, said Prof.Sumanyu Satpathy. a huge repository of experience and expressional Prativa Satpathy in his critique described him skill. He was exceptionally a talented prose as a pioneering essayist and specifically praised writer and his writings added new flavor and his poetic narrative in prose. Gopal Krushna style in Odia prose writing. He was one of Rath spoke about his personal memories. He the first batch travel writer in Odia who also talked about the enchanting rural landscape described the life and time of Western Africa in Prof.Behera’s writing. to Odia reader. He was a sensible humorist, Second academic session: The second a brilliant craftsman of short stories and an session was devoted to his Short stories and erudite scholar. Presiding over the inaugural autobiography, chaired by octogenarian fiction session eminent fiction writer Santanu Kumar writer Sri Satkadi Hota. Prof . Bhubaneswar Acharya described Prof. Behera as a master Behera’s autobiography ‘Gaanra Daka” ( call story teller who dealt with trials and of the village) is a master piece and equally tribulations of common man with great loved by the readers and the critics. After

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 165 was chaired by Sri Gourahari Das and vote of thanks was proposed by Sri Goutam Paul, Assistant Editor, Sahitya Akademi. Hundreds of Prof Behera’s admirers, critics and readers attended the seminar. Among them prominent names are Haraprasad Das, Raj Kishore Mishra, Subhendu Mund, S N Tiwari, Prof. Jatindra Nayak, Sangram Jena, Swaraj Mishra, Prabasini Mahakud, Kshirod Parida,Amiya Bhushan Padhi, Madhusudan Pati delivering Valedictory address, Bhagyalipi Malla, Baikuntanath sahu, Gourahari Das, sitting on the dias Niranjan Padhi, Satyanand Mishra and others. serving in various government offices and institutions as an authority he came back to his native village in Kalahandi, one of the NATIONAL SEMINAR ON CULTURAL AND poorest districts of India and infamous for LITERARY TRADITIONS OF TRIBES OF INDIA hunger and malnutrition and he spent his life 29-30 March 2016, Bangalore until his last. His experience in changing landscape and mindscape of the village are In order to have a larger debate on the being vividly described in his semi importance of bringing the tribal sects to the autobiographic novel “call of the village”. mainstream, a two day seminar had been Veteran poet Mamata Das presenting her organized by the Sahitya Akademi . paper on the contents and contexts of Prof. The seminar began on 29th March with Behera’s short stories in detail. Binay Kumar the Welcome address by K.Srinivasa Rao, Behera who translated “Call of the village” Secretary of the Akademy.He called upon all into English spoke about the life and time the writers to join hands with the government of the great author. in bringing the tribals to the main stream. Valedictory session: Valedictory address In his introductory remarks, Dr.Narahalli was presented by Prof. Madhusudan Pati, Balasubrahmanya, Convenor, Kannada veteran critic, poet and colleague of Prof. Advisory Board,Sahitya Akademy, said this Behera in Sambalpur University. Prof Pati in seminar had been organized to formulate a his brilliant speech critically assessed the healthy atmosphere through a proper dialogue personality and creativity of this master story about the tribals. He felt that due to the teller. Prof Pati said one cannot separate Prof. advent of industrialization, oral traditions are Behera’s life from his literature as his life was being hit. Post colonial writers have given his message. He was the man who lived his importance to oral studies. To address the literature and his literature was reflected in present problems of the tribes, we need a his life. Prof. Behera was a Gandhian who proper understanding of their living experimented his literature in his life, conditions., he added. concluded Prof. Pati. The valedictory session Inaugurating the seminar ,eminent Odiya

166 / Annual Report 2015–2016 writer and the Jnanapeeth awardee ,Sitakant session began with Dr H.C.Boralingaiah of Mahapatra who has deep interest in the growth Kannada University Hampi, in the chair. and development of all tribal cultures and B.R.Khacharia who spoke on the myths of who has translated and edited ten tribal oral Gir’s Rabari;Sarjugan,said they sing songs poetry anthropologies ,observed that a separate from the song of their Goddess. They call academy be started for the Tribal studies and their song ‘’Sarjugan’’. All the stories and the proposed academy can handle that job songs are in the oral tradition. Rabaris live and encourage scholar,writers and artists to in the midst of Nature and do animal study all the aspects of tribal culture and give husbandry and farming, They are found in it a pan Indian focus. And felt that this is the Gir forest spread over an area of 250 important because ,some forms of tribal culture kilometers. Sarju is the only Goddess for are also dying or getting distorted before our them. They sing Sarju during Navarathri and eyes. Mahapatra also felt that a genuine marriage celebrations and on festivals. awareness and growing interest in tribal culture The next speaker Javed Rahi’s paper was will sustain our commitment to on A Study of Gujjars and Baker tribes in conglomeration of neighbor hoods. Jammu and Kashmir. He noted that Gujjars In his keynote address, Dr Tejasvi are 12% of tribal population found in Pakistan Kattimani,Vice Chancellor of Indira Gandhi and Beluchistan. They worship Moukal, an National Tribal University, said that tribals invisible force. should be brought to the mainstream. He Hemanth Kharke of Maharashtra said that remembered that Verrier Elvin was asked by the tribals in his state lead a happier life than to work with the Adivasis.His the urban population. He also noted that writings are a must read by all those interested their myths have intimate relation with in the welfare of Adivasis and tribals. Expressing religion. Inter clan marriages are promoted concern over the tribal languages being the whereas Intra clan marriages are banned. Myths endangered language, he felt that all efforts on the characters of Ramayana and should be made to preserve it. He also spoke Mahabharatha are reconstructed. about the vital characteristics of the Tribal H.C.Boralingaiah who has done a good University and steps taken to study the life deal of field work with regard to tribals, made of tribals. a power point presentation of the tribes, like In his presidential address, Dr Jenukurubas, Koragas, Siddhis, and others. Chandrashekhar Kambar, Vice President of About Siddhis, he said that they came from Sahitya Akademy, felt that today art is Zambia and were sold as slaves .Some of them becoming a commodity. A Democracy cannot came to Karnataka and others went to neglect the tribes,they must be brought to Gujarath. He further noted that the tribal the mainstream and the exploitation of the leaders have established bond with the land forest and the forest dwellers should stop, and the people. namely, Manteswamy, Junjappa, he added. Mylaralinga, and others. Oral narratives start Sri Mahalingeshvara Bhat, Regional with the stories of the creation. Myths are Secretary of the Akademy, Bengaluru proposed like the cultural indexes. Tribals concentrate a vote of Thanks. on the prominence of women .They hold that FIRST SESSION: Myths in Tribal chastity should be maintained not only by Languages ,Literatures and Cultures: First women, but also by men.

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 167 At this stage Sitakant Mahapatra observed THIRD SESSION: Influence of that various commissions set up by government Globalization on Tribes of India. The session have not done much for the tribals .As such, began with Bhanu Bharthi in the chair. Raj the writers and artists working for the cause Kishore Mishra who spoke on the Tribes of of tribals should see that they are brought Odisha , said that though they have a distinct to the mainstream. They must get proper identity of their own tradition and culture, education, health, and enough for their they are receptive and responsive to change livelihood. and that they are voluntarily coming forward The evening, cultural programme to improve their life with a scientific and comprised of A Lambani Dance by Sri Gujasatti technological orientation. He further said that Lambani Dance Troupe,of Benigeri Sanna Odisha tribes have a culture of their own, Thanda,Davangere.(Karnatak) It was presented like their counterpart elsewhere and their age beautifully, by a group of ten Lambani Women old faith in animism which is the worldview to the folk tune. that non human entities such as animals, SECOND SESSION: Tribes in Indian plants, inanimate objects ,phenomena etc Literature,Cultural Change and Conservation. possess a spiritual essence or faith in Sarnaism This session began with Arjun Dev Charan or the religion of the holy woods as we find in the Chair. Dr H.Kamkenthang who spoke in Central East India among the tribes of on the Cultural and literary traditions of the Munda,Santal and the Khuruk, is being tribes of Manipur, said that the cultural and localized and confined to the peers in their literary traditions of the people extend far back respective hamlets. He also observed that the into the past and sprawl wide particularly in most perplexing issue is whether the tribals the valley of Imphal He observed that the would be allowed to come to the mainstream tribes have consciousness of their language. and join the process of globalization and The aspiration of the tribes is to get their remain insensate to their ethnic opulence .But languages introduced as media of instruction their conversion to other religions should be .Every tribe has an organization to deal with left to their choice and all their cultural outfits their literary aspects of culture .The state govt behavioral practices mystic orientations and has been permitting tribal languages at different indigenous faiths should be appreciated and levels as media of instruction at random earnestly treasured , despite the onset of without bothering to create teaching posts. globalization and development interventions. Suhrid Kumar Bhowmik spoke next on Fourth Session: Fourth session was on the cultural and literary traditions of Bengali Myth and Reality of Tribal Culture, Chaired Tribes.He referred to Santhali group as the by Anil Dr. A.T. Mohanraj who spoke on main tribes whose medicine is a good the subject with special reference to contribution to Ayurveda.A Santhali Mallukurukumba Tribe of Wyanad of Kerala, dictionary is also being used, he noted. said that construct of culture identity as Arjun Dev Charan who spoke from the savages, apes or rude type was part of a chair said that culture means cult or cultivate. colonial project devised to enslave or dispossess In Adivasi culture, concept of mind is the them of their land or forest and added that most important. Adi means, first to inhabit when corporate giants destroy mountains and .So, they exercise their right to the land they forests for mining or quarrying, tribal inhabit. communities are evacuated from their land

168 / Annual Report 2015–2016 or forced to migrate to distant urban spaces. his experiences and contact with the tribal’s In reality, tribal communities are struggling in Nagpur and Shillong. He felt that preserving to adjust to the stark realities of globalization tribal culture amidst development is the need Tribal life and culture has to be under stood of the hour. objectively without prejudices or Perspective Anil Kumar Bora, who spoke as the of the hegemonic Communities. president, said that there should be Kashinath Vinayak Barhate who spoke on constitutional guarantee for tribals. In be the Myths and Realities of Korku oral Literature evening, the cultural programme comprised said that the only way to preserve the Mao and Kabui Dance presented by the mythology of the tribes is a search for its students of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance survivals is later folk love and folk theater, Academy Imphal. It was a spectacular story telling and singing forms are endangered performance in colorful costumes. It was a because, the entire context, of life even rural grand finale for the two day seminar that and tribal life on this planet is changing. There provided insights on the culture and Myth fore, the traditional forms of folklore of the tribals of India. The seminar concluded performance need to be transposed into the with the vote of thanks proposed by Sri S.P. new world. Mahalingeshwar, Regional Secretary, Sahitya P.C. Hembram said that the tribals should Akademi, who thanked all the guests, fight for their rightful existence. Dr. H.M.S. participants, audience and media personnel Prakash, a geologist from Karnataka spoke on for successfully conducting the seminar.

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 169 HINDI WEEK CELEBRATION 14-21 September 2015 New Delhi

Sahitya Akademi organized the Hindi week more than we currently do, he said. We should celebrations in the Head Office from September increase the usage of Hindi into the fields of 14-21. The Chief Guest for the function was education and law courts. Hindi is our natinal Shri Vimlesh Kanti Verma. The Secretary, Dr. language. The Home Minister, Sri Rajnath K.Sreenivasarao, in his opening address to the Singh’s message on this occasion, was read gathering stressed that Hindi language binds out by Dr Devendra Kumar Devesh, Officer us into a unified whole. He emphasized that on Special Duty and Smt. Renu Mohan Bhan more and more official work should be done Deputy Secretary of Sahitya Akademi proposed in Hindi. Shri Brajendra Tripathi, Deputy a vote of thanks. The week long celebrations Secretary, said that one and all should take included various competitions, workshops, a firm resolve to carry out work in Hindi. Ghazal Path under Rajbhasha Manch, Essay The chief guest for the event Prof. Vimlesh writing competitions and translation Kanti Verma said that Indians should come competitions. The winner of these various out of their colonial mindsets and feel proud competitions were given certificates and cash of speaking Hindi. He said Hindi is a link prizes by Dr Vishwanath.Prasad Tiwari, language of our coutry. Hindi is spoken ineleven President, Sahitya Akademi, Rajbhasha regions of our country. Many people donot Secretary Shri Girish Shankar, Shri Ved Prakash know how to write Hindi. We must help them Gaur, Director, Raj Bhasha at the Ministry of out to learn and write Hindi. We need to Culture and Dr. K.Sreenivasarao, Secretary, change our mindsets and respect Hindi a lot Sahitya Akademi.

L-R. D.K. Devesh, K. Sreenivasarao, Vimalesh Kanti Verma, Dheera Verma and Renu Mohan Bhan at inaugruration of Hindi Week

170 / Annual Report 2015–2016 HINDI DIVAS CELEBRATIONS IN REGIONAL CENTRES

BENGALURU KOLKATA

The regional office of Sahitya Akademi at Sahitya Akademi Eastern Regional Office Bengaluru organized ‘Hindi Divas’ as part of organized ‘Hindi Divas’ as part of Hindi Week Hindi Week celebrations on 21 September celebrations on 17 September 2015 at the 2015 at the Akademi premises in Bangalore. Akademi premises in Kolkata. Two eminent Sri S.P. Mahalingeshwar, Regional Secretary, guests, Smt. Rajani Poddar and Sri Ujjwal Sahitya Akademi, Bengaluru, welcomed the Singha delivered lectures on the use of Hindi guest, Dr. Bhanwar Singh Shaktawat, Assistant as a medium of official language and its Professor, Jain University. In his guest address, relevance in our daily lives. Various competitions he highlighted the need to learn Hindi language were held for the staff and prizes were and elaborated on the richness of Hindi distributed. literature. Various competitions were held for the staff and prizes were distributed. Sri S.P. Mahalingeshwar proposed a vote of thanks. MUMBAI

Sahitya Akademi, RO, Mumbai celebrated th nd CHENNAI Hindi Week from 14 to 22 September 2015. Competitions such as handwriting, essay writing, and translation were organized during The sub-regional office of Sahitya Akademi the week. Staff members including the ones at Chennai celebrated Hindi week on September working on contractual basis enthusiastically 16, 2015 at the Akademi premises in Chennai. participated in the competitions. Prizes to the Sri K. P. Radhakrishnan welcomed the guest, winners in the competitions were given away Sri Souri Rajan and talked briefly about on 16th September 2015 at the hands of Sri Akademi’s efforts to promote Hindi across Vijay Kumar, noted Hindi litterateur. India. Sri Souri Rajan, talked about the importance and relevance of Hindi and the need for every citizen of India to learn the language. Various competitions were held for the staff of the Chennai Sahitya Akademi staff and Sri Souri Rajan distributed the prizes.

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 171 MEETINGS OF THE GOVERNING BODIES

Executive Board General Council 24 June 2015, Guwahati 24 June 2015, Guwahati 17 December 2015, New Delhi 16 February 2016, New Delhi 15 February 2016, New Delhi

Finance Committee 22 June 2015, New Delhi 26 October 2015, New Delhi

REGIONAL BOARD MEETINGS

Eastern Regional Board Northern Regional Board 7 June 2015, Impahal 6 June 2015, New Delhi

Western Regional Board Southern Regional Board 17 June 2015, Mumbai 10 May 2015, Hyderabad.

LANGUAGE ADVISORY BOARD MEETINGS

Assamese : 24 May 2015 Manipuri : 16 May 2015 Bengali : 16 May 2015 Marathi : 1 May 2015 Bodo : 24 May 2015 Nepali : 23 May 2015 18 March 2016 Dogri : 21 May 2015 Odia : 15 May 2015 English : 25 May 2015 Punjabi : 22 May 2015 Gujarati : 30 May 2015 Rajasthani : 25 May 2015 13 December 2015 Sanskrit : 25 May 2015 Hindi : 14 February 2016 Santali : 23 May 2015 Kannada : 9 May 2015 18 March 2016 Kashmiri : 29 April 2015 Sindhi : 30 May 2015 Konkani : 20 April 2015 Tamil : 25 April 2015 Maithili : 26 May 2015 Telugu : 30 April 2015 Malayalam : 26th April 2015 Urdu : 9 May 2015

172 / Annual Report 2015–2016 WORKSHOPS ORGANISED BY THE AKADEMI

Hindi-Dogri Poetry Translation Workshop Manipuri-Dogri Translation Workshop on Short 25-28 May 2015, Patnitop Stories 9–11 February 2016, Imphal (Manipur) Bengali-Manipuri Translation Workshop 14-16 July 2015, Imphal Translation workshop: Regional languages – Gujarati Malayalam-Rajasthani Translation Workshop 15-16 March 2016 at Valsad 2-6 October 2015, Trivandrum Assamese-Nepali Translation Workshop on Workshop on Creation Myths in Unwritten Short Stories Languages 17–20 March 2016, Guwahati 16 October 2015, New Delhi

Translation Workshop on Dalit Poetry 21-23 December 2015, Aurangabad

PERIODICALS

Indian Literature (Bi-monthly in English) Guest Editor: Six issues were brought out from April 2015 to March 2016

Samakaleena Bharatiya Sahitya (Bi-monthly in Hindi) Guest Editor: Ranjit Saha Six issues were brought out from April 2015 to March 2016

Samskrita Pratibha (Six monthly) First Editor: Radhavallabh Tripathi Second Editor: Bagivathinand Two issues were brought out from April 2015 to March 2016

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 173 TRAVEL GRANT TO WRITERS

The following authors availed of travel grants during the year 2015-2016

Kannada : Sri S.M. Bhyrappa visited Seemandhra (A.P.)

Konkani : Sri Yugank Naik visited Kolkata Sri Chandrababu Shetty visited Goa Sri Vyankatesh Nayak visited Punjab

Maithili : Sonu Kumar Jha visited Karnatak

Marathi : Ms. Ignatius Dias visited Sri Chandrashekhar Malkampatte visited West Bengal Sri Sandip Jagdale visited Madhya Pradesh Sri Maruti N.Dugdumwar visited Karnataka

Nepali : Bhanu Adhikari visited Assam

Sindhi : Ms. Bharati Sadarangani visited Maharashtra Ms. Mamata Parwani visited Assam

174 / Annual Report 2015–2016 LITERARY PROGRAMME SERIES

MEET THE AUTHOR Ramachandra Behera (Odia) 18 October 2015, Bhubaneswar Sahitya Akademi periodically arranges ‘Meet the Author’ programmes in which a distin- Saniya (Marathi fiction writer) guished writer is invited to speak on his life 31 October 2015, Sangli and works so that other writers, scholars and readers have a deep and personal understand- Bharat Sasne (Marathi fiction writer) ing of the writer and his writings. The fol- 5 November 2015, Nagpur lowing distinguished writers participated in this programme this year. Laxman Dubey (Sindhi poet) 28 November 2015, Mumbai Sri Vasudev Nirmal (Sindhi poet and writer) 16 May 2015, Mumbai. Atin Bandyopadhyay (Bengali) 4 December 2015, Kolkata Lakshmi Nandan Bora (Assamese) 23 May 2015, Guwahati Geeta Upadhyaya (Nepali writer) 10 January 2016, Tezpur Nagen Saikia (Assamese) 26 July 2015, Namrup, Assam Uday Bhembre (Konkani writer) 31 January 2016, , Kerala Giraddi Govindaraj (Kannada writer) 5 August 2015, Kalaburagi (Gulbarga) (Bodo) 7 March 2016, Bijni, Assam Sheela Kolambkar (Konkani writer) 27 August 2015, Panaji, Goa Haraprasad Das (Odia) 26 March 2016, Bhubaneswar, Odisha Piyush Guleri (Dogri Poet and writer) 19 September 2015, Palampur (Himachal Pradesh) THROUGH MY WINDOW (Nepali Poet and writer) 24 September 2015, Geyzing (West In this series, an eminent writer presents his Sikkim) or her impression on the life and works of another eminent contemporary writer. The Samiran Chhetri ‘Priyadarshi’ (Nepali fiction following writers were invited to participate writer) in this programme series. 27 September 2015, Siliguri (West Bengal) Kamla Goklani on the life and works of Sri Kapilavai Lingamurthy Sunder Agnani 3 October 2015, Hyderabad 6 June 2015, Jaipur

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 175 C. R. Majhi, well-known Santali writer on an opportunity to hear poetry being read Doman Sahu ‘Samir’, renowned Santali Scholar out by the poet himself herself. Fifteen 12 July 2015, Baripada (Odisha) programmes were organised in different lan- guages in different parts of the country this S. Nataraja Budalu on G.S. Sivarudrappa year: 17 July 2015, Bengaluru - Aruna Dhere (Marathi poet) Baldev Budhrani “Deep” on life and literary 12 June 2015, Aurangabad works of Sri Govardhan Sharma ‘Ghayal’, Sindhi poet, critic, and biographer Mudnakudu Chinnaswamy (Kannada poet) 27 July 2015, Pune 22 June 2015

Gouridas Pradhan spoke on Mangauli Charan K.G. Sankara Pillai (Malayalam poet) Biswal 26th July 2015, Bengaluru 24 August 2015, Jharsuguda, Odisha Maya Kharangate (Konkani poet) Arindam Barkotoky on Nalinidhar Bhattacharya 27 June 2015, Mumbai 23 August 2015, Guwahati Subrata Rudra (Bengali) Sachin Das on Prafulla Ray 31 July 2015, Kolkata 24 September 2015, Kolkata Kodumal Janib (Sindhi poet) Yuvaraj Kafley, well-known Nepali critic on 16 August 2015, Vadodara Daan Kaling, eminent Nepali poet 26 September 2015, Kalimpong (West Bengal) Nilim Kumar (Assamese) 20 August 2015, Dibrugarh, Assam Ashok Shahane on late , distinguished Marathi and English poet, Anis Uz Zaman (Assamese) translator 21 August 2015, Sibsagar, Assam 16 October 2015, Mumbai Vinod Assudani (Sindhi poet) Prakash Parienkar on the life and works of 23 August 2015, Raipur the late J.B. Moraes, eminent Konkani litterateur Saroj Ranjan Mohanty (Odia) 17 October 2015, Mumbai 22 August 2015, Bhubaneswar

Lalit Magotra, well-known Dogri writer on Harishchandra Harit (Maithili Poet) Narendra Khajuria, eminent Dogri writer 13 September 2015, Allahabad 27 October 2015, Jammu Vishnu Sharma Adhikari (Nepali poet) 27 September 2015, Siliguri (West Bengal) KAVISANDHI Brajendra Kumar Brahma (Bodo) The aim of this series is to give poetry lovers 25 September 2015, Kokrajhar, Assam

176 / Annual Report 2015–2016 S.V. Satyanarayana Khadak Raj Giri (Nepali fiction writer) 4 October 2015, Hyderabad 10 January 2016, Tezpur

Mohan Singh (Dogri poet) 10 October 2015, Jammu ASMITA Norjan Syangden (Nepali poet) 18 October 2015, Darjeeling This programme is meant for writers who write in search of a collective identity. Fol- lowing writers participated in this popular KATHASANDHI series and read out their works before their readers. Under this series, fiction writers read excerpts from their recent novels or read out short Junu Basumatary, Swapna Baglari, Rashmi stories and then interact with the readers. The Choudhuri, Rupali Swargiary and Sansumwi following writers participated this year: Khungri Basumatary (Bodo writers) 12 July 2015, Guwahati Meena Kakodkar (Konkani writer) 27 June 2015, Mumbai Critical Realism and My Short Story 16 August 2015, Kadapa Bansi Khubchandani (Sindhi writer) 28 June 2015, Mumbai Maithili Short Stories by women writers 29 November 2015, Bhagalpur Bibhuti Pattanaik (Odia) 20 June 2015, Bhubaneswar Chhanda Mishra, Jharana Patnaik, Pallavi Nayak, Swarnamayee Purohit, Prajnashree Rath (Bengali) and Sanjukta Mohapatra (Odia writers) 24 July 2015, Kolkata 22 January 2016, Baripada, Odisha

Shivdeo Sushil (Dogri Fiction writer) Juri Bora Borgohain, Malini Goswami, 2 August 2015, Jammu Jyotirekha Hazarika, Monalisha Saikia, Ila Borgohain, Paimthi Gohain and Binita Dutta Jayant Pawar (Marathi writer and playwright) (Assamese writers) 27 August 2015, Kolhapur 15 March 2016, Tingkhong, Assam

Janil Kumar Brahma (Bodo) 25 September 2015, Kokrajhar, Assam LOKA: THE MANY VOICES Solon Karthak (Nepali fiction writer) 26 September 2015, Kalimpong (West Bengal) Programmes on folklore consisting of lectures as well as demonstrations are organised under Naveen, Eminent Telugu fiction writer this series. The following programmes were 27 September 2015, Warangal. organised.

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 177 Recitation of Tatvapadas by the troupe Tamburi Abhijit Choudhury, Jyotirmoy Sengupta, 14 August 2015, Bangalore – 560 002. Debiprasad Sinha, Swarnali Biswas Bhattacharjee and Sanjay Chakraborty (Bengali On “Prahllad Nataka” writers) 14 November 2015, Berhampur, Ganjam 24 August 2015, Guwahati

On Folk Dances Readings by young Maithili writers 25-26 November 2015, Purulia, West Bengal 1 December 2015, Saharasa

On ‘Puppet Play of Assam’ Readings by young Santali writers 25 November 2015, , Assam 5 December 2015, Jamshedpur

Sri Eric Ozario and his fellow artists Dwiti Chandra Sahu, Prakash Behera, Rajat 20 December 2015, Belgaum Ranjan Swain, Tanmayee Rath and Pallisri Patnaik (Odia writers) On Raibeshe Chand Dance and Boishabu 24 January 2016, Rayagada, Odisha Nritya 21 & 24 January 2016, Howrah, West Bengal Gitali Bora, Kamal Kumar Tanti, Sanjib Pol Deka and Arindam Borkotoky (Assamese writers) 13 March 2016, Majuli, Assam

MULAKAT/YUVA SAHITI

This programme provides special platform for KAVI ANUVADAK younger writers from different languages who hardly have any chances of exposure of their Sitanshu Yasaschandra (Gujarati poet) and literary calibre. The programme consists of Gagan Gill (Hindi translator) reading from the creative works, talks and 2 April 2015, New Delhi exchanges. Following programmes were held this year. Jas Yonjan ‘Pyasi’ (Nepali Kavi) and Sebanti Ghosh (Bengali Anuvadak) Kannada Short Story Reading and Interaction 30 September 2015, Kolkata programme 27 June 2015, Gadag Chandrasekhara Kambar (Poet) and O.L. Nagabushana Swamy (Translator) Deba Kanta Ramchiary, Ripen Boro, Sansuma 12 July 2015, Bangalore Khungur Boro and Golap Boro (Bodo writers) 12 July 2015, Guwahati Madan Mohan Soren (Santali poet) and Arjun Charan Hembram (English translator) Kh. Anandini Devi, Chongtham Ongbi 5 December 2015, Jamshedpur Subadani, Haobam Seityati Devi, Kshetrimayum Subadani, Binapani Thokchom, N. Gopi (Telugu Poet) and G.S.R. Mutum Devala (Manipuri women writers) Krishnamurthy (Sanskrit Translator) 14 July 2015, Imphal 30 January 2016, Tirupati

178 / Annual Report 2015–2016 AVISHKAR Maya Nepra, Longjam Sangeeta, Hekrujam Roybala, Ng. Ekashini, Ch. Jamini Devi, Aruna Dhere (Noted Marathi poet and writer) Wahengbam Kumari Chanu, Arambam Ongbi Shama Bhate, (Katthak dancer) Memchoubi and Haobam Nalini Devi Chandramohan Kulkarni (Celebrated painter) (Manipuri women writers) Pt Satyasheel Deshpande (Classical Singer) 17 August 2015, Imphal 9 September 2015, Nashik , Ira Mohanty, Mamata On Nabarasa (nine emotions) Mohapatra, Sangeeta Rath, Shasiprava Bindhani 19 July 2015, Rabindra Mandap, Bhubaneswar and Shreemayee Sweta Snigdha Mishra (Odia women writers) Musical presentation of Dinubhai Pant’s Dogri 17 October 2015, Bhubaneswar poetry by Brij Mohan and his group 11 October 2015, Jammu Gita Debnath, Laxmi Bhattacharya, Panchali Bhattacharya, Phulan Bhattacharya, Krishna On Story Telling with a Musical Background Basu and Tapati Chakraborty (Bengali writers) 16 March 2016, Guwahati 7 November 2015, Agartala

Prabha Ganorkar, Vrishali Kinhalkar, Urmila NARI CHETNA Chakurkar, and Shailaja Wadikar 9 January 2016, Udgir Readings by Santali women writers: Chinmayee Hansda, Malati Hembram, Mukulbala Mandi, Jaimala Danait (Konkani), Sanskritirani Desai, Soma Hembram and Sushma Hembram (Gujarati), Cecilia Carvalho, Geeta Bindrani 30 June 2015, Kharagpur (W.B.) 8 March 2016, Mumbai.

Discourses on New Feminism and New Jyotirekha Hazarika, Monalisha Saikia and Responses, Literary Readings and Interaction Jyotimala Gohain (Assamese writers) 6 July 2015, Bangalore 15 March 2016, Tingkhong, Assam

A Discourse on Half of the Sky in Telugu Literary Criticism PEOPLE AND BOOKS 12 July 2015, Kadapa Jadunath Prasad Das (Cardiologist and artist) My Story and Feminist Experience 26 April 2014, Bhubaneswar 8 August 2015, Kurnool Sabyasachi Mohapatra (Odia film-maker) G.V. Murjani, Bharati Kewalramani, Varsha 21 June 2015, Bhubaneswar Udhavdasani, Kalpana Chellani, Jayashri Murjani, Sunita Vasvani, Chandani Devajani, Naa. Someswara (Physician and writer) and Vandana Hirani 27 June 2015, Bengaluru 16 August 2015, Vadodara Hitbandhu Khajuria, retired Chief Engineer 2 August 2015, Jammu

Annual Report 2015–2016 / 179 Col Sukul Pradhan PRAVASI MANCH 17 October 2015, Darjeeling In this series, an eminent pravasi intellectual Chittatosh Mookerjee (Bengali; Hon’ble Chief presents his/her impression on his life and the Justice) society and literature. The following 15 January 2016, Kolkata distinguished scholars participated in this programme held under the aegis of the Eastern Region this year: AN EVENING WITH A CRITIC Dhirendra Kar (Odia, from USA) In this series, an eminent critic presents his/ 23 August 2015, Bhubaneswar her impression on the creative/critical trandition of Indian literature. The following distinguished writers participated in this programme held FOUNDATION DAY LECTURE under the aegis of the Eastern Region this year: On the occasion of Sahitya Akademi’s Foundation Day, Dr. , eminent Alok Ray (Bengali) Indian author and Hon’ble Member of the 10 September 2015, Kolkata Parliament delivered Foundation Day Lecture 12 March 2016 Sahitya Akademi’s Auditorium, New Delhi

180 / Annual Report 2015–2016