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Festival of Letters 2014

Conglemeration of Writers

Festival of Letters 2014 (Sahityotsav) was organised in Delhi on a grand scale from 10-15 March 2014 at a few venues, Meghadoot Theatre Complex, Kamani Auditorium and Rabindra Bhawan lawns and auditorium. It is the only inclusive literary festival in the country that truly represents 24 Indian languages and literature in . Festival of Letters 2014 sought to reach out to the writers of all age groups across the country. Noteworthy feature of this year was a massive ‘Akademi Exhibition’ with rare collage of photographs and texts depicting the journey of the Akademi in the last 60 years. Felicitation of Sahitya Akademi Fellows was held as a part of the celebration of the jubilee year. The events of the festival included Presentation Ceremony, Writers’ Meet, Samvatsar and Foundation Day Lectures, Face to Face programmmes, Live Performances of Artists (Loka: The Many Voices), Purvottari: Northern and North-Eastern Writers’ Meet, Felicitation of Akademi Fellows, Young ’ Meet, Bal Sahiti: Spin-A-Tale and a National Seminar on ‘ Today: Text, Trends and Issues’.

n exhibition depicting the epochs Adown its journey of 60 years of its establishment organised at Rabindra Bhawan lawns, was inaugurated on 10 March 2014. Nabneeta Debsen, a leading Bengali writer inaugurated the exhibition in the presence of Akademi President Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, veteran , its Vice-President Chandrasekhar , veteran writer, the members of the Akademi General Council, the media persons and the writers and readers from Indian literary feternity. Speaking on the occasion K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Akademi said that Akademi’s exhibition marks the beginning of its Festival of Letters. This year, being a Diamond Jubilee Year, the Annual Exhibition showcases the history, Nabaneeta Debsen inaugurating the Akademi Exhibition

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 1 milestones, seminal events, achievements in the last 60 years of the Akademi anticipating the great response it would evoke and of reaching out to even the common readers. The exhibition is an ambitious attempt to enable the literary connoisseurs as well as the readers to get a clear picture of our activities and the Akademi’s change and growth in the last six decades, he said. Inaugurating the Exhibition, Smt. Debsen, said that she experiences the real creativity through the creative endeavours of Sahitya Akademi and also through this massive depiction of great memories in pictures and texts. Speaking on the occasion Prof. Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, recalled the Dignitaries on the dais. L-R: Chandrashekhar Kambar, , journey of the Akademi’s 60 years Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari and K. Sreenivasarao with its achievements and he said, “This is truly the time to celebrate.” 2013 representing 24 Indian languages over the Award presentation ceremony. On the second day of the Festival were honoured with the prestigious Ramakanta Rath, Akademi’s of Letters, in an elegant function Sahitya Akademi awards on 11 March former President and eminent Odia organised at Kamani Auditorium, 2014. Prof. Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, poet and Fellow of the Sahitya Sahitya Akademi Award winners for a poet of greater eminence presided Akademi was invited as the chief guest

An array of Sahitya Akademi awardees on the dias

2 DELHI on the occasion. K.Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, and Chandrashekar Kambar, Akademi Vice President were present to deliver welcome address and propose vote of thanks, respectively. ◆ Katyayani Vidmahe, The award winners were Telugu awardee being fe- beautifully seated in an array on the licitated with a bouquet by dais in the presence of the chief guest, Chandrashekhar Kambar, Sahitya Akademi the President and Vice-Preesident of Vice-president. the Akademi. K.Sreenivasarao cordially welcomed the awardees and the literary ◆ Sahitya Akademi presi- connoisseurs. In his address “Dr. K.S. dent Vishwanath Prasad Rao said, If only we spent a little more Tiwari presenting the award plaque to Temsula time reading and pondering the Ao, English awardee. profound literary works that Indian authors and philosophers have ◆ , produced over centuries each one of awardee receiving the us would benefit by their wisdom and Akademi award from the be a better person than we are today.” Akademi President. He also presented a detailed report of the functioning of the Sahitya ◆ Sureshwar Jha, Maithili awardee is being pre- Akademi in the past year with its sented with the Akademi attempts and achievements. award by the President of Then, the Akademi President Prof. the Akademi. Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, presented the Sahitya Akademi award, the awardees present which included a brass plaque and a cheque of rupees one lakh. The citations were read out by the Secretary, Sahitya Akademi

Ramakanta Rath, the chief guest delivering his address

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 3 before the presentation of the awards which was followed by garlanding the Samvatsar Lecture awardees by Chandrashekhar Kambar, Akademi Vice-President. that Defies Definations: Its Relevance in Modern Times Presiding over the ceremony, Prof. O.N.V Kurup, Tiwari said, “What the Sahitya Akademi veteran is offering to these literary greats is writer delivered this merely a gesture compared to their year’s Samvatsar immense contribution to Indian Lecture on the topic literature. We are privileged to be able ‘Poetry that Defies to salute their great works in the form Definations: Its of this felicitation, which is not to be Relevance in Modern Times.’ Further, in the course OPEN HOUSE of his discourse one of the points ONV An Interaction of highlighted was the Award Winners inherent music in the poem, continued to with Media be the tradition in both East and West. Though new becomes the voice of the voiceless. This special programme, introduced experiments and improvisations of He finally stated that definitions of from last year facilitates the Sahitya modern times have broken this poetry are defied, but poetry remains. Akademi awardees in 24 Indian tradition, it has not become extinct; Classics become contemporary when languages to interact with the media the tradition lives on in folk poetry it stands the test of time. The tribe that greatly help the awardees and and even in contemporary poetry. of poetasters may increase, but poetry their texts a wide coverage across The ballads of North Malabar region will survive. the country. in are enriched with the He also raised the issue of the This year the Media Open sentiments of love and valour whose social movement that was aimed at diction is colloquial and the melody the protection of an ecologically House programme was organised all-pervading. Changampuzha’s sensitive forest in Kerala, which was on 11 March 2014 at Meghadoot poetry flowed like music from a later converted into a National park. Theatre Complex, Rabindra Bhavan country flute. There is music in the The issue had drawn widespread lawns. Dinesh Mishra, literary activist poetry of great Malayalam poets support of poets then. The Silent and Anant Vijay, a veteran media and Vyoloppilly, but Valley is monument of poet’s collective person moderated English and in adequate measure with pristine intervention in the issue, Kurup Hindi media respectively. Media precision. A mere emotional outburst said. He pointed out that most people threw several pertinent cannot create an aesthetic experience, poets like Warrier, questions with the awardees with he said. Vyoloppilli, Edasserry, Ayyappa regard to protest literatures, He further stated that poetry is Paniker, Kadammanitta and globalization and other social also a creation; a lullaby is the self Vinayachandran who died were changes that are taking place around expression that a mother expands its effective in raising awareness about the writers. status from personal to that of the issue. But commitment alone will The writers, critics, translators ‘universal.’ He dwelt at length on the not make poetry great. Intellectual and the lovers of literature and use of in poetry. ONV honesty is the hallmark of inspired people from all walks of life too remarked, “A genuine metaphor poetry. He shared a number of his participated in the Open House plays a vital role in poetry as it turns experiences of joy and sorrow in the discussion. the abstract to concrete.” The poetry course of a long journey seeking becomes universal when the poetry poetic truth.

4 DELHI Group picture of the awardees with the dignitaries considered an award but an apt Katyayani Vidmahe (Telegu) and Javed dedicated their whole lives to literary recognition for their efforts, dedication Akhtar (Urdu). pursuits.” and the perfections that they have Ramakanta Rath, the chief guest Chandrashekhar Kambar gave the achieved in their works”. He further who delivered his address observed vote of thanks and the ceremony added, “Writers a vital role in “The legacy of rich is ended with beautiful Manipuri dance functioning of the Akademi and being carried forward by the eminent presentation by the students of because of this, Akademi is in a way personalities present here today and Manipur Dance self-operated organization. It hundreds of others like them who have Academy. symbolises the prestige of the democracy of our country.” The award winners who received the awards included Rabindra Sarkar (Assamese), Anil Boro ( Bodo), Ram Sapolia (Dogri), Temsula Ao (English), (Gujarati), C.N. Ramachandran (Kannada), Mohi-ud- Din Reshi (Kashmiri), Ram Shet (Konkani), Sureshwar Jha (Maithili), M.N. Paloor (Malayalam), Makhonmani Mongsaba (Manipuri), Satish Kalsekar (Marathi), Manbahadur Pradhan (Nepali), (Odia), Manmohan (Punjabi), Ambika Dutt (Rajasthani), Radhakant Thakur (), Arjun Charan Hembrum (Santali), Namdev Tarachandani (Sindhi), R.N. Joe D’Cruz (Tamil), Performance of cultural programme at the end of the Award Presentation Ceremony

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 5 Writers’ Meet work is inspired by his late wife. He Writing is a challenge of experience, language and craft also shared various experiences of his creative life as how a writer deals with n the third day, 12 March 2014 is a treasure house of human civilisation. the challenges of language and craft. Oof the Festival, ‘Writers’ Meet’ He also opined that the condition of , Hindi novelist while programme was organised at 10.30 women in India is a serious issue and discussing on her creative process said, am at Meghadoot Theatre complex, should be given priority. “Writing a is just like ending Rabindra Bhawan. Chandrashekhar Anil Boro, Bodo poet and writer your personal life and starting a new Kambar, Vice-President, Sahitya said that his role as a poet cannot be life. And this new life is a loan taken Akademi presided over the Meet. understood by bifurcating it from Bodo from others. On the basis of K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya people who are in search of their identity experiences and realisations you enter Akademi, while welcoming the while conserving language and culture. somebody else’s life neglecting your writers, he said that the authors Sitaram Sapolia, Dogri writer, while own. Then you write as if you are would speak their hypnotic creative sharing his creative journey said that he living that life.” experiences. is the supporter of human dignity and C.N Ramachandran, Kannada Award winning writers presented harmony. He further added that he has writer and critic said that as a critic their speeches expressing their creative tried to assimilate sensitivities of modern he is not restricted to any specific experiences in this programme. times while following the tradition. school of thought. M.N Paloor, Malayalam awardee, Temsula Ao, well-known writer in Mohi-ud-Din Reshi, Kashmiri Satish Kalsekar, Marathi awardee and English, from North-East highlighted writer shared his concern for Javed Akhtar Urdu awardee were the foresightedness of founders of and said that though his work projects unable to participate in the Meet. Sahitya Akademi for recognising the crisis and contemporary situations Speaking about his poetry English as an Indian language. She said, of his mother land, it also deals with collection Dhuliyori Bharir Sanch, “Many small-language groups use universal problems plaguing human Rabindra Sarkar, Assamese poet and English to share their rich literature like life. writer said that he tried to focus and I write in English instead of my mother Tukaram Shet, fiction writer, amplify the feelings and emotions of tongue.” essayist and poet in Konkani said that the common people. Chinu Modi, Gujarati writer while he tries to capture through his pen , well-known talking about his award-winning the atmosphere, language, colloquial Bengali poet said that for him poetry collection Khara Zaran revealed that his expressions, idioms and natural beauty of his village. Sureshwar Jha, Maithili writer, essayist and translator said that the struggle in his life is associated with the betterment of the people and language of region. This is the reason that his work relates and travels through the life of ancient Mithila and its people. Makhonmani Mongsaba, Manipuri poet and fiction writer said that his work Chinglon Amadagi Amada is the result of his travelling experiences around the world as an actor. Manbahadur Pradhan, Nepali Subodh Sarkar, Bengali awardee sharing his creative experience. writer remarked that the great merit Chandrashekhar Kambar presiding the Meet of being a writer is that, he can travel

6 DELHI anywhere anytime innumerably Foundation Day Lecture through your book or in your thoughts. Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah Bijay Mishra, Odia playwright on’ble Justice M.N. remarked that the Oriya cultural HVenkatachaliah, former heritage inspired him and that Chief Justice of India possibly was the reason he became delivered the second a playwright. ‘Foundation Day Lecture’ at Manmohan, Punjabi poet and 6 pm on 12 March 2014 at fiction writer while speaking about Meghadoot Theatre his awarded work Nirvaan, he said Complex. Vishwanath Prasad that the completeness of a word Tiwari, President, Sahitya is beyond words and is realised Akademi felicitated him with through poetry. a bouquet. Ambika Dutt, Rajasthani writer K.Sreenivasarao, expressed that he wants to infuse Secretary, Sahitya Akademi courage, strength and happiness into in his introductory address people to fight the challenges of life said that, “the Foundation Day being and how its supremacy just as the through his works. celebrated today is of special kind as Western-classical languages like Greek Radhakant Thakur, Sanskrit poet exactly 60 year from today, Sahitya and Latin. He opined that despite the and scholar spoke on the new trends Akademi came into being, inaugurated rich heritage of India, around 500 dialects in Sanskrit poetry. He further added by Dr. Radha Krishanan. Blessed and have gone missing over the years. He that he wants to discover the truth, promoted by the great leaders and congratulated the Sahitya Akademi for and progressive thought process of intellectuals of that period, generously its role and exemplary contribution in contemporary society. supported by the , the field of literature in presenting and Arjun Charan Hembram, Santali promoted by the literary community sustaining Indian languages. writer and activist shared that his from every part of our multilingual He said that in these modern times literary experience is associated with country shaped and reshaped by reputed human civilization is obsessed with software and literary revolution of writers and scholars who were its science and technology. Literature plays Santali language. Presidents, Vice-Presidents, Secretaries an important role in protecting the Namdev Tarachandani, Sindhi and the governing council members since sensitivity in our hearts towards the writer and critic expressed his its inception. Sahitya Akademi has gone nature and society. He emphasized on the existence of organizations like Sahitya responsibility over from strength to strength. All the Akademi, as these institution play an and his concern over the extinction celebrated writers and scholars, who important role in conserving literature of and literature. tried to deepen, promote, diversify, and culture. He further added that R.N Joe D’ Cruz, Tamil poet disseminate and enrich the Akademi’s establishment of Sahitya Akademi was and fiction writer shared his various activities in many splendours as ever one of the landmark decisions made experiences of costal life and said, expanding literary cosmos. Literature is by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. He formulated “To progress one must be aware basically commentary on life. the importance of literature by quoting of the history and culture of his Democratization by literature connects people. various lectures given by important society and should have respect for Hon’ble Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah politicians, thinkers, writers and scholars. one’s roots.” spoke about the origin of the Sahitya Chandrashekhar Kambar, Vice- Katyayani Vidmahe, Telugu Akademi, which came into existence in President, Sahitya Akademi while writer and essayist said that her 1954 and its journey so far in the field praising the spontaneity and genuineness work brings to the fore enormous of Indian literature. He also spoke about in the presentation of the lecture of bias faced by women writers in the evolution of human race, contribution the honourable guest, he expressed his Telugu over the years. of science and technology to human gratitude to him for generous civilization, origin of the Sanskrit language presentation at the end.

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 7 Excerpts New ‘Face to Face’ Event Foundation Day Lecture

he faculty of language allows us to take those thoughts Awardee and His Critic Tbrought into existence by the language and insert them with complete precision into the minds of others for them Akademi was deeply concerned over the years how far the to share and disagree with. Language makes the world Akademi award-winning authors and their Award winning texts intelligible by allowing minds to transport his thoughts and in 24 Indian languages reach out to the Indian literary fraternity. Whether right kind of perspectives on the author’s personality experience in in the form of accumulated knowledge from or critical evaluations of his/her text reach out, to his readers generation to generation. Language makes it possible to at all is not certain. A new literary programme as a part of distinguish the truth. Language is the most powerful instrument Festival of Letters called ‘Face to Face’ programme was in the development of the modern mind. The acquisition introduced from this year on 13 March 2014. of languages is perhaps the most controversial and interesting aspects of early human intellectual life. Study of literature n the ‘Face to Face’ literary programme authors were is the cultivation of art. “Life without art is brutality”. The Iinterviewed by a renowned critics of the respective cultivation of literature is the expression of taste. language on the scope of the text, its place in the Indian There had been always connection between literature literary scene and the personality of the author. Six and society. No writer can be free from subtle influences awardees and six critics representing from different zones of the milieu and psyche. Result in interaction between society of the Akademi were interviewed on an experimental and the writer depending on his own inherent tendencies basis. conscious of choices and perhaps, the need of the hour Prayag Shukla, Hindi writer, critic and editor interviewed by the writer as perceived by the writer. Mridula Garg (Hindi awardee), C. Mrunalini with Katyayani Individual talent in the writer’s subconscious plays an Vidmahe (Telugu awards), Sitanshu Yashachandra, well- important role (T.S. Eliot). We live in the age of scientific known Gujarati writer with Chinu Modi (Gujarati awardee), discovery and innovations, discovery that have changed our Maalan V Narayanan with R. N Joe D’Cruz (Tamil life immeasurably better. The enduring quality of any work awardee), Esther Syeim with Temsula Ao, (English awardee) of art and literature lies essentially in the virtue of the breath and Nirmal Kanti Bhattacharjee with Subodh Sarkar, of its vision and values. The 21st century is going to be (Bengali awardee). a century of stunning and accelerated changes. There will It was observed by the lovers of literature that the be a great renaissance of art, literature and spirituality. These programme was interesting and innovative. Media also aspects would counter the force of dehumanizing effect covered the points discussed and meticulously published of materialism. Mental spiritualism is the most powerful them. technology. Power of motivation by great art, literature, music and dance can transform the society. There has been negligence in the preservation of our culture. Almost 500 Indian languages and dialects are in the verge of extinction. The enormous store house of cultural wealth and heritages in the languages and dialects would die away. The preservation of languages and dialect is the special responsibility of Sahitya Akademi. Political morality today is very disturbing concern. If it continues as it is of now, the political life of this country would be full-fledged anarchy in the near future. The disciplines of literature, art, music and dance, the culture inheritance of our society must step in to check these kind of moral degradation. Mridula Garg, Hindi awardee being interviewed by Prayag Shukla

8 DELHI Felicitational speech being delivered by Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, Akademi President. The Fellows seated on the dais members of the General Council for Diamond Jubilee Celebration being present and honouring Akademi’s invitation. Nine Akademi Felicitation of Sahitya Akademi Fellows Fellows, great living legends in the field of letters representing Indian languages, ahitya Akademi felicitated its living were presented on the occasion included delivered their brief speeches, praising SFellows in a special programme Ramakant Rath, , on the performances of the Akademi organised in the event of its Diamond Chandar Nath Mishra Amar, Manoj and also gave few valuable suggestions. Jubliee celebration on the evening of Das, Kedar Nath Singh, Raghuveer The suggestions included a demand 13 March 2014, the third day of the Chaudhury, , Satyavrat of for subsidy towards the publication Festival at Meghdoot Theatre Complex Shastri and Arjun Hasid. of old classics for all Indian languages of Rabindra Bhavan. Vishwanath K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya and to prepare a register of translators Prasad Tiwari, President, Sahitya Akademi, welcomed the Fellows and The programme ended with a vote Akademi felicitated the Fellows with expressed his deep gratitude on behalf of thanks by Chandrashekhar Kambar, a plaque and shawl. The Fellows who of the President, Vice-President, and the Vice President, Sahitya Akademi.

Loka: The Many Voices Bhojpuri Folk Songs

At the end of the fourth day of the Festival, a grand cultural evening was organised. Rakesh Upadhyay eminent Bhojpuri singer presented Bhojpuri folk songs at Meghadoot Theatre Complex, Rabindra Bhavan to the great amazement of Akademi’s guests and audience.

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 9 Purvottari : North East and Northern Writers’ Meet n the last day of the Festival O‘Purvottari: North East and Northern Writers’ Meet’ programme was organised on 15 March 2014 at Meghadoot Theatre Complex, Rabindra Bhawan. K.Sreenivasarao, Secretary Sahitya Akademi welcomed the guests, participants and audience. Eminent Manipuri writer H. Behari Singh inaugurated the Meet and Mangalesh Dabral, veteran Hindi writer was the guest of honour. Arupa (Assamese), Bijay Baglary (Bodo), Varyam Singh (Hindi), Suman Bantawa (Nepali), K. Sreenivasarao welcoming the guests. Chandramani Jha (Maithili), Sarabjeet L-R: H. Behari Singh, and Renu Mohan Bhan Kaur Sohal (Punjabi), Shyam Maharshi Sibananda Kakoty (Assamese), Rahul Saini (Assamese), Ano (Bodo), Lalit (Rajasthani), Ramakant Shukla (Sanskrit) (English), Dayanand Pandey (Hindi) and Mangotra (Dogri), Sudeep Sen (English), and Chandrabhan Khayal (Urdu) Rajkumari Hemavati Devi (Manipuri) Sanjay Kundan (Hindi), Majrooh Rashid rendered their readings in the inaugural read out their stories. (Kashmiri), Bhavilal Lamichhane (Nepali), session. Prasad Vimal, eminent Hindi Surjit Judge (Punjabi), Fatikchand The first session of ‘Short-Story wrier chaired the second session on Hembram (Santali) and Abdul Ahad Reading’ was chaired by Chander Trikha. ‘Poetry Reading.’ Anupama Basumatary Saaz (Urdu) recited their poems.

The New Harvest: Young Poets’ Meet ahitya Akademi organised a special Sprogramme under its Yuva Sahiti series entitled ‘The New Harvest: Young Poets Meet’ on 13 March 2014. As a parallel session, the New Harvest programme was introduced as a part of Festival of Letters 2013 and was well recieved among the literary public especially the young lovers of literature. K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Akademi welcomed the writers and audience. The programme was inaugurated by Vishwas Patil, well-known Marathi writer. Leeladhar Mandaloi presided over the session and discussed the various elements of poetry and also shared his views on contemporary poetry. The first session was chaired by J.P. Das, renowned Odia writer. Kongkana Dutta (Assamese), Yash Raina (Dogri), Kongkana Dutta presenting her Assamese story. J.P. Das and other young writers on the dias

10 DELHI Jatush Harishchandra Joshi (Gujarati), Bal-Sahiti Aarif Raja (Kannada), Arunabh Saurabh (Maithili), Ranvir Sarungbam (Manipuri), Spin-a-Tale Children’s Literary Event Manoj Bogati (Nepali) and Saalim Saleem (Urdu) presented their poetry. n the fifth day of the Festival on Baldev Vanshi, eminent Hindi poet O14 March 2014, various chaired the second session. Mau programmes under the series of ‘Bal- Dasgupta (Bengali), Mihir Chitre Sahiti’ were organised. It comprised of (English), Manzoor Yusuf (Kashmiri), ‘Spin-a-Tale,’ ‘Poetry Writing Lopa R. (Malayalam), Preetidhara Samal Competition’ and a ‘Panel Discussion’ (Odia), Om Nagar (Rajasthani), Praveen on ‘The Challenges of Getting Young Pandya (Sanskrit) and Anuj Lugun (Hindi) Adults to Read in this Age of recited their poems. Technology.’ In the last session of the Meet Bijit K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Goyari (Bodo), Yuga Adarkar (Konkani), Akademi, welcomed the children from Kalpana Dudhai (Marathi), Neetu Arora various schools, parents, teachers and (Punjabi), Shyam Charan Tudu (Santali), guests. He spoke about various projects Bharti Sadarangani (Sindhi), M.Sumati and schemes introduced by Sahitya (Tamil) and Siriki Swami Naidu (Telugu) Akademi in the field of children literature. presented their poems. Dinesh Kumar He also informed the audience about Prakash Manu delivering his speech Shukla, eminent Hindi poet chaired the Akademi’s Children Literature Award, session. its programme series, the publication of that, “the programme is a true fair and Brajendra Tripathi, Deputy Secretary, books and other steps taken by the and a festival for children.” On seeing Sahitya Akademi, coordinated the Akademi for this genre. the huge gathering of children, he avoided event. Prakash Manu, veteran children reading his prepared speech. He simply writer, in his inaugural speech mentioned narrated three small stories and a poem.

L-R: Sumit Basu, Devapriya Roy, Paro , V.V. Karitika and Smriti Lamech at the panel discussion

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 11 He concluded with a suggestion that Sahitya Akademi should also encourage the publishing of monographs of writers for children. Futher in this programme, Kamaljeet Neelon (Punjabi), Usha Bande (English) and Anupa Lal (Hindi) read out stories for children. The programme was coordinated by Geetanjali Chatterjee, Deputy Secretary, Sahitya Akademi. Poetry writing competition was also organised simultaneously with ‘Spin-a- Tale.’ Deepa Aggarwal and Surekha Panandikar judged the competition. There were two categories Senior (About 12-16 years) and Junior (6-12 years). 56 students from various schools participated in the competition. Children at Spin-a-Tale competition The programme concluded with a panel discussion on ‘The Challenges of parents and teacher should not enforce reading interests in the children. Getting Young Adults to Read in this on children what they want them to The discussion was successful as it Age of Technology.’ K. Sreenivasarao, read. Rather they should encourage their was concluded that writers should write Secretary, Sahitya Akademi delivered the independent decision of making their keeping in mind the interests and welcome address and Gitanjali Chatterjee, own choice. This will boost confidence psychology of children which will not Deputy Secretary, Sahitya Akademi and further motivate them towards only contribute in developing their introduced the panelist to the audience. creativity. interests in reading but will also work The panel included V.K Kartika Sumit Basu said that writing for the towards their development. There was an interesting interaction (Publisher), Paro Anand (Writer), Smriti young-adult category should be promoted as it will further enhance the session at the end of the discussion. Lamech (Writer), Swati Roy (Director of Bookaru), Samit Basu (Writer) and Devapriya Roy as moderator. Well- known children writer in English Paro Anand said that the concept of adolescence or young-adult is new in India. Earlier there were two categories childhood and adult. She opined that these days inclination of children towards reading is more than adults. V.K Kartika while further clarifying the term ‘young-adult’ said that children of this age group are capable of deciding what exactly they want to read as the books for children are bought only after the approval or recommendation from teachers, guardians and parents. Smriti Lamech opined that children should not be discouraged from reading or watching television. She insisted that A section of audience

12 DELHI National Seminar Literary Criticism Today: Texts, Trends and Issues

Namwar Singh delivering inaugural address. L-R: K. Sreenivasarao, Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, , Aijaz Ahmad and Chandrashekhar Kambar

he three day seminar on ‘Literary work at all. Elaborating the process of critical TCriticism Today: Text, Trends and Issues’ was endeavour, Prof. Tiwari said that it is a three organised from 13 to 15 March 2014 involving layered process. Critic should first imbibe the spirit about 50 writers/scholars/critics from all over of the work, then comes the analyses and finally the country. evaluation. He further added that critic should be In his welcome address, K.Sreenivasarao, free from any prejudices only then he can justify Secretary, Sahitya Akademi said that the seminar his attempt. He also quoted Alexander Pope who on ‘Literary Criticism Today: Text, Trends and said critics are born not made like that of a true Issues’ was conceived in order to study, review poet. He also emphasized on the need of and evaluate the literary criticism in the regional of literary criticisms available in other languages and natonal levels in Indian languages in the global in their own. perspectives. Its connection with aesthetics, poetic The seminar was inaugurated by Namwar perspectives and its Western influences on it and Singh, veteran Hindi critic. In his inaugural address, also the invisible interdependence between them he said that we do find Kavya Shastra in Sanskrit would also be expected to be discussed in the but no treatise on literary criticism or appreciation. seminar of its first kind on the subject organised The word ‘alochana’ in Hindi is just a by the Akademi. of the term ‘criticism.’ While he discussed at length Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, President, Sahitya about the theories of criticism, Prof. Singh said Akademi in his presidential address emphasized, that we must learn to read text first.He quoted the point that critical acumen is born out of the Gothe in this context who said “All theory dear creative talents. The criticism deprived of creativity friendm is grey, but the golden tree of Life springs is only supported by sheer references would never ever green.” He further added that only a creative

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 13 Aijaz Ahmad delivering keynote address Manoj Das delivering his address person can always be a good critic. While discussing and so many such cataclysmic epochs took place. about the theories of criticism, he quoted Viktor Similarly great experiments of literature too were Shklovsky’s theory of ‘Ostranenie’ which means practised by writers. There was dadaism which ‘defamiliarisation,’ which means observing a work led to surrealism, existentialism, social realism etc. as if we are experiencing it for the first time. There were innumerable critical theories. When the A critic can be deeply perceptive in his review, novel Ulysis by James Joyce was published, several he concluded. critics opined “Ulysis was an ultimate novel.” Manoj Das, veteran writer in Odia and English Whereas thousands of with equal merit was invited as a guest of honour in the inaugural or more were published later” he said. Sri Manoj session of the seminar. In his free wheeling delivery, Das referred to Lord Ganesha who helped Veda Sri Manoj Das said that he resorted only to critical in recording the great epic the . appreciation in his evaluation of any work, being Lord Ganesha never stopped, or interrupted a creative writer. He expressed his fear to offer Vayasa’s creative endeavour. Creativity and evaluation any critical dictum. Has there been any landmark in any of the creative achievement? Sri Das interrogated. Every decade had to offer a kind of critical theory. The past century was highly eventful than any other century of the past. “Two great World Wars, Russian Revolution, Chinese Revolution, rise and the fall of Soviet Russia, end of imperialism, monarchy, feudalism C. Rajendran, Gopi Chand Narang and Purushottam Agarwal

14 DELHI L-R: K. Satchidanandan, D.S. Rao, E.V. Ramakrishanan, Giriraj Kiradoo and Antara Dev Sen are ingrained from the dawn of Indian history. regional differences in many dialogues and sense The makers of literary movement or literary generating oralities. By contrast post-independent theories in the 20th century hardly followed their India constituted Sahitya Akaddmi with the belief own dictum. Quoting the example of T.S Eliot, to strengthen and promote a host of languages Sri Manoj Das was doubtful whether Eliot followed for multilingual production. his own theory of Tradition and Indivudual Talent Dr. Ahmad expressed his opinion stating, in his great works “The Wasteland” or “Four however, we dramatically fail to restructure the Quartets” One need not be a poet to appreciate actual teaching of literature in our universities and the beauty of a poem. The readers are left to colleges in ways commensurate with this feel the exact beauty of a poem, Sri Das concluded. multilingualism. Much more impressive work was In his keynote address, Aijaz Ahmad, veteran done in assembling literature histories and scholar began his address pointing out the role accumulation of translated texts but much less of Sahitya Akademi that it tries to provide the in the disciplines of comparative literature. It is institutional mooring for the idea and practice of within the last two decades or so a serious view Indian Literature. In a national setting when college, have been made institutionally in terms of revision universities and the other institutions of higher of syllabi, the organization of seminar and learning have not designed any shape on the whole conferences and publication of books and papers and sustained in its study of Indian Literature and addressing the whole range of subject involved its complexities as a distinct academic discipline. in the study of Indian literature. He further stated Unlike the Euro American capitalistic that he would not be rehashing his old argument to create unilingual nation states, like France or that Indian literature was not conceptualized on United States, India by contrast represents for the model of national literature, but was inherited largest experiment that humanity has ever undertaken from the model of colonial educational apparatus. to make a tradition to a modern industrial society Dt. Ahmed reiterated that the comparative literature and vast market economy. No single university would be more appropriate for multilingual can possibly teach the number of languages with character of our society. Chandrashekhar Kambar available material resources. The French monarchy Vice-President, Sahitya Akademi, presented vote in its heyday instituted an academic standardized of thanks at the end. linguistic culture for all of France suppressing local The first session titled ‘Literary Criticism Today:

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 15 A Global Perspective’ was chaired by Harish Chakravarty read out their papers. Bhalachandra Trivedi. T. Vijay Kumar, Sachin Ketkar and P.P Nemade chaired the session. Raveendran presented their papers. The topic for On the last day of the seminar, the seventh the second session was ‘The State of Literary session devoted to the topic ‘Literary Criticism: Criticism in Indian Languages.’ Sitanshu Science or Art?’, was the chaired by Manager Yashaschandra chaired the session and C.N Pandey. B. Rajeevan, V. Sanil and Sudhish Pachauri Ramachandran, Vaasanthi and C. Mrunalini read presented their papers. out their papers. ‘The State of Literary Criticism in the Indian The second day of the seminar on 14 March Languages’ was the topic for the eighth session. 2014, the third session was chaired by Ganesh Anamika, Akshay Kumar and K.S. Ravikumar Devy and the topic for discussion was ‘Interrogating presented their papers while Purushottam Agrawal the Hegemony.’ Vellikkeel Raghavan, Y.S Alone chaired the session. and M.T Ansari presented their papers. In the ninth session ‘Aesthetics and Literary ‘Towards the Theory of Indian Poetics’ was Criticism’ was discussed under the chairmanship the topic for the fourth session chaired by Gopi of Kapil Kapoor. Radhavallabh Tripathi, Nirmal Chand Narang. Purushottam Agarwal, C.Rajendran Selvamony and Sharan Kumar Limbale read out and S. Settar presented their papers. In the fifth their papers. session the topic on ‘The Western Impact, Indian The last session was devoted to the topic ‘Do Response’ was discussed. Samik Bandopadhyay Book Reviews Qualify as Literary Criticism?’ E.V chaired the session. Sachidananda Mohanty. GJV Ramakrishnan chaired the session and D.S. Rao, Prasad and Rao presented their papers. Giriraj Kiradoo and Antara Dev Sen presented In the last session of the day, on the topic their papers. ‘The State of Literary Criticism in the Indian The valedictory address was delivered by K. Languages,’ K.C Baral, M. Asaduddin and Swapan Satchidanandan.

Loka Many Voices Kutchi Folk Songs

The Festival of Letters concluded with an evening devoted to folk music on 15 March 2014 at Meghadoot Theatre complex. Famous folk artists presented Kutchi Folk songs giving the celebration an appropriate end.

16 DELHI Akademi President Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari presenting the Fellowship plaque to M.T. Vasudevan Nair

Fellowship Presentation to M.T. Vasudevan Nair

Sahitya Akademi conferred its prestigious and highest honour upon M.T. Vasudevan Nair, an eminent Malayalam litterateur in a function held at Calicut on 31 January 2014. Sah Madathil Thekkepaattu Vasudevan Nair, popularly known as MT, is one of the major voices in Indian literature, writing in Malayalam. Known for his contributions to and cinema both as director and scriptwriter, MT is considered one of the masters of post-Independence Indian literature. Vaikom Mohammed Basheer, Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai, N. Balamaniamma and are the other writers from Malayalam to get the Akademi’s Fellowship.

K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya in Indian literature though writing in him as a writer who said, “Why do I Akademi welcomed the gathering. In his Malayalam. His creative expression write? I am yet to find a satisfactory welcome speech, he gave a detailed touched upon many spheres of life. He reply. I feel I am a little more sensitive account of MT’s writing and life. MT is highly imaginative fiction writer and than an ordinary individual to the pains, is essentially an existentialist, but this truth a versatile genius that contemporary India pleasures, fears, dreams and disillusions could only be derived from the has produced. He is an institution himself,” of the phenomenon called life. I try to relationship he portrays. Communities he complimented analyze human situation and in the process and societies were not lost sight of, but MT began his acceptance speech I rediscover my own self sometimes. were rather sublimated and viewed remembering the writers who wrote I feel guilty if I cannot share my anxieties through the individual’s place in them. before him. He remembered and concerns with few like-minded Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, veteran Changampuzha, Kesava Dev, P. people. Freedom of style and freedom poet and the President, Sahitya Akademi Kunhiraman Nair and Vaikkom in the selection of material gives the presented MT the Fellowship and Mohammed Basheer and shared the strength to go on. The limits of my delivered his presidential address. In his difficulties and sufferings they had to craft are established by myself and not address he said “MT is a major voice encounter in their time. He introspected dictated by others. I know well that I

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 17 do not form a part of machinery which manipulates the commodisation of Sahitya Akademi Premchand Fellow 2013 culture. And so I cannot aspire for a big material success. Yet I go on. I am Dr. Ram Dayal Rakesh, Nepali Writer trying to put across the uproar of the market place of the life a small silent cry from my heart. And I feel happy when I know a few eager souls are to it.” Followed by the Fellow presentation a Samvad programme was held in which K.P. Sankaran, a well known critic, spoke on the articles written by MT on various subjects bringing his deep concerns. MT is concerned about nature, environment, hapless and the helpless atrocities happening around the world, and also cruelty showered upon the animals. He protested against male domination over the women and woman’s anger against the man in his short stories, he said. Sunil P. Elayidam said that history Sreenivasarao presenting a Fellowship plaque to Ram Dayal Rakesh, Premchand Fellow. in MT’s literature reflects his own Also seen Himanshu Joshi and Devi Rakesh experience and characters he reflect society. ahitya Akademi’s Premchand Fellow with this Fellowship in the past—Janab E.P. Rajagopalan said that MT’s S2013, Dr. Ram Dayal Rakesh, eminent from in 2007, literature survived the limitation of writer and scholar from Nepal, visited Ibrahim Waheed from Maldives in 2008, renaissance. Though his characters are India to avail his Fellowship from 7- Ms. from Bangladesh in introverts by nature, they never hesitated 23 January 2014. During his stay the 2009 and others. Later he presented the coming out of their shells when necessary. Fellow visited various cities in India. Fellowship plaque to the Fellow. He quoted various examples from MT’s Sahitya Akademi organized a Reading Dr. Ram Dayal Rakesh, in his speech stories. He also explained how MT reacted and Interaction programme on 9 January thanked the Akademi for conferring this during the Endosulphan fertilizer tragedy 2014, New Delhi. prestigious Fellowship upon him. He that affected so many people especially K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya spoke about the influence of Premchand’s the new born children at Kasaragodu, Akademi delivered the welcome address works on him and his country, Nepal. Kerala. MT was also there in person and introduced the Fellow to the august He expressed his obsession for when the tribal people at Muthanga in gathering. In his speech, he gave a brief Premchand’s writings to the extent that Wayanad district were fired by the police introduction about the scheme of he visited his birth place to know more for no fault of theirs, and raised his Akademi’s Premchand Fellowship and about him and taught his novels to the voice against the atrocity. informed that it was incepted during students. During the programme he Alankode Leelakrishnan spoke on the 125th birth anniversary of Munshi also read from his own works which MT’s Desam, his birth place. He went Premchand in the year 2005. He further was followed by a lively interaction in detail how his surroundings, the people expressed that this Fellowship is offered with the eminent local writers and in his village, the river ‘’ influenced to a person of eminence in the field scholars. his writings and continues even now. He of culture and literature from the SAARC Tara Devi, wife of the Premchand concluded his speech stating that MT countries. He put across the names of Fellow Dr. Ram Dayal Rakesh was also is Kerala’s private pride. other scholars who have been honoured with him during his visit in India.

18 DELHI Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari delivering the presidential address. Yuva Puraskar awardees in array Yuva Puraskar 2013 Award Presentation Ceremony

The need for the recognition of the talented young writers in Indian languages was realised by Sahitya Akademi. As a result, the governing body of the Sahitya Akademi instituted the Yuva Puraskar to be presented to the best of the literature produced by the youth in our country. The first award was presented in 2013. The second Yuva Puraskar award presentation ceremony was organized on 5 February 2014 at Jai Vyas Smriti Bhawan, , in .

n a graceful Yuva Puraskar various languages for the selection of writers no more need to wait till they Ipresentation ceremony, K. best works by youngsters for this award. grow grey and old to be recognized Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, He further expressed that Sahitya and honoured by Sahitya Akademi. opened up the funciton with the Akademi Awards for the best creative Though it is believed that the greatest presentation of his welcomed address. writing in different genres in 24 Indian achievements happen in ripe old age this He welcomed the chief guest, Nand languages have been bestowed upon the is not always true. Some of our best Kishore Acharya, eminent Hindi writer, best of our writers across India. The writers who lived to be very old – Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, President, most senior writers with proven Tagore of Bengali or Shivaram Karanth of Kannada or Vishwanatha Sahitya Akademi, and all the Yuva achievements tend to get these awards. Satyanarayana of Telugu for example Puraskar winners along with their family In effect, a lot of immensely talented – had already become established and friends, media representatives, as young writers are denied high-level geniuses with their very first works though also the august gathering of eminent recognition and encouragement. It is it is true that their genius continued to writers and scholars. “Sahitya Akademi’s with a view to closing this gap that flourish in different directions later. We one of the most important events, the Sahitya Akademi resolved to supplement also have examples of young writers award function of Yuva Puraskar 2013, main awards with awards for talented who produced the best at a very young is being held for the first time in the young writers and instituted the Yuva age and were taken away from our beautiful sun-city, Jodhpur, he said in Puraskar, which he hoped would inspire midst. Sant Jnanadev of his speech. He thanked all the writers/ them to hone and develop their talents wrote his best and died at a very young scholars, jury members involved in the further. Most important of all, Indian age, Dr. Rao concluded.

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 19 Sansumai Khungri Basumatari (Bodo) being Akademi President V. P. Tiwari presenting the felicitated by Nand Kishore Acharya Archana Bhaisare (Hindi) recieving the award to Bijoy Sankar Barman (Assamese) award from the Akademi President

Prof. V.P. Tiwari, President, Sahitya Indian languages, spoke about their work Khungri Basumatari (Bodo), Dheeraj Akademi, presided over the function and the creative experiences. Kesar ‘Nikka’ (Dogri), Ashok Chavda and presented the plaques and cheques Kumar Ajay, Rajasthani awardee said, ‘Bedil’ (Gujarati), Lakkur Anand to 21 Yuva Puraskar winners. One of that his language Rajasthani, bears the (Kannada), Yogini Acharya (Konkani), the awardees in English Janice Pariat, pain of unrecognition at the Jha ‘Lootan’ (Maithili), P.V. could not attend the function. Dr. Acharya Constitutional level, but he is satisfied Shajikumar (Malayalam), Akhom addressed the gathering as chief guest to write in it as it is counted as one Yandibala Devi (Manipuri), Ravi and presented bouquet and garlands to of the world’s most richest and greatest Laxmikant Korde (Marathi), Suraj the award winners. languages. Archana Bhaisare, Hindi Dhadkan (Nepali), Kshetrabasi Naik The grand award presentation awardee, spoke that her poetry starts (Odia), Harpreet Kaur (Punjabi), Raj ceremony was followed by an Awardee’s from herself as she has experienced all Kumar Mishra (Sanskrit), Lal Chand Meet on the next day on 6 February the necessary and unnecessary restrictions Saren (Santali), Sengathir Selvan (Kathir 2014 at 10.30 a.m. at the Gallery of levied upon a woman in her city. The Bharathi) (Tamil), Manthri Krishna Mohan Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Akademi, other awardees who spoke were Bijoy (Telugu) and Abdul Moid (Moid Jodhpur. During the programme, the Sankar Barman (Assamese), Subhro Rasheedi) (Urdu). award winning authors from different Bandopadhyay (Bengali), Sansumai

P.V. Shajikumar, Malayalam awardee Yogini Acharya, Konkani Awardee Akhom Yandibala Devi, Manipuri Awardee

20 DELHI Avishkar young writers to express from their works. Ujjal Powgam, Sanjay Kundan, A Two-Day Young Writers’ Festival P. Chandrika read from their works among others during this session. First session began on 7 February 2014. The feature of the session was ‘Why Do I Write?’ In this session, young writers shared their experience about what impetus to write. It was chaired by Bhanu Bharti and the papers were presented by Subhro Bandopadhyay (Bengali), Sagar Shah (Gujarati), Arun Dev (Hindi), K.P. Sudheera (Malayalam) and Arvind Ashiya (Rajathani). The second session of ‘ Reading’ was chaired by eminent Rajasthani writer, Malchand Tiwari. The story writers, Nirmal Vikram, Manisha Kulshreshtha, Sanatombi Ningombam, Ashok Kautik Koli and Madan Gopal V.P. Tiwari delivering the presidential address. Ladha read their short stories in Dogri, L-R: K. Sreenivasarao, Arjan Dev Charan and on the dias Hindi, Manipuri, Marathi and Rajasthani respectively. The writers beautifully he Awardees’ Meet on 6 February Similary, everybody likes to hear poetry depicted through their story reading, the was followed in the evening at 3.30 but nobody encourages their children T true elements of society at their individual p.m. at the Gallery of Rajasthan Sangeet to write it. regional levels. Natak Akademi, Jodhpur by a two-day Arjun Dev Charan, Convener, In the third session wherein eminent programme Avishkar - Young Writers’ Rajasthani Advisory Board, delivered the young poets from various Indian Festival. introductory speech. He said that a writer Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari presided should have close relationship with his languages recited their poems and strongly over the inaugural session. In his mother tongue. He expressed his portrayed the various current aspects presidential address, Prof. Tiwari said, satisfaction on the fact that even in the and issues of society. Yatindra Mishra, Sahitya Akademi has recognized English era of globalization country’s language eminent Hindi poet, reflected the social also as one of the Indian languages but is alive in the form aspects on man and society by focusing the Government has not yet given that of and status. He opined we should give honour poetry. to all languages and English is one of K. Sreenivasarao, them. He also admitted that our various Secretary, Sahitya regional languages are endangered due Akadmi welcomed to this language and this needs to be the august gathering tackled. of eminent writers Sheen Kaaf Nizam, eminent Urdu and litterateurs. He poet, inaugurated the Festival. He said said no writer or that poetry is immortal and existed for writing can exist five thousand years. He further said without the lovers everybody praises the good character of literature. He and qualities of ‘Vibhishan’ in the epic further said that Ramayana, but no body is willing to name this programme is their children after the name ‘Vibhishan’. an opportunity for Arjan Dev Charan Sheen Kaaf Nizam

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 21 his poem on Kabirdas. Sagar Nazir in his poetry portrayed the fear of common man in Kashmir due to terrorism. Nepali poet, Tika Bhai, expressed in his sad poem the problems and struggle of Nepali people, who are residents of India and consider themselves as Indian. Punjabi poet, Gangandeep Sharma, depicted Punjabi culture and civilization through his poetry. Om Nagar, Rajasthani poet, gave a picture of love in various characters. Kaushal Tiwari, Sanskrit poet, recited his poems, ‘Haiku’, ‘Jab Maut Aati Hai Gaon Ki’, ‘Veh Daudta Hai Shehar Ki Aur’. Sheelu Tanha, Sindhi The concluding session being chaired by Chander Bhan Khayal poet, recited his poems. ‘Kyon Kisi Ko Yun Satate Ho’ and ‘Hum Azad Hain’. ‘Khamoshiyon Mein Hi Saare Bayaa Jodhpuri. Eminent Urdu writer Chander Her poems illustrated the real picture Simat Jate’, ‘Hamare Paas Bhi Kabhi Ek Bhan Khayal chaired the session. The of corruption, bribery, cheating and Hunar tha’ were the poems recited by programme was well attended by eminent other heinous crimes in the country. eminent Urdu poet, Mohd. Afzal writers and scholars. Seminar on Dogri Literature of 21st Century seminar on ‘Dogri Literature of peculiar situations which should not Begana, Prakash Premi, Surjeet Hosh, A21st Century’ was organized by the escape the attention of the writers. Shiv Dev Singh Manhas, Mohan Singh, Sahitya Akademi in collaboration with Veena Gupta, expressed in her Pratyoosh Guleri, Chhatrapal, Shashi Dogri Sanstha, Jammu at K.L. Saigal speech that the publication of Dogri Pathania, Bansi Lal Sharma, Sushma Hall, Jammu. The inaugural session of literature and also the literary programme Sharma and Darshan Darshi. The paper the seminar was presided over by organised by the Akademi greatly reading sessions were chaired by Nilamber Dev Sharma, who in his contributed to the growth of Dogri Narasingh Dev Jamwal, Piyush address spoke about the changing trends Contemporary Literature. Guleri and Lalit Mangotra. The in dissemination of literature in the light In the paper reading session, scholars valedictory address was delivered by of the fast growing modes of media who presented papers included Sushil Satyapal Srivats. communication. Santanu Gangopodhyay, Assistant Editor, Sahitya Akademi, earlier welcomed the audience. Lalit Mangotra, Convener, Dogri Advisory Board, in his key-note address emphasized the need for writers to be sensitive to the socio-political and psychological impacts of the fast changing environments due to unprecedented growth of technology and media. On one hand old traditional ways are still being followed and on the other hand technology and consumerism, in contrast, is changing the ways and concept of people. The society is in a very fast changing dynamic mode creating many Sushil Begana, Nansingh Dev Jamwal, Prakash Premi and Lalit Mangotra

22 DELHI Indian Ocean Rim Association An (IORA) Festival of Poetry

sessions as well as panel discussions, cultural hegemonies. The festival was leading to greater understanding inaugurated by eminent poet and cooperation among the countries and distinguished scholar in English Shiv cultures they represent. K. Kumar. He stated that although The Indian Ocean Rim constitutes poets from IORA countries belong not merely a geographical area, but a to different regions, religions, cultures ahitya Akademi, under the aegis of cultural one too. These countries got and speak different languages but still Sthe Indian Ministry of External connected long ago through sea routes united by a water body. Creation Affairs, organised this IORA Festival and exchanged ideas, concepts and forms begins with water, and poetry has of Poetry from 1 March 2014 to 3 of art. It is extremely important to been a means of expression and March 2014 at Triveni Auditorium, retrieve that partly lost organic connection, moods; therefore, this festival will New Delhi. The Festival brought both politically and culturally. offer banquet of poetry to all poetry together more than 20 poets from 15 The Festival opened with the lovers, he added. countries of the region, including 30 introductory address by K. Sreenivasarao, The introductory remarks were poets representing 24 Indian languages, Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, who stated given by Chandrashekhar Kambar, who represented varied poetic voices that the focus of the festival being a Vice-president, Sahitya Akademi, and aspirations from the region. They platform to share the poetry and creative emphasising the commonalities of the devoted three days to fruitful exchanges thoughts within the present era of countries and continents whose shores of thought and poetry through reading globalization and to fight dominant are washed by the waves of Indian

The inaugural session. L-R: K. Sreenivasarao, Chandrasekhar Kambar, Dinesh Bhatia, V.P. Tiwari, Shiv K. Kumar, Sitakant Mahapatra, Syed Shamshul Haq, Keki N. Daruwalla, Saksiri Meesomsueb

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 23 Inaugural address being delivered Syed Shamsul Haq, chief guest delivering his address by Shiv K. Kumar Ocean. He elaborated the unity and Chief guest Syed Shamsul Haq, concluded his lecture stressing that despite diversity that the Indian Ocean Rim recipient of the highest civilian award the current cruel time which is not too countries share through their diverse (Ekushey Padak) of Bangaladesh, shared friendly to arts, literature and particularly religions, languages, cultures and rituals. greetings from the people of his country poetry; all poets should be determined The presidential address by and poets of Bangladesh. Highlighting to continue singing for all men. Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, President, the 21st February’s relevance in Bangladesh The inaugural session had poetry Sahitya Akademi, emphasised the (International Mother Language Day), readings by noted Thai poet, singer and important role of the oceans in the he threw light on the violent history of musician Kittisak Saksiri Meesomsueb flourishing of human civilizations. He the liberation of Bangladesh which began and renowned Indian English writer and further added that international festivals with the Bhasha Andolan. He optimistically poet Keki N. Daruwalla. In his poem like these bring together love, anxieties, remarked the power of poetry which “Hidden”, Saksiri Meesomsueb presented frustrations, lofty ideals, noble thoughts, can unite and witness the best of minds the contrast between the quiet Buddha hoary past and rich legacies of to enable good senses to prevail over and the ranging city. Keki N. Daruwalla communities that the poets represent. fundamentalism, terrorism and the recited his poems “Crossing of Rivers”, He also articulated how poets are the anguish of common men. “Night fishing”, “A Take-off on a Passing greatest messenger of peace and love. The key-note address was delivered Remark” and “Grave of Cyrus”. His Dinesh Bhatia, Joint Secretary, by Sitakanta Mahapatra, veteran Oriya “Crossing of Rivers” is a fascinating Ministry of External Affairs, thanking poet. His scholarly lecture focused on poem that transforms an ordinary the IORA member countries, welcomed the varied powers and poignancy of experience into a mysterious adventure. all the participating poets and dignitaries poetry. He cited several poets drawing Another poem by him “A Take-off on and shared the history of the formation our attention to the miracles and magic a Passing Remark” reiterates the of IORA. He further remarked the core of poetry which can “look for that other impossibility of finding a rationale for of this collaboration with Sahitya voice which is beyond history and yet love. Akademi being a process of belongs to today, freshly minted in the The first session was chaired by documentation of friendship and passion of the soul.” His speech also noted English author and poet Keki N. extension of the literary and poetic focused on the debate about the role Daruwalla. Mohammed Al-Mahgari fraternity through a closer association, of literature in creating a just society from Yemen presented short poems, awareness and shared destiny amidst and to achieve it to take recourse, if, which are like wise statements full of present global circumstances. necessary to revolutionary methods. He insights into existence. “Rain” by Nilim

24 DELHI Kumar, Assamese poet invoked a typical poem. She also recited two other poems Indian scene, of pouring rain getting into in Hindi about love, longing, and desire. the bus and drenching him, but what The fifth poet of the session was he creates out of it is a scene of celebrated and internationally acclaimed romantic intimacy. N. Gopi’s “Freedom Indian-English author Jayant Mahapatra, Fighter” narrated the tragic tale of a who recited a short poem in English, freedom-fighter in cruel times as there “the Earth” and a long English poem are no takers for his stories, nobody titled “Uneven Mercies” in which poet acknowledges his heroism. Ninda Fali, is reluctant to acknowledge the history Urdu poet and ghazal singer, he recited of India . The last and final poet of nazms, and numerous shers. the session was Chadra Prakash Deval The second session was chaired by an eminent Rajasthani poet. His recitations Satchidanandan also signposted Dhunpal Heeramun, veteran Hindi ranged from satires on space, fundamentalist tendencies which are author, poet and scholar from Mauritius. globalization, market and the loss of inherent in the contemporary writings, The poets who recited their poems in innocence in life. which create the idea of the “other” this session were eminent Hindi poet The next session of the day was and hold them responsible for everything from Rekha Rajvanshi, noted a panel discussion titled “Poetry: The that is evil and violent. writer, critic and Iranian poet Abdul New Challenges”. The session was The first speaker Jabbar Kakaei, eminent Gujarati poet chaired by noted Malayalam poet and Subramaniyam, who is an Indian poet Prabodh Parikh, renowned Hindi poet critic K. Satchidanandan. The participating and writer on spirituality and culture, , eminent Marathi poet discussants were Marie Clarisse from lamented the fading away of a prolific Chandrakant Patil and Sindhi poet Vasdev Seychelles, Parvathi Arasanayagam from poetic culture, although she stressed the Mohi. Sri , Prabodh Parikh and Arundhati strategy that poetry develops by itself The first day of the IORA Festival Subramaniyam from India. to survive and thrive. The next speaker of Poetry concluded with a Manipuri The discussion was opened by the Mary Clarisse, a poet, singer and writer dance repertoire by the Jawaharlal Nehru chair raising questions about the freedom based in tiny island of Seychelles, Manipuri Dance Academy, Imphal. of poets and their responsibilities. He reminded us about the victory of poetry In the third session, six renowned raised issues about responsibility of poets in today’s times as it has therapeutic poets from India, Malaysia, towards the language, the form, and the values, it can heal and cajole distressed Mozambique, and U.A.E recited their entire art of writing poetry itself. K. minds and souls. Poetry in fact becomes poems in English as well as in their respective native languages. The session was chaired by noted Odia poet and critic Sitakanta Mahapatra. The first poet to recite poems in English and Malay was Mohammad Haji Saleh, a leading poet from Malaysia. Saleh was followed by Sangre Okapi, a teacher and poet from Mozambique. He recited short verses on nature and his motherland. The third poet of the session was Abdullah Hasan Abdulla Alhedeyyeh Alshehhi from U.A.E. who recited poems in Arabic which were long spiritual and philosophical verses. The fourth poet to recite was , leading Dogri poet and writer. She began by reciting Eliah S. Mwaifuge presenting a Tanzanian song. L-R: Edwin Thumboo, K. Satchidanandan, an Urdu couplet followed by a Dogri Zurinah Hassan, Arundhathi Subramaniyam and Anil Kumar Boro

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 25 The poetry readings session began with recitation by a young poet from Oman, Ishaq Mahfooz Khalfan Al Khanjari who recited two poems in English translation. His poem “Ardity” reflected that Al Khanjari is seeing his brother in the wind and asks him to come back from death of the desert. The second poet was Marie Clarisse from Seychelles; her English poems expressed feelings of waves, dreams and hope. The third presenter was a noted Kannada poet Siddhaling Pattanshetti who read out poems in Kannada, Hindi and English. The fourth presenter was a renowned Sanskrit scholar Sirpi Balasubramaniam, Nirmalendu Gosain, Josiah Macaleni Msija, and poet Radhavallabh Tripathi, who Nagesh Karmali and Parvathi Asaranayagam began his recitation with a Sanskrit poem humans, and readers become the poem. Richard informally narrated one of his on the river Narmada, titled “The Hands The next speaker was veteran Gujarati recent poem in English which was explicit of Narmada” in English. He also recited writer and painter Prabodh Parikh, who with his love and admiration for India, other poems in Hindi and English. spoke not so much about the absence his second recital was a song in his native Manipuri poet Y. Ibomcha Singh’s, his of poetry from our lives but the absence language. Zakariya Amataya began by poems were caught in the crossfire of poetics in our lives. He quoted several playing the harmonica and recited poems between the rebels on the one hand and European poets and thinkers like Allen in Thai and English. In his poem soldiers on the other. In his poem “Story Ginsberg to emphasize the value and “Beloved”, the poet goes to the market of Dream”, the poet has a strange idea of poetics in the philosophy of and buys a bomb, a coffin and a flower dream of being shot and the bullets life and existence amidst times of trauma, for his beloved; but he couldn’t buy seemed sweet like grapes. violence and bloodshed. He also quoted peace as peace is never foe sale. Rahman Rahi from the chair also Jhon K. Heich and poet . Indian poet read out recited some of his poems in Kashmiri, The last speaker of the panel discussion some of her intense poems in Hindi highlighting the troubles and turbulences was Parvathi Arasanayagam, a about women and dedicated her last in the valley of Kashmir for the last contemporary writer and poet based in poem to the sufferings and assaults that three decades. Kandy, Sri Lanka. Her speech highlighted women face in her every-day life. K.G. The seventh session saw a range of the relevance of poetry in a war affected Sankara Pillai’s satirical poems delighted poets from countries like Malaysia, nation like Sri Lanka where it has acted the audience; he recited both in English Tanzania and Singapore along with poets as a medium of reconciliation. According and Malayalam. Maithili poet and writer from India in different languages. to her, poets are like chroniclers of in period Shefalika Verma’s poems dealt The poets who presented their poems social, political and cultural lives and with women’s plight post-independence were Zurinah Hassan, eminent poet and events. She too cautioned poets about in period and the love of her land writer from Malaysia, who began by hurting feelings and values of Mithila. The concluding remarks by the singing a Malay song written and communities and others. chair were on the diversity of languages composed by her. She also recited poems The fifth session was of poetry around the shores of the Indian Ocean in English like “The Water Flowers”, readings by Sedley Richard Assone from and the widespread travels of myths, “Facing the Harbour”, “Looking for Mauritius, Zakariya Amataya from legends and cultures among these space”, “At the Jetty” and “Marriage”. Thailand, Sunita Jain, K.G. Sankara Pillai countries. The next poet Anil Kumar Boro and Shefalika Verma from India. Sixth session devoted to poetry from Assamese were picturesque The session was chaired by Malaysian reading was chaired by veteran Kashmiri depiction of his motherland rich in poet Mohammad Haji Saleh. While Sedley poet, author and critic Rahman Rahi. natural resources and ever welcoming

26 DELHI to all. Eliah S. Mwaifuge from Tanzania, day poetry festival was chaired by eminent poet and writer began his recitation with South African writer, poet, singer and a song in his native language and went actor Josiah Macaleni Msija. Before on to recite another poem “Dark inviting the poets for their recitation, Moments” in the official language of Josiah Msija sang a beautiful song in Tanzania i.e. Swahili. The “Dark his native tongue Zulu and recited a Moment” was filled with the foreboding poem in English. Mixing African native of an impending doom. This was words with English, in his poems “I followed by eminent Malayalam poet am Father” and “Avalon,” the poet K. Satchidanandan, who recited a poem created rhythm and mesmerized the in Malayalam and also poems in English. audience. This session was chaired by one of The first poet to recite was the most renowned writer, scholar and Nirmalendu Goon, eminent Bangladeshi poet of Singapore Edwin Thumboo poet and writer. He recited poems in in Hindi, English and Konkani. His first also read out some of his poems. The Bangla about revolution, liberation and poem “What all Day” was in fact a final presenter was Arundhathi dreams. This was followed by a tribute to the freedom struggle of Subramaniyam, a poet in English. passionate recitation of poems by and his own memories of being part During the session, an anthology of Parvathi Arasanayagam from Sri Lanka. of it. The last poet of the session was poems by all the participating poets of Her poems expressed her personal Tamil poet, essayist and translator Sirpi the IORA Festival of Poetry, 2014 was memories of being in the refugee camps Balasubramanian, who read his Tamil released. This anthology of poems titled during the turbulent years of the Sri poem titled “She Too a Mother” Songs of the Sea Shore has been brought Lankan Civil War in the 80s and expressed followed by “The Tower of Babel”, out by Sahitya Akademi and edited by the natural beauty of her country and “Dilemma” and “The Adivasi”. K. Satchidanandan. The first copy of also addressed the issues of mass The festival concluded with the the book was presented to Prof. disappearances of activists and common valedictory session and vote of thanks Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, President, men during the civil war. The next poet by K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Sahitya Akademi. was from Goa, eminent Konkani writer, Akademi. The concluding session of the three Nagesh Karmali who recited his poems

The group picture of the bards from IORA nations participated in the Festival

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 27 National Seminar Ali Sadar Jafri

Renowned Urdu poet, scholar, and one of the founder-members of the Progressive Writers’ Association, , a major voice in Indian literature transcended the barriers of language and territory. Popularly known as a poet of the masses, Jafri was one of the beacon lights of Urdu progressive literature. He raised his pen and voice against the economic and social injustice prevalent so much in our country and abroad.

Gopi Chand Narang, the chief L-R: Khwaja Mohammad Shahid, Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, Ali Ahmad Fatmi guest delivering his address and Chander Bhan Khayal three day national seminar was Fatmi delivered the key-note address. poetry and prose as well.” He further Aorganized by the Sahitya Akademi The Secretary of the Sahitya Akademi added, “I had always seen Sardar Jafri on ‘Ali Sardar Jafri’ from February 22- K.Sreenivasarao welcomed all the guests, active in socially and politically but creative 24, 2014 to mark the century celebration scholars and lovers of literature. Dr. Rao genius in him made him great. He met of the author. More than 60 scholars who welcomed all the participants in with many ups and downs in life but from all over India participated in the the beginning of the seminar, said that he always kept his commitments. The seminar and spoke on Jafri’s multifaceted Sardar Jafri is also counted among one distinguishing values of his poetry are personality and dimensions. At the end of the major voices in Indian literature. human friendliness and patriotism.” Prof. of each seminar day a poetry session Chanderbhan Khayal, Convenor Urdu Narang remarked. He said that Sardar was held in which the distinguished Advisory board, called Ali Sardar Jafri Jafri’s had magnetic personality was the national level poets recited their poetry. a legend of Urdu literature and poetry. reason for his popularity. People opposed The inaugural session of the seminar Prof. Narang, in his address, said him as they opposed and Mir was presided over by the president of “Ali Sardar Jafri was the captain of the but it did not interfere his creative genius. the Sahitya Akademi Vishwanath Prasad Progressive writers. He benefitted from Prof. Tiwari said in his presidential Tiwari while Prof. Gopi Chand Narang, the company of Sajjad Zaheer, Mulk speech that Ali Sardar Jafri was equally noted scholar and veteran critic of Urdu Raj Anand, , Ehtesham popular in Hindi as he was in Urdu. was the chief guest of the session. The Hussain and Makhdum Mohiuddin. Josh He also said that he was the one who seminar was inaugurated the pro-Vice was his hero. The style of direct addressing introduced Ghalib to the Hindi literary Chancellor of the Maulana Azad National which is found in the poetry of Sardar circle. He also published the selection Urdu University, Hyderabad Khwaja was because of the impression of Josh. of Mir Taqi Mir, Meera Bai, and Mohammad. Shahid while Ali Ahmad He proved himself a great writer in with full introductory foreword.

28 DELHI In the inaugural speech Khwaja by Sardar Jafri. He called this poem an patriotism. In this session Atiqullah, F.S. Mohammad Shahid said Jafri was a important creative experiment and a Ejaz, Athar Farooqi and Umar Raza highly talented writer, a poet, a critic, great narrative. Afaq Ahmad presented presented their papers. Atiqullah explained a playwright, and a story writer. Among his paper on the topic on “Sardar Jafri the layers of meaning in the poems of the progressive writers no one had such and Iqbal” while Rakhshanda Jalil Sardar Jafri. Fey Seen Ejaz has presented a critical eye. He brought in new trends presented the critical study of “ his paper “Sar-e-Daar Ghazlein” in which contemporary Urdu literature. He ki Paanch Ratein.” Third session was a he focused on ghazals of Sardar Jafri. subdued the difference of east and west poetry session in which Farhat Ehsaas Umar Raza presented the paper in which through his poetry and prose writings. presented his experience and inner feelings he analyzed the dramas of Sardar Jafri. In the key-note address, Ali Ahmad in an innovative way, Jayant The second session of the day was Fatmi said that the personalities like presided Dalit issues, Asad Raza stated presided over by Sahfey Kidwai. In this Sardar Jafri is born after centuries. He his feelings of social and political waves, session Khalid Alvi presented his paper had unique vision who tried to dispel Rashid Anwar Rashid presented the on Kabir and Sardar Jafri. Raza Haider the barriers. He dealt with high seriousness romantic and love poetry and Iffat Zarrin chose his topic “Paighambaran-e-sukhan” on the issues like social exploitation and recited her poems about the decreasing while Ejaz Ali Arshad’s topic was “Sardar inequality. values. Jafri and Iqbal”. After the inaugural session, the first In the second day of the seminar The third session was presided over session was presided over by Syed Taqi the first session was presided over by by Anis Ashfaq. In this session, Waseem Abidi. In his presidential speech, he said Abul Kalam Qasmi. In his presidential Begum’s presentation encompassed the that Jafri wrote allegorical poems, and speech, he called, Ali Sardar Jafri, a multi personality and contribution of Sardar also experimented in different forms of faceted personality. There are many Jafri. Humayun Ashraf discussed Pairahan- poetry. Nezam presented a aspects of his personality and creativity e-Sharar a collection of poems by Sardar paper on the critical excellence of Sardar which is yet to be studied. In his dramas, Jafri and Fazal Imam Rizvi discussed Jafri. Beig Ehsas presented the critical poetry, fiction and criticism he exhibited the style of Jafri in Lahu Pukarta Hai. analysis of “Asia Jaag Utha”, a poem the revolt besides human kindness and The fourth session was a poetry

One of the sessions in progress

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 29 session, presided over by eminent Urdu poet Sheen Kaaf Nizam. Khalil National Seminar Mamoon, Syed Taqi Abidi, Aazim Gurvinder Singh Kohilee and Moin Yogavasishtha and Indian Thought Tradition Shadaab recited their poems. In the third and last day of the ahitya Akademi in collaboration with Wagish Shukla, Omprakash Pandey, A.S seminar the first session was presided SJnana-Pravaha organised a three-day Narsimha Murthy and Sachchidanand over by Sadiq ur Rahman Kidwai who national seminar on ‘Yogavashishtha and Mishra presented their papers. called Sardar Jafri a representative poet Indian Thought Tradition’ from 18 to The third day of the seminar of the period. He made his mark with 20 February 2014 at Auditorium, Jnan- “Philosophical Tradition of long poems and also impressed with Pravaha, Centre for Cultural Studies and Yogavasishtha” was the topic for the his ghazals too. In this session Ibn-e- Research, Varanasi. Sudhanshu Shekhar third session. Under the chairpersonship Kanwal discussed the different aspects Shastri presided over the inaugural session of Mark Dizkovaski, Bettina Baeumar, of Sardar Jafri’s short stories. Saifi Sironji and Kamlesh Datta Tripathi delivered Krishnakant Sharma and Rajendra Prasad covered Jafri’s literary journalism while the inaugural address. Wagish Shukla Sharma presented their papers. Jamil Akhtar presented the analytical presented the key-note address and The fourth session was chaired by study of “Aman ka Sitara” a long poem Radhavallabh Tripathi, Convenor, Ram Nath Sharma and the topic was by Sardar Jafri. Sanskrit Advisory Board gave the “Yogavasishtha and different Traditions.” The second session of day was introductory address. Vote of thanks Vindhyeshwari Prasad Mishra examined presided over by . Sardar was given by Brijendra Tripathi. “Narratives of Yogavasishtha.” Chandan Jafri contributed so much to the corpus of Urdu literature that can never be On the second day of the seminar Pandey and Ila Kumar also presented forgotten. In this session, Shamim Tarique the first two sessions were devoted to their papers. presented his paper based on Sardar “The Textual Tradition of Yogavasishtha The valedictory session was chaired Jafri’s poetry on special genre. Maula and Textual Criticism” and by Yugal Kishore Mishra and Bakhsh paper was on the topic “Nai “Yogavasishtha and Nigamagam Radhavallabh Tripathi gave the Duniya ko Ssalam: a Post Colonial Tradition.” Pierre-Sylvain Filliozat chaired valedictory address. Acharya Nilakanth Advocacy.” both the sessions. Chandrakant Shukla, Purshottam Joshi delivered the vote of In the third session of the seminar, Hareram Tripathi, Vasundhara Filliozat, thanks. Fazal Imam Rizivi presided over. He mentioned in his presidential speech that the writings of Sardar Jafri should be read with seriousness and also they should be seen in today’s perspective. In this session Anwar Pasha presented his paper based on “Sardar’s revolutionary style” and discussed his revolutionary poems. Nusrat Zaheer presented his paper on “Sardar Jafri and Films” while Saleha Zarrin presented analytical study of Sardar Jafri’s poem “Mera Safar”. The last session was a poetry reading session. It was presided over by Chandra Bhan Khayal. The poets Shahid Mahuli, Shaista Yousuf, P.P. Shriwastav Rind, Shakeel Azmi, Shams Ramzi, and Moid Rashidi recited their poetry. Mushtaq

Sadaf, Programme Officer, Sahitya Kamlesh Datta Tripathi, Brajendra Tripathi, Radhavallabh Tripathi, Akademi, proposed the vote of thanks. Wagish Shukla and Sudhanshu Shastri

30 DELHI WORLD POETRY FESTIVAL MARCH 21-24, 2014

ahitya Akademi, under the aegis of Sthe Ministry of Culture, Government of India, organised ‘SABAD – A World Poetry Festival’ in Delhi involving 50 poets from all over the world including India at Meghdoot Theatre Complex, Rabindra Bhavan from 21 to 24 March 2014. The Festival showcased the best of contemporary poetry in diverse languages and countries. It brought together poets from 21 countries and those from India, young as well as old, on a common platform. The Festival was organized during the celebrations of 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda and 100th year of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s receiving the Noble Prize. The invited poets devoted four George Sziters inaugurating the Festival. days of the Festival to fruitful exchange To his left are Viswanath Prasad Tiwari and Chandrashekhar Kambar of thoughts and poetry through reading sessions as well as panel had vestiges of their respective cultural the world. Dr. Rao also added that discussions, leading to a greater histories along with common traits of the Festival is the celebration of spring understanding and cooperation among advancing human aspirations. and also celebration of human the countries and cultures they represent. The ‘Sabad- A Festival of Poetry’ excellence in poetry. The Festival was a celebration of opened with the introductory address In his presidential address, world of poetry in its best and most by K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Viswanath Prasad Tiwari expressed appealing and enduring forms. Overall, Akademi, who, remembering two great his great pleasure over Sahitya Akademi the Festival created creative space for Indian thinkers of last century, Swami for hosting such a prestigious meaningful exchange and interaction Vivekananda and Gurudev Rabindranath international poetry event and stated among poets and other participants. Tagore, stated that Festival is being that it would contribute in a major International Poetry Festivals usually organized to mark the 150th Birth way to creative diversity. He stated showcase the tribulations and Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda and that festival like this brings together felicitations of poetic talents; but in 100th year of Gurudev Rabindranath minds, enhance the awareness of other the case of ‘Sabad - A Festival of Tagore’s receiving Noble Prize. He cultures and highlight the important Poetry,’ the participants presented welcomed poets from all over who lessons to be learnt from the histories nuanced elements of their poetry that represented every nook and corner of of other cultures and communities.

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 31 WORLD POETRY expressed Radha’s unconditional love FESTIVAL MARCH 21-24, 2014 for Lord Krishna. The inaugural session had poetry Referring to universal language of is compared with the creator of the readings by noted Australian poet Mr. poetry, he stated, “Through medium universe since a poem creates a scene Les Wicks, Mr. Nikola Madzirov from of poetry we want to establish unity which is as vivid, truthful and soul Macedonia, eminent German poet Ms. of human beings. Poets do not belong enriching as the one by the creator or Ingrid Fitchner, and young poet from to a nation.” He said that poetry god himself.” Referring to poems and Palestine, Mr. Najwas Darwish. Poems should be about the knowledge of story-telling as means of connecting recited by Mr. Les Wicks were deep all fields of human life than about with human emotions, he recited six of in meaning and thoughts. Some of the language of tender feelings. Prof. his poems written in English. the poems recited by him include Tiwari also expressed his wish that Sanjeev Mittal, Joint Secretary of “Fire Break Out,” “Sky Trail,” “First this Festival would mark the revival of Ministry of Culture, was also present Breed.” etc. Ms. Ingrid Fitchner also poetry in the rapidly changing world during the inaugural session. Eminent recited couple of her short and crispy societies across the world in general poet and a fellow of Sahitya Akademi, poems like “A Call,” “A Slumbering,” and among youth in India particular. Kunwar Narain was the chief guest of “Lightening,” “Intruding,” etc loaded The Festival was inaugurated by the inaugural session. He stated that with deep emotions. Memory and distinguished Hungarian poet Mr. although poets belong to different images were the dominant feature of George Sziters by lighting lamps. countries and region, there is no physical poems recited by Macedonian poet During his inaugural address he stated, boundary for the poems. Eminent Odia Mr. Nikola Madzirov like “Home,” “A poet is a scientist of emotions and poet, Ramakanta Rath who was the “I Don’t Know,” “The Hands of the he feels that these emotions should guest of honour, expressed same Clock,” “Perfection is Born” etc. be preserved and woven into poetry thoughts and stated that all poets belong However, the main theme of poems so that many more can savour it and to same world and share same values. recited by young poet from Palestine enlighten their thoughts and lives. Poetry He recited his poem “Radha”, which Mr Najwan Darwish was war and

Ramakant Rath, Kunwar Narain, Nikola Madzirov, George Sziters, Viswanath Prasad Tiwari, Les Wicks, Ingrid Fitchner, and Najwan Darwish

32 DELHI human atrocities. Some of his poems WORLD POETRY recited by him were “Jerusalem I,” FESTIVAL MARCH 21-24, 2014 “The Nightmare Bus to Sabra and Shatila,” “Sleeping in Gaza,” “In Hell,” etc. Vote of thanks was proposed by distinguished Kannada poet and Vice- President of Sahitya Akademi Chandrashekhar Kambar who congratulated Sahitya Akademi for organising this prestigious international event that aimed to present multiple voices of many tongues and visions, identities and poetic culture from around the world. The inaugural session was followed by poetry reading session chaired by eminent Indian English writer and poet Keki N. Daruwalla. Ms. Marra PL. Lanot from Philippines, Mr. Milosov Topinka from Czech Republic, and Vanita from India recited K. Sreenivasarao greeting the poets from abroad their poems in English as well as in their native languages. Chair of the “Kennel,” “We are no Creatures of a Mr. Les Wicks. His recitation was session Keki N. Daruwala also recited Single Day,” “A Dog is Let in,” “Good accompanied by music of his country, some of his selected and popular Night, “Inside Edge,” “Seven Dresses which created an atmosphere peace poems like “Bars,” “Before the Word,” for Visibility” etc. and calmness in the auditorium. The “Fish- metaphorical Love,” and In the evening of the first day of third poet to recite poems was Dr. “Migration,” which told the story of the Festival, internationally acclaimed Desmond Kharmawaphlang, a noted India’s partition and the horror of Odissi dancer, Kavita Dwivedi presented poet from Northeast India. The last migration. “Shewata Mukti: Feminine Glory of poet of the session was veteran Hindi The last session of day one saw Nirvana” through her dance poet Mr. Chandrakanta Devtale who the poetry reading of four poets from accompanied by poetry and music. recited couple of poems in Hindi Denmark, United Kingdom, and India. In the third session five distinguished followed by English translation. Chair The session was chaired by distinguished poets from India as well as Australia of the session, Mr. Tanure Ojaide also Danish poet and writer Ms Pia Tafdruf. and Nigeria recited their poems in English recited his selected poems like Manipuri poet Thongjam Ibospishak as well as in their respective native “Remembering,” “You Don’t have to Singh, Mr. George Sziters, eminent languages. The session was chaired by Bbe,” “Warrior Songs,” “In Durban, Hungarian poet based in United Mr. Tanure Ojaide, eminent Nigerian Kwa Zulu Natal.” etc. The next session Kingdom, eminent Tamil poet poet and recipient of Commonwealth of the day was a panel discussion titled Tamilanaban read their poems. Many Poetry Prize for African Region. “Poetry and Other Arts.” The session of the poems recited by him expressed The first poet to recite poems in was chaired by noted Hungarian poet poet’s displeasure with capitalist society, that session was noted Gujarati poet and painter Mr. George Szirters. The profit-making motive, materialism Kamal Vora. Mostly in his poems, Kamal participating discussants were Mr. Les advocated by capitalist culture. Ms Pia Vora talked about beauty and aesthetics. Wicks from Australia, Ms. Ingrid Tafdruf, chair of the session, also The second poet of the session was Storholmen from Norway, Mr. recited her selected poems like eminent Australian poet and publisher Tanuare Ojaide from Nigeria, and Dr.

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 33 WORLD POETRY collected by him. Ms. Ingrid FESTIVAL MARCH 21-24, 2014 Storholmen stated that poems and art are inseparable as visuals play a great role in poetry. In the fifth session Mr. Oscar Cruz from Cuba, Ms. Maram Al-Masri from France, and Mr. Shafi Shauq from India presented their poems. The session was chaired by noted poet and academician from Ireland Ms. Lorna Shaughnessy. The session was started by noted Syrian poet based in France Ms. Maram Al-Masri who showed a wonderful video about women and suffering to audience. It reflected the helplessness of the poet. Rest of her poems were addressed to current political turmoil in Syria, killing of innocent people and children in war, horror of current war in her country. Her poems were an act of identification, making claims on the Balchandra Nemade with other poet invitees from abroad hearer in terms of compassion, presenting an invitation to identify Bhalachandra Nemade from India. do not fall within the category of seven partly with the subject and partly with The discussion started with a question forms of Western art referred by Plato the poet. Young Cuban poet recited answer session between the chair and and Aristotle. Mr. Les Wicks talked poetry in Spanish and later translated the participants. The four questions about influence of books and paintings into English. In his poem “Poetry Sub- from the chair were about the in his childhood. Nigerian poet Mr. 40” he questioned the older generation experience of the various arts in Tanure Ojaide talked about influence of for criticising the current generation childhood, about practical experiment music in his childhood while Norwegian without admiring their work. Noted with other art forms, which blended poet Ms. Ingrid Storholmen recalled the Kashmiri poet Shafi Shauq recited into the proposed third question meaning of beautiful that she learnt series of poems in Kashmiri as well regarding collaboration with other arts, from her parents. Regarding the second as in English titled. Referring poetry and the last, briefly addressed was question about collaboration with other is all about witnessing, wandering, and essentially about emphasis and how forms of art, Dr. Namade referred wonder, chair of the session Ms. Lorna far the different art forms constituted various forms of Indian art that cannot Shaghnessy also recited couple of her a unified field. be separated from poetry. He added poems dedicated to Ireland, birds, In response to the first question, that India had a rich tradition of art and nature. each of the poets talked about their and poetry; however, after the The last session of third day was childhood and influence of art in colonisation, India was directed toward chaired by noted Macedonian poet their early life. Noted Marathi poet monolithic art forms. Mr. Tanuare Ojaide Mr. Nikola Madzirov. The poets who Bhalachandra Nemada talked about stated that poems cannot be separated took part in the session included Ms various forms of celebrations and from music and dance as those are Ingrid Storholmen from Norway, Ms rituals in his village, which had a great indispensable to each other. Australian Moya Canon from Ireland and noted influence in his early life. He also talked poet Mr. Les Wicks illustrated various Urdu poet Sheen Kaaf Nizam from about Indian tradition of 64 arts that forms of art and poetry through pictures India. The first reading in the session

34 DELHI was done by noted Norwegian poet WORLD POETRY Ms Ingrid Storholmen who recited a FESTIVAL MARCH 21-24, 2014 long romantic poem and other selected poems in English. The next poet was Ms Moya Canon, noted Irish poet and academician, who recited series of her short poems. Many of these poems were about memories, historical places, and journeys undertaken by the poet. Sheen Kaaf Nizam, well-known Urdu poet and critic recited his highly lyrical deeply and meaningful poems. Chair Mr. Nikola Madzirov also recited his selected poems that reflected rich visual lyricism. The second day of the Festival came to an end with a splendid performance of Indian traditional folk singing by Meghwal singers, Kamad, Manganiar and Langers from Shafi Shauq with fellow poets from abroad Rajasthan. The seventh session was chaired The eighth session of the third day Arasanayagam from Sri Lanka, eminent by veteran poet and writer from Sri was a panel discussion titled “Poetry Telugu poet K. Reddy, and poet Lanka Ms Jean Arasanyagam. Ms Time, Timelessness.” The session was and academician from Kashmir Shafi Arasanyagam from the chair also chaired by eminent Marathi poet and Shauq. In the beginning of the discussion, recited some of her poems who writer . The chair Dr. Nemade referred that the dedicated to her country, civil war in participating discussants were element of time is well known to scientists Sri Lanka, and disappearance of war distinguished poet Ms. Jean while the element of timelessness is victims. The session began with poetry reading by noted poet and fiction writer from Wales, Mr. Richard Gwyn. He recited couple of his poems as well as prose pieces reflected complexities and paradoxes of life, marriages, and love. Mr. Belal Chowdhury, veteran poet and journalist from Bangladesh. Whole poems reflected poet’s love for Bangladesh and his language, and his passion for the country, and the language movement. The third presenter was eminent young poet in English Ranjit Hoskote from India. Sanskrit poet and author Rajendra Mishra recited all the poems in Sanskrit followed by English translation. One among the lively poetry presentation sessions, the poets from India and abroad

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 35 WORLD POETRY poems. The second poet who recited FESTIVAL MARCH 21-24, 2014 poems was Mr. Gérard Noiret, noted poet and social worker from France. He recited couple of poems in French followed by English translations The third presenter was distinguished Hindi poet and journalist Manglesh Dabral whose poetry expressed concern about irony of our time. In fact, memory was a dominant theme in his poems. The session was chaired by veteran Telugu poet K. Shiva Reddy. The eleventh session of the day saw a range of poets from countries like Seychelles, Germany, and Italy along with poets from India. The first poet who presented was Ms. Helda Marie, noted writer and poet from Seychelles, who began showing some of the beautiful pictures of her island country. The Malayalam poet P.P. Ramachandran presented his poems Pia Tafdrup, Thangjam Ibopishak Singh, George Sziters and Tamilanban which were basically a reflection of society and everyday life in big cities known only to poets he expressed his strong expression of emotions and of India. Eminent German poet Ms concern about disappearance of many feeling. Second poet to present was Ingrid Fichtner recited series of short languages, which is posing a great eminent Kannada poet and playwright poems in German followed by English challenge to timelessness. Ms. Jean H.S. Shivaprakash. He recited some of translation. The final presenter of the Arasanyagam stated that time is his poems in Kannada language and in last session was Ms. Tiziana Cera Rosco, something visual, historical, space English translation as well. Young poet a noted poet, photographer, and specific and horizontal and it is from Palestine Mr. Najwan Darwish performer based in Italy. She presented territorialized. K. Shiva Reddy referred also recited his poems in this session. a long poem, consisting of two parts, to Indian classics like the Ramayana, Through his intense poems, Najwan about the Passion of Christ. The two the as these classics have invited reader to share his passion for parts were basically spiritual and gone beyond time, place, and society. Palestine cause and lamented the loss philosophical verses with deep religious Safi Shauq stated that best poems are of land and territory. The last session meaning. She recited in Italian in the those which are faithful to moment came to an end with concluding remarks form of drama and prayer. The session and milieu. and poems recitation by Tulsi Diwasa. was chaired by eminent Kannada poet The last session was chaired by While praising this international event, H.S. Shivaprakash who in his distinguished poet and folklorist from he stated that now the time has came concluding remarks stated that there Nepal Dr. Tulasi Diwasa. While to declare some writers and poets as is no conclusion of poetry, there is explaining the significance of silence living heritage as they are master creators. only a beginning through the ‘Sabad and its power, the poet opened the The tenth session began with poetry – A Festival of Poetry.’ session for audience. The first poet readings by veteran Spanish poet, novelist, The four-day long Festival to recite poems was young Bengali and critic Mr. Antonio Colinas. Mr concluded with the valedictory session poet Ms Mandakranta Sen. Each of Colinas stated that oriental thinking and and vote of thanks by K. Sreenivasarao, the poems recited by her like are philosophy has a great influence on his Secretary, Sahitya Akademi.

36 DELHI Birth Centenary Seminar On the occasion of tradition of idealistic realism after session. Pankaj Parashar, Anirudh Umat birth centenary of Premchand. Surya Prasad Dixit, and Vatsala Pandey presented their papers Vishnu Prabhakar, Convenor, Hindi Advisory Board in his under chairpersonship of Kaushalnath Sahitya Akademi inaugural address said that Vishnu Upadhyay. The fourth session was chaired organised a two-day Prabhakar learned and by Ramshankar Diwedi and Ramesh seminar on 24-25 researched for 14 years to write Awara Rishikalp, Radheysham Tiwari and January 2014 at Masiha, a biography of Saratchandra. Brajratan Joshi discussed “Biographies, Bikaner, Rajasthan. This biography enriched . Reminiscences and Poetry of Vishnu In the beginning of The first session was chaired by Prabhakar.” inaugural session, Srilal Mohta, eminent Malchand Tiwari. Both Anita Navin and Fifth and sixth sessions were devoted scholar said that Vishnu Prabhakar Bulaki Sharma presented their papers to “Children Literature” and “Plays and inherited the sensitivity of Saratchandra, on “Short-Stories of Vishnu Prabhakar.” One-act Plays/Travelogues of Vishnu humanism of and In the next session under the Prabhakar.” Prakash Manu and Pratap Tolstoy, the judgement of Maharishi chairmanship of Suresh Salil; Atul Sehgal chaired the respective sessions. Dayanand’s logic and the language Prabhakar, Sudhir Vidyarathi, Ramkumar Surendra Vikram, Divik Ramesh, Rashmi Jainendra. Krishak and Shyam Maharishi shared Bhargav, Pratyush Guleri, Phoolchan Nand Bharadwaj, eminent Hindi their memories and experiences with Manav, Suresh Tripathi, Ramji Bali writer, in his keynote address opined Vishnu Prabhakar. “Novels of Vishnu and Rajendra Joshi presented their that Prabhakar meaningfully lead the Prabhakar” was the topic for the third papers.

symposium on Bhagwat Sharan AUpadhyay, famous archaeologist, Symposium Bhagwat Sharan Upadhyay historian, thinker, critic and fictionist was organised by Sahitya Akadmi on 28 January 2014 at Sahitya Akademi Auditorium, New Delhi. In the inaugural session K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Akademi welcomed the audience and Surya Prasad Dixit, Convenor, Hindi Advisory Board, delivered introductory speech. Khagendra Thakur, eminent critic, in his inaugural address stated that, not much is written about Bhagwat Sharan Upadhyay though his valuable contribution enriched Hindi literature. He added that Upadhyay’s commitment towards the general public is remarkable and his thoughts should be acknowledged Khagendra Thakur, K. Sreenivasarao, Surya Prasad Dixit, Nirmala Jain and Bhagwan Singh and justified. Nirmala Jain, eminent critic, in her The cheif guest Bhagwan Singh, In the second session chaired by presidential address said, “Bhagwat veteran Hindi writer, while commenting Manager Pandey, , Sharan Upadhyay’s approach comprises on the cultural consciousness of Bhagwat Arora, Gopeshwar Singh of logic, sanity and experiment. His Sharan Upadhyay, opined that his studies and Arun Verma presented their outlook for history and literature was in the context of culture relate us with papers. scientific.” humanity, sociology and science.

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 37 National Seminar: Contexts and Concerns diversities. Deepak , Member Punjabi Advisory Board was , Literature and Culture the guest of honour. First session of the seminar was chaired by Jaswinder Singh. Jadish Singh, Joga Singh, Buta Singh Brar, Sukhdev Singh, Uma Sethi and Gurnaib Singh presented papers on different genres of fiction written during the first decade of twenty first century. Second session was chaired by Rainder Singh Bhatti and Harsimrant Singh Randhawa, Gurpal Singh Sandhu, Dhanwant Kaur, Raminder Kaur, Yograj Angrish and Kulbir Singh presented papers on poetry written during the first decade of twenty first century. Third session was based on drama and role of electronic equipments in the promotion of Punjabi literature in the Jaspal Singh, Jaspal Kaur Kang, Rawail SIngh, Satinder Singh and Arun Kumar Grover first decade of twenty first century. It was chaired by Bhatia national seminar on ‘Contexts and exponential growth of new challenges and papers were presented by Satnam AConcerns: Punjabi Language, of globalization of communication Singh Jassal, Manjit Singh, Surjit Singh Literature and Culture’ of first Decade technology. Bhati, Rajinder Brar, Jaspal Kaur Kaang, of 21st Century, was organized by Sahitya Jaspal Singh, chief guest of the Surinder Kumar Daweshwar and Akademi in collaboration with seminar, said that the Punjabi language Gurmukh Singh. In the valedictory Department of Guru Nanak Sikh Studies, was accredited with international session, Ravi Ravinder expressed his Panjab University, Chandigarh on 20 and recognition largely due to liberal, dynamic observations on the seminar. Satish 21 February 2014 at Chandigarh. and enterprising outlook of Punjabis Kumar Verma gave his valiedictory The seminar was inaugurated by which was receptive to pluralities and address. Arun Kumar Grover, Vice-Chancellor, Panjab University, Chandigarh. Earlier, Symposium: Sindhi Sufi Poetry Manjeet Kaur Bhatia, Publication Assistant, Sahitya Akademi welcomed A symposium on ‘Sindhi Sufi Poetry’ devlivered vote of thanks. the participants and audience. Rawail was organised by Sahitya Akademin in The first session was chaired by Singh, Convenor, Punjabi Advisory collaboration with Sindhi Academy, Delhi Laxman Bhatia ‘Komal’. Paper were Board, Sahitya Akademi delivered the on 22 March 2014 at Vishwa Yuvak presented by Jagdish Lachhani, Mohan introductory address. Kendra, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. Gehani, Nand Zaveri, , Dwelling on the theme of the seminar K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Veena Shringi, Meena Rupchandani and Satinder Singh, in his key-note address Akademi welcomed the guests. Laxman Khiman Mulani. said that along with the existing emphasis Bhatia ‘Komal’, eminent Sindhi writer In the second session, Arjan Hasid on historic and developmental delivered the inaugural address. Key- chaired the session. Kamla Goklani, Jaya dimensions of Punjabi writing, note address was delivered by Prem Jadwani, Laxman Dubey, Mohan philosophy and cultural dimension could Prakash, Convenor, Sindhi Advisory Himthyani, Vinod Assudani and Arjan not be ignore in the 21st century. D.D.S. Board, Sahitya Akademi. C.J. Daswani, Chawla presented their papers. The third Sandhu, in his presidential address eminent Sindhi scholar was the guest of session was chaired by Murlidhar Jetley. emphasized that it was necessary to honour. Murlidhar Jetley, Vice-Chairman, Papers were presented by Goverdhan recognize the fact that Punjabi language, Sindhi Academy, Delhi gave the Sharma ‘Ghayal’, Hundraj Balwani, Asha literature and culture may become presidential address and Sindhi Bhagla Rangwani and Kaladhar . Prem endangered species in the wake of Mishra, Secretary, Sindhi Academy, Delhi Prakash gave the concluding remarks.

38 DELHI Meet the Author Changing Social and Human Values Manmohan Bawa in Dogri Literature symposium on ‘Changing Social Dogri poems.” He said that the control Aand Human Values in Dogri of society has now come into the hands Literature’ was organised by the Sahitya of uncivilized, cruel and corrupt people Akademi on 21 February 2014 at K.L. leading to the deterioration of the society. Saigal Hall, Jammu. This degradation affects the emotional Lalit Mangotra, Convener of the and sensitive section of the society whose Dogri Advisory Board of Sahitya pain is reflected and represented in their Akademi, welcomed gathering and poetry. The next speaker was Yash Raina introduced the topic. He said that who spoke on “Changing human and literature needs to be reviewed and social values in Dogri stories.” He said evaluated from time to time to assess that our individual values define our Sahitya Akademi in collaboration with its progress and direction. social behaviour and social relations. Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar The symposium was inaugurated by Dogri stories and particularly organized a ‘Meet the Author’ Rajiv Gupta, Pro Vice-Chancellor of contemporary stories tell us about the programme on 24 February 2013 at Central University of Jammu. In his positive and negative values and thoughts GNDU Hall, Amritsar, Punjab. Eminent inaugural address, he said that Dogri existing in the society and the changing Punjabi writer Manmohan Bawa was language has come up through a long roles of women in the society. invited to speak on his writing and struggle and discussed how social and The last speaker of the session was creative process. Manmohan Bawa is human values are being represented in Rattan Doshi, who gave his views on better known as fiction writer, but Dogri literature. the topic “Changing human and social primarily he is an adventurer. Manmohan Bawa in his speech said Veena Gupta, eminent Dogri writer values in Dogri drama.” He said that that his works are inspired from classics in her key-note address said that though in Dogri drama, all social evils and issues of Indian literature like the Mahabharata, literature apparently appears subjective. are portrayed and act as a medium of the Ramayana, Upnishads, etc. He It always has a universe appeal. awareness for the society. deals with old themes in modern contexts. The inaugural session was followed Nilambar Dev Sharma, chairperson Referring to his collection of short stories by the paper reading session. The first of the paper reading session, threw light Ajat Sundari, he mentioned that the paper was presented by Sunil Sharma on the issues related to the topic of stories of this collection are inspired by “Changing social and human values in the symposium. ’s ‘Volga se Ganga.’ In 2004, suddenly he realized that he is not able to justify his expression in short stories because of the limitation of the genre. So he moved towards novel. He published his first novel Yudh Naad which is still considered as a milestone in the history of Punjabi literature. He said that his travelogues are more close to his heart as he has trekked the mountains several times in different conditions. He has tried to portray the present scenario like the road conditions, the access, weather conditions, available food, trekking restrictions and how and where to get assistances of each place L-R: Yash Raina, Sunil Sharma, Nilambar Dev Sharma, Lalit Mangotra and he has visited. Rattan Doshi

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 39 Seminar on Pandit Jeevan Jha Symposium ahitya Akademi Nari Chetna in Sorganised a two-day seminar on 27-28 February Punjabi Literature 2014 at Patna to mark the death anniversary of Pandit Sahitya Akademi in collaboration Jeevan Jha, eminent Maithili with University College, Chunni Kalan, playwright. The seminar Punjab organised a symposium on was inaugurated by Kamal Nari Chetna programme on 31 March 2014, in Punjabi Literature Nath SinghThakur, former at University College, Chunni Kalan, M.L.C., Bihar. At the Punjab. beginning, Devendra Manjeet Kaur Bhatia, Publication Kumar Devesh, Sub- Assistant, Sahitya Akademi welcomed Editor, Sahitya Akademi the guests and audience. V.K. Tiwari, welcomed the guests and Mohan Bhardwaj, Ratneshwar Mishra, Principal, University College, Chunni gathering. Kamal Nath Singh Thakur and Bina Thakur Kalan, in his introductory speech In her introductory endeavoured for a social change by speech, Bina Thakur, Convenor, Maithili chaired by Ashok, while Veena Karna, empowering women and also Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, spoke Tarannand Viyogi and Aruna Chaudhary addressing complex issues concerning about the life and works of Pandit presented their papers. Papers focused left wing extremism. Reading session Jeevan Jha. She reffered his four plays on characters, dialogue and the langauage was chaired by Jaspal Kaur Kaang, Maithili Sattak, Samwati Punarjanma, Sundar of the plays of Jeevan Jha. In his Member, Punjabi Advisory Board Sanyog and Narmada Sagar. Ratneshwar presidential address, Ashok said that the and chairperson, Guru Nanak Mishra, chief guest of the occasion, modernity begins with the writings of Sikh Studies, Punjab University, dealt on the works of Jeevan Jha in Jeevan Jha in . Chandigarh and papers were the context of his contemporary social, Second day, on 28th February, Vasuki presented by Charanjeet Kaur Brar, cultural, educational, economic and Nath Jha, Secretary, Chetna Samiti, Patna, Kamaljeet Kaur, Amarjeet Ghumman, Sarbjeet Kaur Sohal, Balbahudur political situations. chaired the fourth session. Ramanand Singh and Davinder Singh on Mohan Bhardwaj, presiding over Jha Raman, Panna Jha and Kamal Mohan contribution of Punjabi women the session, marked Pandit Jeevan Jha Chunnu presented their papers in the writers in the field of poetry, prose, as a epoch-making playwright. He said session. They dealt on the aspects of short story, novels, research work that plays of Pandit Jha were more rasa, sangeet and kavyatattva in the plays respectively. prominent than his poetry. of Pandit Jeevan Jha. Jaspal Kaur Kaang who spoke First session of the seminar was Fifth session was chaired by Lekhnath from the chair, said that a women chaired by Devendra Jha, well-known Mishra, while papers were presented by distributes love, will power and Maithili writer and critic. Yoganand Jha, Ajit Azad and Khushi Lal Jha. Lekhnath sanctity to make the society advanced Madhukant Jha and Indira Jha presented Mishra spoke about the tradition of and throws light on the path of their papers in the session, which were Maithili play and modernity. Sixth session wisdom. Referring to the powerful focussed on contemporary literary and was presided over by Vivekanand writings of Punjabi women writers like national perspectives and the life and Thakur. Panchanan Mishra, Ashok Amrtia Pritam, , works of Pandit Jeevan Jha. Second Avichal and Amlendu Ajeet Kaur, Manjit Tiwana etc., she session was presided over by Premlata presented their papers in the session. said that their works are no less in Mishra Prem, eminent theatre artist. Valedictory session was chaired by any sense in comparison to the works Naresh Mohan Jha and Shankar Deo Ushakiran Khan, while Virendra Jha written by Punjabi male writers as Jha presented their papers in the session. expressed his views as an observer of women and their writings are Bhagya Narayan Jha discussed on the the seminar. unfortunately underrated. presented papers. Third session was

40 DELHI National Seminar Multilingualism and the Literary Culture of India

he Centre for Comparative Hoshang Merchant, former Professor Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, TLiterature, University of Hyderabad, of English and poet followed Deshpande presented the next paper. He talked in collaboration with the Sahitya and he read a range of poems from about his theoretical understanding of Akademi, organized a three day national his latest collection Sufiana. The final multilingualism and creativity, his research seminar on “Multilingualism and the reading was by K. Sridhar, Physicist and project on Jewish Malayalam that Literary Culture of India” from 27 to writer of fiction who read out excerpts focused on Jewish-Malayalam folk songs 29 March, 2014 at the School of from his novel Twice Written. This ended written and translated by Jewish women Humanities Auditorium, UoH, the event on 27 March, 2014. in Kerala and justified the use of such Hyderabad. On 28 March, 2014 there were three an academic exercise. Damodar Mauzo, Gitanjali Chatterjee, Deputy Secretary sessions. Session I was chaired by Shashi one of best known Konkani writers, of Sahitya Akademi, initiated the Deshpande. The first paper of the day traced the complicated history of proceedings and the welcome address was presented by the well known writer, Konkani and while acknowledging was given by K. Sreenivasa Rao, Secretary translator and former Professor in multilingualism as a tool for enrichment of Sahitya Akademi. E. Haribabu, Pro- Department of English, University of of languages, also alerted us on its Vice-Chancellor of University of Hyderabad, M. Sridhar. His paper titled, dangers of suppressing regional Hyderabad, implied the need for “Between Languages, Writing Creativity languages. preserving the multilingual character of and Translation” explored his reasons Second Session was chaired by India. Noted poet Shiv K. Kumar for not preferring to be translated by Avadhesh Kumar Singh, Professor and chaired the session while K. others and through it he asked questions Director, School of Translations Studies Satchidanandan, a well known figure in of authorship, creativity and bi-lingual and Training, Indira Gandhi National Malayalam literature, gave a concise creativity. Being a bi-lingual creative writer Open University (IGNOU) and the history of India with regard to its himself, he posed engaging questions like papers presenters were Shivarama multilingual character and the threats to what is the language of thought? And Padikkal, Professor of Translation Studies it. Two noted scholars, Amiya Dev, which of the two languages shape the at University of Hyderabad and former Vice-Chancellor of Vidyasagar thoughts of a bilingual speaker? Scaria Vanamala Vishwanath, Professor at Azim University and Harish Trivedi, Professor Zacharia, former Professor and HoD, Premji University, both respected scholars in the Department of English, University Department of Malayalam, Sree of . Padikkal’s paper of Delhi slightly differed with K. Satchidanandan and pointed out that the concept of multilingualism needed closer inspection. Vote of thanks for the inaugural session was given by Amitabha Das Gupta, Dean, School of Humanities, UoH. The inaugural session was followed by a Reading Session which was chaired by Sowmya Dechamma, Assistant Professor at Centre for Comparative Literature, UoH. Shiv K. Kumar had a short story of his read out and recited a few lines of . He was followed by , noted Indian English novelist, who read out an excerpt from her novel Shadow Play. K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary Sahitya Akademi speaking in the inaugural session

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 41 talked about translation vis-à-vis the After this session, a play 4.48 Psychosis The second session was chaired by growth of nationalism. The role of was performed by the Theatre Arts Tutun Mukherjee, Professor at Centre translation in building up a Kannada students of Sarojini Naidu School, UoH, for Comparative Literature, UoH and identity was argued for. Vanamala in association with CCL. The introduction the paper presenters were E.V. Vishwanath presented her paper on two to the play was given by B. Ramakrishnan and Avadesh Kumar women Muslim writers, Sara Ananthakrishnan, Dean, S.N. School. The Singh. E.V. Ramakrishnan argued that Aboobacker and Banu Mushtaq, who actors, backed by a wonderful stage multilingualism in India had not come although wrote in Kannada, have their work, enacted a commendable by itself and was a result of the will cultural and linguistic roots elsewhere. performance. of the various people speaking those She talked of their success in carving One the last day of the seminar, many languages. The second part of his spaces and voice for Muslim and women 29 March, 2014, there were three sessions. paper was a criticism of Sheldon in the Kannada literary scenario. The first session was chaired by the Pollock’s analysis of the two great Session II was followed by the renowned Konkani writer Damodar movements that transformed South Asia. second Reading Session. It was chaired Mauzo. Sachidananda Mohanty, Avadesh Kumar Singh talked about by J. Bheemaiah, Associate Professor at Department of English, UoH and V.B. multilingualism, an attitude that fosters Centre for Comparative Literature, UoH. Tharakeshwar, Department of multilingualism. Rather than scholars who K. Sachidanandan, E.V. Ramakrishnan Translation Studies, English and Foreign were actually monolingual he argued it and Vanamala Vishwanath read out from Languages University, presented their was the common people that practised their original/translated works. K. papers on the different scenarios of multilingualism. Satchidanandan read out a number of multilingualism. Mohanty’s paper focused The concluding session was chaired his poems first, both Malayalam and on multilingual travel narratives from the by M.T. Ansari, Professor and Director English. He was followed by E.V. eastern India of the nineteenth century. of the Centre for Comparative Ramakrishnan, Dean, School of Tharakeshwar in his paper proclaimed Literature, UoH and the valedictory Language, Literature and Culture Studies, that Indians were always multilingual, address was given by Udaya Narayan Central University of , and he but there are problems with the way Singh, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Visva- read out his translations of Malayalam the Indian pedagogy is operating and Bharati and occupant of its Tagore literary texts. Finally, Vanamala Vishwanath does not completely support Research Chair. Uday Narayan Singh read out from her translations of multilingualism. He argued that even an gave a detailed presentation on the thirteenth century and illiterate can be a multilingual but the multilingual characteristics of India, called herself a re-creator rather than serious problem is with academicians bringing the three day seminar to an a creator. who were turning out to be monolingual. apt end.

L-R: J. Bheemaiah, E.V. Ramakrishnan and Vanamala Viswanath

42 DELHI Seminar on Contemporary Santali Play

ahitya Akademi organised a seminar sessions including inaugural session. The Santali Theatre’ and ‘Santali Plays on Son ‘Contemporary Santali Play’ on seminar was inaugurated by N. N. screen’ respectively. 9 February 2014 at Vishakhapattanam. Hembram, well-known Santali writer. Second session was chaired by Ravilal N. C. Mahesh, Officer on Special Duty Jadumani Beshra was the guest of honour Tudu. Mahesh Murmu (on acting), welcomed the invitees and gathering. on the occassion. Inaugural session was Pitambar Hansda (on dialogue), The tradition of written literature chaired by Gangadhar Hansdah, Durgapada Hembram (on direction) and including Santali drama began with Pandit Convenor, Santali Advisory Board, Krishna Prasad Hansda (on social impact) Raghunath Murmu, who has also the Sahitya Akademi. presented their papers. invented Santali script “Olchiki”. In this First session was chaired by Kherwal Third session was chaired by process participants got opportunity to Soren, while Jamadar Kisku, Dasrath Gangadhar Hansda. Jitray Hansda, pay respect to the founder to which Hansda, Singrai Murmu, Gangadhar Shyam Charan Mandi, Saroj Kumar audience liked a lot. Drama not only Hembram and Ramesh Hansda Soren and Sushil Hansda presented their provided entertainment and it also creates presented their papers on ‘Themes of papers on ‘Santali Theatre’, ‘Audience consciousness among the people to Santali playes’, Stage decoration in response’, ‘Commercial aspect’ and identify the issues in life. Santali theatre’, ‘Dress and Make up of ‘Trends of Santali plays and theatre’. There Seminar was divided into four Actors in Santali plays’, ‘Management of was a good response from the audience.

Symposium ‘Being a Women, Being a Writer’ & Writers’ Meet

Akademi organised a symposium on ‘Being a Woman, Being a Writer’ on the occasion of International Women’s Day. K.Sreenivasarao Secretary, Sahitya Akademi welcomed the audience. The symposium was inaugurated by Namita Gokhle, eminent English writer. Rajee Seth, eminent Hindi writer was the chief guest in the inaugural session. The speaker in the inaugural session were Ramnika Gupta, , Anita Agnihotri, Nirmala Pillai, Varsha Adalja, Pawar, Santi Chhetri and Salma. Vote of thanks was delivered by Renu Mohan Bhan, Deputy Secretary Sahitya Akademi. The Short Story Reading session was chaired by Chandrakanta. Neelakshi Sujata Chaudhuri, Padma Sachdev and Brajendra Tripathi Singh, Adyasha Das, Chandan Negi and Padma Sachdev, eminent Dogri writer Gill, Laxmishree Banerjee, Sujata Chandra Latha presented their stories. chaired. Lutfa Hanum, Salima Begum, Chaudhuri, Shabana Nazeer and Rizio For the Poetry Reading session, Sebanti Ghosh, Kannan, Gagan Raj read out their poems.

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 43 Sahitya Akademi, in association with National Book Trust organised four literary programmes viz. Hindi Rachna-Path, North East and Northern Writers’ Meet, Reading by Children’s Writers and Young Writers’ Meet on 16, 17, 20 and 21 February, 2014, respectively during the World Book Fair 2014 held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Indo-Czech Writers’ Meet was organised by the Akademi and the NBT on 18 February 2014 for the first time in the World Book Fair.

Readings by Children’s Writers North East and Northern Writers’ Meet

On 17 Feburay, 2014, North East and Northern writers programme was organised. Assamese writer Kaustubh Moni Saikia recited a number of poems. Most of Saikia’s poems had a strong sense of social commentary. Binod Basumatari, a young Bodo poet recited a couple of poems including “Patharon Ka Bhi Jeevan” and “Is Samay Ki”. Vijay Verma, veteran Dogri poet, then, recited a number of poems. Desmond L. Kharmawphlang,

Darshan Ashat, Anupa Lal, Usha Bande, K. Shantibala Devi, recited his English poems. K.E. Priyamvada and Santanu Tamuli Hindi poet Kailash Vajpeyi read his poem titled “Dhyan” (Focus). The event witnessed participation from six prominent children’s writers. Gitanjali With rapt attention of the audience Chatterjee, Deputy. Secretary, Sahitya Akademi welcomed the audience and the in a few moments, he recited another writers. Anupa Lal, a well known children’s writer, began the evening with a couple of interesting poems. Hindi folktale. She also narrated a fascinating tale about an oarsman and his Kokborok poet Sefali Debbarma tribulations in finding a tree’s trunk. The charming story had all the ingredients– recited the English translations of her a king, food, betrayal, suspense and twist ending–to capture the audience’s attention. poems “Liberty”, “Laminations”, Usha Bande, Indian English poet narrated a moral fable. “When I feel you” and “Emancipation”. Punjabi writer Darshan Ashat surprised the children with a hauntingly beautiful Kshetri Rajen, Manipuri poet recited recitation of his poem. Beginning with a few verses of the original Punjabi poem, he then recited the Hindi translation of the poem that ruminates over the English translations of his poems. the pathetic situation of sparrows in cities. He was followed by Manipuri poet Mog poet Thailow Mog recited theree K. Shantibala Devi. Her calm and sweet tone of recital was well received by of his poems. the audience. Punjabi poet Tarsem recited three K. E. Priyamvada, a young writer with a fresh approach towards children’s of his poems of nostalgia. literature asked the audience to pick an alphabet and then recited a poem Gitanjali Chatterjee, Deputy corresponding that. She ended up reciting poems on Rhinoceros, Panda and Secretary, Sahitya Akademi welcomed Xenops among others. She also held an impromptu quiz. A child present in and conducted the programme. the audience was awarded with her book for correct answer. Lastly, it was the turn of Assamese writer Santanu Tamuli who read out a moral tale of two friends.

44 DELHI Hindi Rachna-Path

Sahitya Akademi organised ‘Hindi Rachna-Path’ on 16 Feburary 2014 at World Book Fair, Akademi’s Hindi department organised at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. In the first session under the chairpersonship of Ashtbhuj Shukla, eminent Hindi poet, Dinkar Kumar (Guwahati), Krishna Mohan Jha (Silichar), Ranjana Jaiswal (Gorakhpur) and Sudha Upadhyay (Delhi) presented their poems. The second session was chaired by Mahesh Katare (Gwalior) and Neerja Madhav () and Prabhat Ranjan (Delhi) presented their stories. Czech writers with A. Sethumadhavan and Sukrita Paul Kumar

Indo-Czech Writers’ Meet Young Writers’ Meet

A five-member Czech Writers’ delegation consisting of Mr. In the Young Writers’ Meet, six young Martin Vopenka, Mrs. Marketa Hejkalova, Mrs. Sylva Fischerova, writers across the languages were invited Mrs. Blanka Skuchova and Mrs. Marta Hochmal visited India for the reading programme held on 21 from 14 to 19 February 2014 under the Cultural Exchange February, 2014. Chongtham Dipu Singh, a Manipuri Programme between the two countries. poet recited a couple of remarkable poems in Manipuri. Punjabi poet Sanwal Dhami recited a few of his Punjabi During the course of their visit, the Literature in Indian Languages”, Blanka poems. Urdu poet Tasneef Haider Akademi organized an Indo-Czech Skuckova on “Literary readership and sophisticated recital of poetry, associated Writers’ Meet in collaboration with the Libraries in Czech” and N.K. with the language itself, was well received. National Book Trust, India in which Bhattacharjee “Contemporary Indian Rati Agnihotri, a Hindi and English poet. Martin Vopenka, Uday Prakash, Sukrita Literature”. The session was chaired She recited her poems in both the Paul Kumar and Marketa Hezkalova by K. Satchidanandan and the vote languages. Her Hindi poems were social participated in the Inaugural Session. of thanks was proposed by M.A. in nature while her English poems dealt K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Sikander, Director, National Book with the nature of man-woman Akademi welcomed the audience. The Trust. relationship. Sanjib Pol Deka, Assamese programme was chaired by A. Many eminent Indian writers writer read out the translated version Sethumadhavan, Chairman, National including Chandra Mohan, Lakshmi of an original story and also a Hindi Book Trust and in the first session Shankar Bajpai, Bharat Bharadwaj, poem. Bharat Tiwari recited his poems of the programme, Sylva Fischerova Manohar Bandyopadhyay, J. in Hindi. A number of different poems presented a paper on Children Bhagyalakshmi, Sujata Chaudhary, with the same title was a notable feature Literature in Czech,. H.K. Kaul on Manglesh Dabral, J.P. Das, Mridula of his recital. He also read a ghazal. “Literary readership and Libraries in Garg, Mohan Himthani and Suresh An interactive session took place at the India”, on “Children’s Kohli participated in the programme. reading session.

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 45 Play Reading Mulakat Delhi International Paranjpye Young Santali Writers Art Festival

Sahitya Akademi organised a ‘Mulakat’ programme with young Santali writers on 2 March 2014 at Malda, West . The programme was chaired by Kanailal Tudu, well-known Santali writer. Arjun Majhi, Asit Soren, Prem Soren, Birsant Hansdah and Prasenjit Murmu presented their poems and short stories in this programme. Arjun Majhi read out two short stories titled “Disom Gorom” and “Paraschit”, while other participants Sahitya Akademi organised a Play recited their poems. In his short story The Secretary, Sahitya Akademi presenting a momento to Prakash Manu Reading programme by Sai “Disom Gorom”, he has tried to Paranjpye, on 21 February 2014. Born teach people in all age group to work Nari Chetna of a Russian father and an Indian for the society. His second story Akademi organised Nari Chetna mother, Paranjpye is an exemplory “Paraschit” bears a current crisis programme with eminent women playwright and a film maker. Smt. which the Santal people are now writers from different Indian Paranjpye is known for her inimitable facing. The Santal youths are going languages on 10 February 2014 in story telling abilities both in the plays for inter caste marriage. But as per which Vitastan Raina (English), Alpana and the films where she puts in her their tradition and belief this is not Mishra (Hindi), Beant Kaur (Punjabi) creative talent. A student of a National acceptable by their society. Same thing and Wasim Rashid (Urdu) participated School of Drama, Smt. Paranjpye has happened to his main character. and read out their works. began her career as an announcer in Asit Soren presented three poems in but later Yuva Sahiti titled “Asar San”, “Kherwal Amdo” dripfted towards films. Yuva Sahiti programmes was read excerpts from and “Kherwal”. As a young writer organised on 14 February 2014 at her latest work Birwa and had the he has attempted to give a beautiful Sahitya Akademi Auditorium. Young audience spell bound with her narration of the rainy season in his writers like Devapriya Roy (English), inimitable story telling abilities. The first poem and remaining two are Mritunjay Prabhakar (Hindi), Kulvir excerpts she had selected to read out appeal to the society like most writer (Punjabi) and Parvez Shahryar (Urdu) were heart rending with emotional does in their first poem. Likewise were invited to read out from their expressions. Her choice of words all other participants presented works. and pharases to express the poignant three poems each. They are all emotions combined with her emerging and it is evident from their Bal Sahiti naratological ability makes her a poems that they will do better in In the Bal Sahiti programme held on legendery figure. Her most successful future. 17 February 2014, eminent children films reflect her unique creative talents. In his presidential address, Kanailal writers were invited. The programme While speaking on the literary Tudu said that all the young writers was chaired by Gita Dharamarajan, scenaio today, Smt. Paranjpye added keep writing to help the society eminent Hindi writer. Prakash Mani that accessing to literature of the and enrich Santali language and (Hindi), Surekha Panandiker (Hindi) world and of the major authors can literature. and Kamaljit Neelon (Punjabi) now be possible through internet. presented their works.

46 DELHI visit, the delegation visited Sarnath Temple Writers’ Delegation from Thailand and Ganga Ghat in Varanasi and also to Jaipur where they had attended the Jaipur Literary Festival on 19 January 2014. The Akademi had also arranged a programme of interaction between the delegate members and the local writers on 20 January 2014. Many eminent writers including M. Asaduddin, Sitesh Alok, Lakshmi Shankar Bajpai, Bharat Bhardwaj, Manohar Bandopadhyay, J. Bhagyalakshmi, Smt. Sujata Chaudhary, Manglesh Dabral, Manas Ranjan Mahapatra, , Parmanand Panchal, Divik Ramesh, J.l. Reddy, Prayag Shukla, Ravindra Tripathi, Vanita, K.G. Verma, Bhaswati Goswami, Amar Nath ‘Amar,’ Sharma, K. Sreenivasarao with Thai writers in Indo-Thai writers’ meet Pankaj Singh, Bhoomika Jain, R.K. Barik, Rajendra Upadhyaya, Sunita Jain A five-member writers’ delegation Narapit visited India from 15 to 22 participated in the programme where consisting of Mr. Chart Korbjitti, Mr. January 2014 under the Cultural the visiting delegation and the local writers Rewat Panpipat, Mr. Uthis Haemamool, Exchange Programme between the two interacted on the contemporary literary Ms. Nardnisa Sukchit and Ms. Saengthiwa countries. During the course of their scenario in Thailand and India.

Symposium Shastra in Sanskrit and Creation of New Shastrakavyas

Sahitya Akademi organised a symposium on ‘Shastra in Sanskrit and Creation of New Shastrakavyas: with Special Reference to Gangadhar Shastri” on 4 March 2014 at Sahitya Akademi Conference Hall, New Delhi. K. Sreenivasarao welcomed the guests and the audience. Ramakant Pandey, renowned Sanskrit scholar gave keynote address. Radhavallabh Tripathi, Convenor, Sanskrit Advisory Board, delivered the introductory address. Papers were presented by Parmanand Jha and Pankaj Mishra. Kalanath Shastri chaired the session. Brajendra Tripathi, Deputy Secretary, Sahitya Akademi conducted the programme. Ramakant Pandey, Radhavallabh Tripathi and Pankaj Mishra

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 47 Nepali Poets’ Meet Kannada-Kashmiri

One day Nepali Poets’ Meet was Short Story organized by Sahitya Akademi, New Translation Workshop Delhi in collaboration with Prasad Singh Subba Chintan Manch, Tezpur The Sahitya Akademi organized a at Hotel Centre Point, Tezpur () Kannada-Kashmiri Short Story on 2 February 2014. Tanka Bahadur Translation Workshop from 24-27 Rai, Honorable Minister, Planning, of March, 2014 at Jammu. In this Law and Pension Affairs, Govt. of workshop, a selection of 13 short Assam, in his inaugural speech praised stories was translated from the role of poets in maintaining Literary Forum peace and harmony in the society. Kannada into Kashmiri. Narahalli, Devendra Kumar Devesh, Sub Editor, Mr. Margus Lattik Convener Kannada Advisory Board Sahitya Akademi extended his warm and Roop Krishan Bhatt worked as welcome the participants. Jeevan Estonian Poet Resource persons. Zaman Azurdah Namdung, renowned Nepali poet, was the Director of the Workshop. Sahitya Akademi organised a ‘Literary Shah Ramzan, Farooq Fayaz, A.A. while delivering his speech as chief Forum’ with Margus Lattik, eminent guest expressing his appreciation for Hajini, Gauri Shankar Raina, Pyarey Estonian poet and translator who writes producing high class literature even Hatash, Inayat Gul and Manshoor under the pen-name of ‘Mathura.’ He in adverse atmosphere. Dambar Banihali, all established translators has produced eight collections of poetry, Dahal, President, Asom Nepali participated in the workshop. At a travelogue and a few short-prose. The Sahitya Sabha was the distinguished the very outset, while inaugurating scope of his work is very wide, yet guest. the workshop, the Director of his poems very often take the reader The first session was presided over the workshop Prof. Azurdah to the bays and forests of his Estonian by Prem Pradhan, Convenor, Nepali emphasized the need of translating homeland. Although his writing carries Advisory Bord, Sahitya Akademi creative literature into the other social tones, Mathura’s main interest lies and was chaired by Khemraj Indian languages. The translation in the timeless elemental aspects of Nepal. Jamadagni Upadhyaya, process from Southern languages Dharmendra Upadhyaya, Mohan mankind. His work has been translated into English, Polish, Finnish, Russian, into Northern languages and vice- Subedi, Kamala Devi, Guru Prasad versa will give us a feeling of creative Upadhyaya and Khadagraj Giri Mari and Punjabi. In 2004 Mathura was process in literature and the nuance recited their poems in this session. awarded the Annual Regional Award of of the linguistic culture that vary The second session was chaired by the Cultural Endowment of Estonia. At Kharga Bahadur Kaushik. Lalit present he lives in a small village in from region to region. Subba, Vishal KC, Daibaki Devi central Estonia. K.Sreenivasarao, All the 13 stories translated into Timsina, Dilliram Khanal, Balaram Secretary, Sahitya Akademi introduced Kashmiri were read out in the Upadhyaya and Amiya Devi recited him to the audience. presence of the Resource Persons their poems in this session. He read a few of his poems from and the participants and both the The valedictory session was his poetry collection Presence and another Resource Persons participated and presided over by Nabasapcota. Poems, English translation of his Estonian helped in conveying the expressions Madhab Bhattarai, Lavanya Devi, collection of poetry with same name. of Kannada stories into the target Bishnu Shastri and Sukraj Diyali were He wrote this book while travelling to language. The Director, while scheduled poets, while Chhabilal different parts of world including India. concluded the workshop, thanking Upadhyaya, Vedamaya Devi, Jharna He also read poems from his collection the participants and Resource Bhattarai, Kul Prasad Sarma and Currant Beads. He also presented some Persons. Kamala Devi recited their poems. Estonian folk songs. At the end of the programme there was a lively interaction.

48 DELHI Symposium on Krishan Chander: Sahitya Avam Chintan S.A. Shakoor, chief guest said that Krishan Chander was a major writer in the field of Urdu fiction. In the key- note address, Baig Ehsas dwelt upon different facets of Krishna Chandra. There is a crisis of the artists like Krishna Chandra. He was like a legend who standardized the Urdu fiction. Krishna Chandra portrayed the plight of the lower state of the society in his stories. Waseem Begum called Krishna Chandra progressive writer in the fore front. Waseem Beghum, S.A. Shakoor, Chander Bhan Khayal and Baig Ehsas The second session was presided The symposium on Kishan Chander was Chander a distinguished Urdu fiction over by the famous fiction writer Jeelani held on 19 January 2014 at Hyderabad. writer, wrote short stories, novelette, Bano. She gave her views on the stories Renowned poet and Convener, Sahitya novel and dramas besides writing stories of Krishna Chandra. In this session, Akademi Urdu Advisory Board, and dialogues for films. He wrote for Syed Mustafa Kamal and Firoz Alam Chander Bhan Khayal said that Kishan children as well. presented their papers. On the occasion of birth centenary of Narendra Sharma Birth Centenary Seminar veteran poet and lyricist Narendra Sharma, Sahitya Akademi in collaboration On the second day of the seminar by Narendra Mohan. Nandkishore with Hindi Department of the third session was chaired by Arunesh Pandey, Bharati Gore and Vinod Tiwari University organised a seminar on him Niran. Tribhuvan Nath Rai, Ratan Kumar presented their papers. Topic for the from 26 to 27 February 2014 at Shahir Pandey, Ajit Rai and Rajendra Upadhaya fifth session was “Narendra Sharma: As Amar Shekh Auditorium, University Club expressed their thoughts on “Poet-Lyricist a Flim Lyricist and Screenplay writer.” House B Road, Churchgate, Mumbai. Narendra Sharma”. The topic “ Maya Govind, Irshad Kamil, Bodhisatva Programme was presided by Vishwanath of Narendra Sharma” was discussed in and Ravikant read their papers and Raj Prasad Tiwari, President, Sahitya the fourth session of the seminar chaired Kumar Keswani chaired the session. Akademi. Rajan Velukar, Vice-Chancellor, Mumbai University and Harimohan Sharma, well-known Hindi writer Seminar on Sufi Writings delivered the keynote address. Surya Prasad Dixit, Convenor, Hindi The Akademi organised a seminar on Sufi Writings on behalf of the Akademi’s Advisory Board presented the Western Regional Board on 25 and 25 February 2014 at Hindi Sansthan Auditorium, introductory address. The first session Lucknow. was devoted to the memories of Geetanjali Chatterjee, Deputy Secretary, Sahitya Akademi delivered her Narendra Sharma and was chaired by welcome address. Zaman Azurdah, reputed Kashmiri writer and Convenor of , eminent writer. Achla Sahitya Akademi Kashmiri Advisory Board delivered his erudite keynote address. Nagar, Paritosh Sharma, Lavanya Shah In his address he said, “The solution to all the problems that we face in a and Udbhrant shared their experiences society lies in love for fellow human beings irrespective of caste, colour, religion with Narendra Sharma. In the second or nationality. And that is exactly what sufism preaches. It teaches human beings session under the chairmanship of Ramji to love the creation of God.” He further added, “As long as relationship between Tiwari, Amarnath, Pushpita Awasthi, God and human exists, sufism would stay relevant and appeal to the masses”. Alok Gupta and Prakash Shukla presented Earlier, former Lucknow Universiiy academician Surya Prasad Dixit outlined their papers on “Uttarchayavadi Poetry how Hindi and Urdu poets alike had been propagating the messages of love and Narendra Sharma.” through their Sufi writings.

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 49 Pravasi Manch: Pankaj Mohan Through my Window: Dogri 14 February 2014, New Delhi Chhatrapal on B.P. Sathe

Eminent Scholar in Hindi from South 21 February 2014, Jammu Korea.

Pravasi Manch: Usha Raje Saxena Asmita: Kashmiri Women Poets Eminent Hindi writer from Britain Santosh Shah Nadaan, Bimla Aima and Dolly

31 March 2014, New Delhi. 26 March, 2014, Jammu

Katha Sandhi Literary Forum: Kashmiri Fiction Writers Nirmal Vikram Rinku Kaul and R.L Johar Dogri Fiction Writer 25 March, 2014, Jammu 22 February 2014, Jammu. Maithili Poets’ Meets

Kavi Anuvadak 29 March 2014, Begusarai Saridharam Hansda and Krishnapada Kisku

2 March 2014 at Malda, Sindhi-Dogri Poetry Translation Workshop

25-28 March, 2014, at Mansar.

Kavisandhi: Chakrapani Bhattarai Nepali Poets’ Meet Nepali Poet & Writer 12 January 2014 16 February 2014, Namchi, South Sikkim Kathasandhi Chandi Charan Kisku, Santali Fiction Writer

Mulakat with Young Poets 2 March 2014, Malda, West Bengal Prabhat, Vipin Chnaudhury and Pranjaldhar

21 January 2014 Nepali Rachna Path Literary Forum 16 February 2014, Namchi, Urdu Writers South Sikkim 23 March, 2014 at Rajouri.

50 DELHI BENGALURU

on human relations. She concluded thus: Seminar on Indian Literature: The Changing “Call it a shift, call it a voice of protest, Concept of Family and Kinship it is to my mind a passionate search for answers to questions that the previous generations failed to ask or comprehend. The present writer has a larger picture in mind, far beyond the family and kin, a history behind it all that blurred and wronged sections of people for no apparent reason.” Damodar Mauzo Konkani fiction writer said, “In the early sixties of the past century, the writings in Konkani were focused mainly on the changing political scenario and its impact on the society. Later, it was in tune with the themes that appeared in other languages. The departure from joint family structure to the nuclear family system reflected Amiya Dev delivering the inaugural address. L-R: K. Sreenivasarao and P.P. Ravindran in our writings where arguments were, both, for and against. This was effectively national seminar on “Indian Albert Camus, Nathalie Sarraute and depicted in poetry and one-act plays ALiterature: the Changing Concept Tolstoy and explained how they too.” He concluded by saying that the of Family and Kinship” was organised approached the family and relations. He rapidly advancing technology have swept jointly by Sahitya Akademi and Thunchan also quoted from ’s us off our roots. The reform that is Memorial Trust on 2-3 February 2014. poems, and Chandu Menon’s . brought in writing and thinking patterns K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya P.P. Raveendran who delivered the look artificial and non-organic. He also Akademi who delivered the welcome key-note address said that family history said that the globalization has brought address said that it is family that brings and customs prevailed long back can the family attachments and affections to together in a meaningful and mutually be understood from literature. He quoted mechanisation. The depth in relations is enriching relationship with people with examples from the Ramayana, the slowly reducing. diverse mindsets and interests. In one Mahabharata, Shakuntala, etc. He also N. Manu Chakravarthi, Kannada sense, it is the model of life and literature. quoted examples from the works of writer said that there is a compulsion Our literatures from ancient times till Thakazhi, M.T. Vasudevan Nair and to re-institute the family tradition due today are explorations of the tensions Madhavikutty to show how the families to the pressure of modern times. He between concord and discord in the functioned and relationships maintained admitted that the younger generations family and the world he added. in Kerala. of writers are at cross roads — whether Amiya Dev, scholar and writer from The subject of the first session was to accept the change in family relations who presided over and “The Changing Concept of Family and or not. inaugurated the session said that perhaps, Kinship in Regional Languages”. M.R. Varsha Das from Gujarati said that of all genres, the novel deals most Raghava Varier, chaired the session. the “Modern and post-modern Gujarati immediately with family and kinship. In Vaasanthi, Tamil fiction writer in her literature speaks more about man and fact social historians of late, have been presentation enumerated Sangam woman relationship, feud and freedom turning to novels to ascertain their literature, and Silappadikaram, and is treated implicitly and also explicitly. supposedly scientific findings about family explained the influence of Dravidian This may be the case in other languages and kinship. He narrated in detail the Movement under the leadership of also. A modern Gujarati novelist is not works of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, Periyar (anti Brahmin and anti God) and averse to social or historical realities. In Tagore, Sarat Chandra, Jean Paul Sartre, reached at the present day writers views the literature of this era inner world

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 51 became more important than the external world. Literary Forum: Young Novelists on Novel Alienation thrust upon us by new technology cannot be ignored. 27 January 2014, Trivandrum The topic of the second session was “: Transformation of the Concept of Family” and was chaired by Trust Vice-President, Chathanath Achuthanunni. Speaking on the family concept in traditional poetry, S.K. Vasanthan said that family concept was never there in big canvas in the traditional poetry. There were only heroes and heroines. Of course they were of literary values but one finds no family attachments in them”, he concluded. K.M. Bharathan speaking on colonial interventions on the family concept said that the English educational system and print Young novelist C. Rehim and S.R. Lal partipated in the media influenced the thinking of Indians, but the programme. G. Sudheesh and S. Rajeshwari from NSS College, Trivandrum were also present. influence was not unilateral. It gave birth to a new type of family concept. The foreign literatures saw Kathasandhi Programme love and spirituality not as one. But Indian literature saw both are interrelated and complementing to each Sunkoji Devendrachari, Telugu Poet other. 7 February 2014, Kadapa. The session was chaired by Chathanath Achuthanunni. ‘Family and Malayalam Theatre’ was Literary Forum the topic discussed in the third session. Speaking on theatre and social changes, T.M. Kannada Literature, Culture and Art Abraham, Vice-president, Sangeet Nataka Akademi, 11 January 2014. Kerala said that changes are happening, but you cannot Devadas Shetty, Eshwar Alevoor, B.S. Kurkal, imagine a drama without a family plot. He gave a Sridhar and G.N. Upadhya participated. detailed account of changes in the presentation of the drama since 1860 to the present day. Kathasandhi Programme with The subject for the discussion in the third session was “Fiction and Family”. Anil Kovilakam welcomed Attada Appalanaidu, Telugu Fiction Writer the guests and gathering and K.P. Ramanunni chaired 17 January 2014, Vizianagaram. the session. Valsan Vathussery speaking on nuclear family — concept and practice, said that India is Literary Forum on Novel designed in a family concept. Pradeepan Pambirikunnu whose subject was “Family a Confinement” was of 21 March 2014, Koyilandy opinion that women are treated as slaves in families even now. Sex is linked with religion, so that the male and religious heads get an upper hand and rule the women, he concluded. Earlier, the Thunchan Festival was inaugurated by Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, veteran Hindi poet and President, Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi on 1 February 2014. M.T. Vasudevan Nair, Chairman, Thunchan Memorial Trust presided and M.P. Abdussamad Samadani M.L.A. gave the key-note address. U.K. Kumaran (Speaking). L-R: S.S. Sreekumar, K.M. Anil, V.N.D. Unni and Pradeepan Pampirikunnu

52 BENGALURU Foundation Day Celebration Southern Languages Poetry Festival At Bengaluru

Maher Mansoor, Srinivas Vaidya and Gopalakrishna Pai The Foundation Day of Sahitya Akademi was organized by Sahitya Akademi, Regional Office, Bengaluru on 12 March

2014 at Bengaluru. Sahitya Akademi L-R: K. Sreenivasarao, B. Sandhya, S.G. Siddaramaiah, N. Gopi, award winners Srinivas Vaidya, story M. Chinnaswami, H.G. Rasool, Devipriya, Mrunalani and others writer and novelist, Gopalakrishna Pai, novelist and Maher Mansoor, poet in Urdu and H.S. Raghavendra Rao, eminent ahitya Akademi organized a day-long ‘Southern Languages Poetry Kannada critic were invited as guests. SFestival’ in Ravindra Bharathi Conference Hall, Saifabad, Hyderabad for the programme. on 9 February 2014. The Festival was inaugurated by well-known Kannada poet S.G. Siddaramaiah who lighted the lamp and delivered the inaugural address. At Chennai K. Sreenivasarao, in his welcome address gave a brief but illuminating Sahitya Akademi, Chennai organized the glimpse into the wide spectrum of poetic achievement of the four Foundation Day Programme at Bharatiya Southern languages, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam. S.G. Vidya Bhavan inviting Sahitya Akademi Siddaramaiah, in his inaugural address defined poetry in myriad ways. award winners and prize winners of He traced the multi-cultural dimension of Indian literature and emphasised different awards on 12 March 2014. the aspect of social consciousness of contemporary poet. N. Gopi, Erode Tamilanban, Thilakavathy — Kurinjivelan, and Kamalavelan were Convener of Telugu Advisory Board, in his presidential address, recalled invited as participants during the occasion. the engagements of the Telugu Board for the past one year and thanked Rama Gurunathan presided over the the Sahitya Akademi for its consistent encouragement for all regional function. languages in highlighting their great tradition. He also read out two poems rich in content and form. The poetry recital in the inaugural session was a wonderful combination of lyrical poetry and free verse, with two Kannada poets, two Tamil poets, one Malayalam poet and three Telugu poets regaling the audience with their poetry. Eminent Kannada poet, Mudnakudu Chinnaswamy presented a very original and thought provoking theme in Dalit Poetry. Rallabandi Kavitha Prasad’s long poems touched upon the angst of man in the conflicting and complex society of today with rich imagery and metaphoric expressions. B. Sandhya, through her musical rendition of Malayalam poetry emphasised the empowerment of women and L-R: Thilakavathy, Erode Tamilanban and in another poem, paid tribute to the author of the Mahabharata, Vyasa Kurinji Velan Maharshi.

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 53 Tamil poet, H.G. Rasool enthralled the audience with a variety of subjects from cat in the library Akademi’s Documentary to Adam and Eve. Telugu poet Devipriya’s excellent range in subject was a treat to the audience. The Film Festival inaugural session was concluded with a brief but comprehensive review of the session along with ahitya Akademi, Southern Regional Centre, vote of thanks by C. Mrunalini, Member, Sahitya Sorganized a three day ‘Indian Writers Documentary Akademi General Council. Films Festival,’ from 10 to 12 January 2014 at Suchitra The first post-lunch session was chaired by S.V. Films Society, Bangalore. Satyanarayana, Member, General Council, Sahitya K. Sreenivasa Rao, Secretary, Sahitya Akademi delivered Akademi who also read out his own poems. welcome address. While welcoming the dignitaries Malayalam poet Alankode Leelakrishnan, Ilakuvi Chandrasekhar Kambar, Vice President, Sahitya Akademi, Kumaran Gnana Diraviyan from Tamil, Ammangi Narahalli Balasubramanya, the Convener, Kannada Venugopal and Dhenuvakonda Sriramamurthy from Advisory Board, O.L. Nagabhushana Swamy eminent Telugu read out their poems ranging from the critic and N.S. Shankar, film maker he spoke about the sentimental to the socially conscious and the human valuable archival material of Indian writers preserved predicament with great finesse. Leelakrishnan’s poem by the Akademi. on Devagandhari paid rich tributes to the great Chandrasekhar Kambar spoke on the direct translations Telugu saint composer, Thyagaraja Swami. Gnana from one Indian language to another and also highlighted Diraviyan’s poem on Advaitam and Displacement the importance of documentaries on Indian writers and gave evidence of his immense command over the magnitude of life sketches of eminent, writers which content and form. Ammangi Venugopal’s poetry, are culturally useful to not only for the writers but for rich and extremely creative in subject and content the whole society. won over the audience. O.L. Nagabhushana Swamy noted Kannada writer, The second and last session of poetry had a rich variation of expression and experience. K. Siva critic and translator gave a befitting tribute to Prof. Reddy, chaired the session and spoke extensively G.S. Shivarudrappa who is an epoch in the field of on what poetry means in a world of conflict and Kannada studies. chaos. He read out two excellent poems of his Narahalli Balasubramanya eminent critic and Convener, own. The session had one Tamil poet Kalapriya Kannada Advisory Board chaired the session. He recalled who read out short poems on various contemporary how late Shivarudappa inspired students literally and issues. P.K. Gopi and Rajan Babu, two Malayalam culturally. poets regaled the audience with their melodious N.S. Shankar, ’s film maker, narrated his rendition of their poems. The Telugu poets of this experience with Kuvempu during the film being made. session J. Bhagya Lakshmi read out her poems “Self- Kuvempu was real cultural hero of the age apart from binding”, “Director, Sir” and “Riding a Tiger” and his writing in Kannada, he opined. S.P. Mahalingeshwar, Y. Sudhakar enthralled the audience with a poem Officer in charge, proposed vote of thanks. “Father’s Daughter”, a comment on the distance The films screened on the first day were on between a father and daughter as she grows up. Shivaradurappa, Kuvempu and Thakazhi; On the second The valedictory address was presented by one day films on D. , Kamala Das and P.T. of the all time great poets of Telugu, Jnanapith Narasimhachar were screened; on the third day on Awardee, C. Narayana Reddy, who traced the , U.R. Anantha Murthy and on P.T. aesthetics of poetry and rendered one of his own Narasimhachar. recent poems. He said, “Poetry can enlighten, educate After screening of the documentaries concluding and guide different sections of people on the session began. K. Marulasiddappa, eminent critic in methodologies to be adopted to face all eventualities Kannada, Vijaya, eminent writer and theatre personality in various stages of life. It strengthens and emboldens and Krishna Masadi, film maker participated and delivered their mindset to combat with fortitude”. their expert comment on the films and the authors.

54 BENGALURU Centenary Seminar on Chaganti Somayajulu Chaso

he two day Chaganti Somayajulu In his key-note address, Kethu Vishwanatha Reddy, T (Chaso) centenary seminar was held eminent Telugu writer and critic made a masterly survey on 17 and 18 January, 2014 in Chaso’s of Chaso: his background, his evolution as a writer, the hometown Vizianagaram. The inaugural pioneering role played by him in Progressive Writers’ Movement session held on 17 January was chaired in Telugu, his literary accomplishments, his influence and his by N. Gopi, Convener of Sahitya lasting value. Akademi. Rama Rao, eminent Telugu Chaso’s stories are universal and timeless as his stories writer was the guest of honour. Kethu extremely well-rooted in the geographical, cultural, historical Vishwanatha Reddy, eminent Telugu and social reality of Kalingaandhra (north Andhra and the writer and critic and Chaganti Tulasi, adjoining districts in Orissa) region, felt Kethu. daughter of Chaso were invited as special guests. The first session of the seminar was presided over by In her introductory remarks, Chaganti Tulasi remarked U. A. Narasimha Murthy a renowned scholar and teacher. that Chaso’s centenary celebrations was an occasion to reaffirm In his introductory remarks, he said that not a single word and carry forward Chaso’s vision on the function of literature in Chaso’s stories can be ignored. and the writers’ task. On these issues, Chaso was a true K.K. Mohapatra, well-known translator and short story heir of Gurajada, the harbinger of modern literature in writer, spoke on the subject, “Understanding Chaso while Telugu. Like Gurajada, Chaso wanted to influence society Translating into English”. to move toward better state through his writings. At the Eminent Telugu poet K. Siva Reddy eloquently spoke same time, he also wanted his writings to be remembered on “Chaso as a Poetical Short Story Writer” and kept for their artistic excellence and understanding of society. N. the audience spell-bound. Chaso excelled in the art of Gopi, well-known Telugu poet and academician, said in his weaving a short story like a complex lyric poem, from the presidential remarks that Chaso’s 40 short stories reflect social beginning till the end, he said. He read and explicated many reality and the economic foundations of the society sans wonderfully evocative lines and passages from Chaso’s any overt Marxist jargon. celebrated stories. Kalipatnam Rama Rao, the 90 year old eminent short Chaganti Krishna Kumari, the younger daughter of story writer, who also hails from North Andhra, recounted Chaso, made an original presentation analyzing the use of his association with Chaso. sensory thematic elements and formal structuring in Chaso’s

N. Gopi delivering his speech. L-R: Chaganti Tulasi, Kalipatnam Rama Rao, Kethu Vishwanatha Reddy and S.P. Mahalingeshwar

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 55 stories, drawing on principles of music and visual arts, in the notion of art for art’s sake. But in the next breath, her talk titled “Music and Art in Chaso’s Stories”. deemphasized that writers should pursue their art as if they The second session on 17 January was presided by A.N. believed in that dictum, for a great social purpose can be Jagannatha Sarma, writer and editor of Navya, a popular served by art only when it is great in itself too. Telugu . Vakulabharanam Rajagopal, Suri Sitaramiah presented his study on “Portrait of historian and Associate Professor at University of Hyderabad Childhood in Chaso’s Writings”. He began by saying that spoke on the topic “Sociological Background in Chaso’s Chaso is the kind of writer who engages with every new Writings”. generation making them think, reminding them of the social While the predominant themes in the stories written in purpose of literature and creates a better understanding of the first period are poverty, hunger and social injustice, in society. In Telugu creative fiction, he was a pioneer who the second phase, he also critically dealt with social mobility infused a revolutionary activist spirit with true social awareness. and the pernicious role played by the state, the judiciary The last session was presided over by Chintakindi Srinivasa etc. Chaso’s stories are replete with valuable observations Rao, well-known writer, journalist and editor of the newspaper on new developments, both physical and social happening Public, being published from Visakhapatnam. in small towns in those decades. These could be very useful Sasisri, writer and journalist from Kadapa, presented his for writing a proper social history of Andhra, Rajagopal paper on “Brevity: Chaso’s Forte”. Although the modern said. short-story was a genre Indian literatures imbibed from “Common Ideology and Different Takes: A Comparative English, it soon became naturalized and very popular. It had Look at Chaso, Raavi Sastry and Kaa Raa” was the subject a particularly felicitous launch in Telugu, because “Diddubaatu” of the talk delivered by Sumanaspati Reddy, critic and radio considered to be the first modern short-story in the language, broadcaster. A Marxist understanding of human affairs and and written by Gurajada Appa Rao, was an amazingly a trust in the transformative efficacy of an artistic practice artistically refined and socially purposive piece, a perfect springing from such an understanding was the common example of the form. Moreover, it was written in simple, datum for Chaso, Raavi Sastry and Kaa Raa. The trio was spoken language, Sasisri pointed out. among the foremost writers to emerge from North Andhra. Aruna Kumari in her paper examined the stories of They were also contemporaries of each other and knew Chaso and pointed out how Chaso revealed with great each others’ writings quite well. precision, insight and critical irony, the immoral, exploitatitive, Ramatheertha, well-known critic, writer and translator insensitive and seemingly perverse behaviour into which from Visakhapatnam spoke on “Chaso’s Place in Telugu individuals find themselves thrown or push those around Literature” who said that he was one of the pioneers of them because of the pressures and motivations created by the progressive literary movement in Telugu in the 1940s. the social and economic situations they were caught up in. His creative output was prolific in that decade. Chaso kept A.N. Jagannatha Sarma, prominent short-story writer and himself familiar of the developments taking place in political editor of Navya, a popular Telugu literary magazine, recounted and literary arena based on Marxist ideology till end. that Chaso’s sense of humour was fearless and pungent. The day concluded with a brief ‘Retrospection’ session To differentiate between humour and satire as found in in which Penugonda Lakshminarayana, Secretary of All India Chaso’s stories is a tough task, he said. Progressive Writers’ Association and President of its A.P. Attada Appalanaidu, a leading short-story writer’s paper, unit, reminisced Chaso’s association with Progressive Writers’ on “Language and Style in Chaso’s Writings” described Chaso, Association in Andhra in 1943 at Tenali. a unique writer who rendered the beauty and ugliness and K. Malleswari, story writer and well-known feminist critic the joy and sadness in the lives of people of all sections from Visakhapatnam, presented the first paper on “The and castes of a region, using their idiom and intonations, Regional and the Universal in Chaso’s Writings” at the third also achieved universality by virtue of his narrative craft. session. The session was presided over by Suri Sitaramiah At the ‘Reintrospection’ session Cheekati Divakar, termed (or Ramasuri), a life-long student and admirer of Chaso, the seminar an important literary event. G.S. Chalam, a writer and a retired lecturer of . and avid fan of Chaso, read out a review of the day’s “Aesthetic Outlook in Chaso’s Stories” was the subject proceedings. Chaganti Tulasi, the coordinator of the seminar of Kakumaani Srinivasa Rao, a Telugu scholar and critic from and N. Gopi, Convener of Sahitya Akademi proposed a Vijayawada. Chaso’s unique merit was out rightly rejecting vote of thanks.

56 BENGALURU Impact of Sangam Symposium Literature on Modern K. Bhaskaran Nair’s Birth Centenary Celebration 28 February 2014 Chennai K.P. Aravanan, former Vice Chancellor Manonmaniam Sundaranar University who chaired the Forum traced the history of Hebrew language, its re-incarnation as the modern official language of Israel. He also compared the long history of Greek and Chinese literature with Sangam literature. V. Arasu spoke that the themes and techniques of Sangam literature that are compatible to modernity and contemporary ideas. The lyrical poetry, narration, description of nature and the M. Leelavathy speaking. K.S. Ravikumar and M. Thomas Mathew on the dias common feelings fundamental to the humanity are features of Sangam ahitya Akademi in Association with In the first session on “Dr. K. Bhaskaran literature that are followed in modern SDepartment of Malayalam, Sree Nair’s Literary Criticism”, Valsalan literature also. Shankaracharya University of Sanskrit Vathussery chaired. Eminent critic in K. Ganesan described the special Kalady organised a one day symposium Malayalam, K.P. Sankaran presented his features of Paththuppattu (10 idylls); in connection with the birth centenary of paper. He illustrated the uniqueness of the Ettuthogai (8 collected works) and Pathinen the writer Dr. K. Bhaskaran Nair on 16 prose style of Dr. K. Bhaskaran Nair. In Kilkanakku (18 didactic works). Science January 2014 at the university campus his paper, M.R. Raghava Warier revealed and modernity are creating new thought at Kalady, Kerala. the cosmic vision and scientific attitude K.S. Ravikumar, General Council of Bhaskaran Nair. In the next paper, S.S. processes and new genres. The evolution Member, Sahitya Akademi welcomed the Sreekumar well illustrated and analyzed the has taken the local literature to the global gathering. M. Leelavathy, veteran writings of K. Bhaskaran Nair on the novels perspective. Nationalism, feminism, Malayalam critic inaugurated the of C.V. Raman Pillai. N. Ajayakumar globalization, social equity are the new symposium. In her inaugural address, she presented the aspects of the poetic studies themes. The simplicity in diction and said that K. Bhaskaran Nair maintained of Dr. K. Bhaskaran Nair in his brilliant style, directness in modern creations strong beliefs and convictions. As a literary paper. reflect the impact of Sangam literature. critic he believed in the aesthetic aspects The second session was chaired by Aranga Ramalingam analysed literary of literary works. As a science writer, he K.V. Dileep Kumar. The session concentrated principles and theory that shaped Sangam believed in the morality of science. He on the science writings of Dr. K. Bhaskaran could pump new energy into the world Nair. In the first paper Kavumbai literature and modern literature. He dwelt of Malayalam literary criticism by engaging Balakrishnan told that, Dr. Bhaskaran Nair on the literature as a mirror of life. He in debates with his contemporary critics, represents the second phase of the science spoke on Silappadikaram and its modern Dr. Leelavathy said. writings in Malayalam. He added that Dr. interpretations. He mentioned that the Thomas Mathew, veteran Malayalam Bhaskaran Nair gave seriousness and celebrated novelist and scholar Mu. critic in his key-note address said that the beauty to science writings in Malayalam. Varadharajan wrote a novel Paavai which basic aspect of the literary criticism of Dr. In his paper K.B. Prasanna Kumar contained the ‘Agam’ literary theory of K. Bhaskaran Nair was the conviction on expressed the contradictions and Tolkappiyam. He quoted the plays the autonomy of art. At the same time, complexities of the writings of Dr. K. Cherathandavam, Pisiranthaiyar, Veerathaai he made the attempts to know the secretes Bhaskaran Nair as a literary critic and of nature by the way of science. His science science writer. In his paper, Jeevan Job and others. The presentation discourse writings are very brilliant due to its scientific Thomas pointed out the vision and was followed by lively discussion. A value and artistic style. Bhaskaran Nair’s approach of Dr. K. Bhaskaran Nair as large number of scholars and writers prose style is very unique and pleasant, a science writer in the view of the science participated in the programme. he said. writer of 21st century.

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 57 Seminar Literary Forum Programmes Classical Status of Malayalam: Translators’ Meet Present and Future 7 March 2014, Chennai

ahitya Akademi, in association with the Department of SMalayalam, conducted a one day seminar on ‘Classical Status of Malayalam: Present and Future’ on 6 January 2014 at Malayalam Department Seminar Hall, Kariavattom Campus, . C. Radhakrishnan, Convener, Malayalam Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi in his inaugural address stated that Malayalam should be made in the educational institutions in Kerala. Malayalam must strictly be used in day to day life especially in administration. Malayalam has to develop a new and advanced online dictionary for its translation. The keynote address was delivered by K. Jayakumar, Vice-Chancellor, Literary Forum in Progress Malayalam University. He said that the declaration of Malayalam as a classical language creates a great cultural feeling in our society. Poet Murugusundaram The presidential address was delivered by C. R. Prasad, 15 March 2014. Member, Malayalam Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi who said that Malayalam language is capable of accommodating any innovative literature without losing its essence. Putussery Ramachandran and Joly Jacob gave felicitation address. “The primary objective of Malayalam University is to codify the various research works in Malayalam”, said Putussery Ramachandran. Joly Jacob said that the teachers and researchers are responsible for the waning of Malayalam language and hence this is the time for self analysis. The welcome speech was delivered by S.P. Mahalingeshwar, Officer-in-charge, Sahitya Akademi, Bengaluru. The first session of the programme was chaired by M. A. Siddique. Naduvattom Gopalakrishnan presented a paper Kalpana delivering her speech on “Classical Status of Malayalam Language.” “Kerala Culture in Sangham Period” was the topic discussed by . He talked about the capability of Malayalam words with reference Tamil Dialects and Literature to Sangam Literature in Tamil. Sheeba M. Kurian chaired the second session. C. R. 28 March 2014, Puducherry Rajagopalan gave a brief note on “Cultural Perspective of Orality”. His paper gave emphasis on digitalization of oral tradition and folk taxonomy. Later, Anil Vallathol presented a paper in “Rhetorics and Poetic Language in Ancient Literature”. He pointed out that the rhetorics in ancient literature and imagery in modern literature go parallel. Vidhu Narayan made a power point presentation on “Future of Malayalam in Language Computing”. He made the audience aware of the challenges and opportunities of Malayalam computing. Sunitha T. V. discussed about “Cyber Malayalam”. She distinguished literature in cyber media and cyber media in literature. P. Mohanachandran Nair chaired the valedictory session. The valedictory address was given by K. S. Ravikumar, General Ravindran delivering his speech. Council Member, Sahitya Akademi. L-R: Sundara Murugan, Sambath, Jeyapirakasam and Kothandaraman

58 BENGALURU “Navayugam”, respectively. Krishna Symposium defined “Pipasi” as a poem of self purgation based on Gandhian philosophy. Centenary of Pala Venkatasubbaiah Dr. Venkataiah defined “Bhagyamathi” as a reformative and progressive poem ala Venkatasubbaiah was a prolific Katta Narasimhulu in which three papers since it has proposed inter-caste marriage Pwriter, poet, novelist, short story were presented. M. Ravi Kumar, G. and eradication of caste system. Nagaraju writer and critic both in Telugu and Parvathi and G. Ravi Kumar presented introduced the novel Navayugam on socio- English. their paper on “Anuthapam”, political grounds and defined as a dalit N. Eswara Reddy welcomed the “Mushtivadu”, “Seelavathi” and novel. He said that the novel has strongly gathering and said the idea of organizing “Amarajeevi Bapuji” respectivley. Katta propagated the education as a solution this symposium is to respect and evaluate Narasimhulu explained the poetic for dalit problem. a dalit writer, who was ignored all these excellence of the poet and his personal P. Sanjeevamma chaired the days. He introduced the life of the experiences with him. Prof. Kumar valedictory session in which Sasi Sri author through the recitation of his described “Anuthapam” a philosophical delivered valedictory address and P. poems. G. Balasubrahmanyam delivered and “Mushtivadu” as a realistic poem. Devi, the daughter of Pala a thought provoking key-note speech He saw the self criticism in the first invited as special guest. Sanjeevamma on the writer. He said though the writer poem and social criticism in the second. appreciated the organizers for honouring was an ideologist, he never forgot ground Dr. Parvathi analyzed “Seelavathi” as a a dalit writer through a symposium and realities of his contemporary society and reflection of women who fought against said that the writer was a dignified he could easily intertwine the content dacoits, once upon a time in Kadapa personality both as a politician and as and form in a suitable manner. He urged district and said this is a poem on a a writer and never begged anybody for the public to pay attention at least particular incident. anything. Sri Sasi Sri shared his experiences now to study the valuable literature of The third session was chaired by with ‘Pala’ and explained some of his ‘Pala’. Hari Krishna. The papers were presented literary beauties like construction of plot, Rachapalem Chandrashekhara Reddy characterization in novels and poetic who delivered his address exhorted the by T. Venkataiah and P. Nagaraju publishers to publish the writing of Pala on “Pipasi”, “Bhagyamathi” and style. Venkatasubbaiah to make them available to the Telugu readers. The first session was chaired by M. Sampathkumar, M.M. Vinodhini and M. Mallikarjuna Reddy submitted papers on his works “Paramadarshini”, “Malliswari” and “Anila Sandesam” respectively. Sampath Kumar analyzed “Paramadarshini” (1945) as a didactic poem and opined that one can see the influence of Vemana and Jashuva on the poet. Vinodhini described “Malliswari” (1956) as a historical tragic poem and explained the concept of beauty of the poet. Dr. Reddy introduced “Anil Sandesam” as a poem of message. This was the result of the influences by and Jashuva. He felt sad that the poet and his writings are miserably neglected all these years. L-R: G. Balasubramanyam, Penugonda Lakshminarayana and Rachapalem Chandrashekhara Reddy The second session was chaired by

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 59 Centenary Symposium Narichetna S.V. Parameshwara Bhatta 18 January 2014, Chennai

ahitya Akademi in collaboration path by others but he made a distinct Sahitya Akademi organised a Swith S.V. Parameshwara Bhatta way of his own through his creative Narichetna programme on 18 January Centenary Memorial Committee, writing, translation and speeches. Though 2014 at Chennai Book Fair. K. organized a one day Centenary he looked simple, however, he was the Nachimuthu, Convenor, Tamil Symposium on S.V. Parameshwara most popular and an extraordinary Advisory Board moderated the Bhatta, one of the doyens of modern personality. programme. He informed about Kannada literature on 8 February Vivek Rai in his key-note address Sahitya Akademi’s schemes in general 2014 at Sri Dharmasthala described how Prof. Bhatta became a and also about the role of women Manjunatheshwara B.B.M. College cultural ambassador in the coastal district writers and poets in particular. Auditorium, Mangalore. where he came as Director of Kannada Thilakavathy, Sahitya Akademi Award Eminent writer Erya Post-Graduate Centre in 1968. His winner chaired the programme and Lakshminarayana Alva chaired the continuous experimental ventures are mentioned that women writers should inaugural session. T.V. Venkatachala unique in modern Kannada literary history. use dignified style and should be role Shastry, eminent scholar and Akademi’s He also highlighted the immense models to the upcoming young Bhasha Samman Awardee inaugurated contribution of Prof. Bhatta as a poet. generation. the symposium. B.A. Vivek Rai, eminent He was a guiding force to Kannada Porkalai well-known poet recited folklorist and former Vice-Chancellor literary lovers of his time. a few of her poems. Aranga Mallika, of , delivered Damodara Shetty, Member, Kannada Murugan, Kalpana and others key-note address. Advisory Board in his introductory participated in the programme. S.P. Mahalingeshwar, Officer-in- remarks profusely thanked Akademi for Charge, Sahitya Akademi Bengaluru organising such a literary fest on rare welcomed all the dignitaries and the celebrity of modern Kannada who was Literary Forum audience who came from all over the so popular among common folk. . T.V. Venkatachala Shastry in In the following session C.N. Short-Story Reading his inaugural address gave huge tributes Ramachandran chaired while AV Navada to his guru, S.V. Parameshwara Bhatta. and Rajashekharappa presented their Kalaiselvi, Angarai Bhairavi, Pattali He said Prof. Bhatta did not tread the papers. and Sembai Muruganandham presented their short-stories at Thiruchirappali. Eminent Tamil scholars Kaliyamoorthy, Rathika and Dhanalakshmi Baskaran analysed the stories presented in the programme.

Story Reading

Eminent short-story writers Vaiyavan, Muhilai Raja Pandian, Bharathi Balan, Muhilson and Priyasaki presented their short stories at the Reading Programme held at Presidency College, Chennai.

C.N. Ramchandran delivering his speech. L-R: A.V. Navada and B. Rajashekharappa

60 BENGALURU Symposium Literary Forum Programmes C.L. Antony Birth Centenary Celebration Narichetna 14 March 2014, Bengaluru A symposium on ‘Grammatical Studies in Malayalam’ was organized by Sahitya Akademi in Association with the Department of Malayalam, Sree Shankaracharya University of Sanskrit at Kalady on 20 February 2014 in connection with the Birth Centenary Celebration of C.L. Antony. Eminent Malayalam writer and literary critic M. Leelavathy inaugurated the symposium. In her inaugural address Dr. Leelavathy mentioned that C.L. Antony’s works in the field of grammatical studies in Malayalam are very significant. Among them the interpretations on Kannada writers P. Chandrika, Anajali Ramanna, B.V. Bharathi, Keralapanineeyam, the most accepted N. Sandhya and Spoorthi participated in the programme book written by A.R. Rajaraja Varma is the most prominent one. She also remembered the qualities of Narichetna C.L. Antony as a teacher and a research guide in 8 March 2014, Chennai Malayalam, from her personal experience. M. Thomas Mathew a student of C.L. Antony at Maharajas College, expressed his personal memories with him. He told that C.L. Antony was very meticulous and analytical in his works on grammatical studies and also in the day to day life. Scaria Zacharia delivered the keynote address. He mentioned that C.L. Antony made a new approach to the grammatical studies in Malayalam by his studies on Keralapanineeyam. The first session was chaired by K.S. Ravikumar. T.B. Venugopala presented the paper on “Notes on Keralapanineeyam to Keralapanineeya Bhashyam”. He mentioned Umad Devi, Amarantha and C.V. Geetha took part in the that C.L. Antony’s studies were the continuation of the programme studies of L.V. Ramaswami Ayyar on Malayalam grammar. In the next paper presented by N. Srinathan, he emphasized On Language that C.L. Antony developed the way of study in grammar 14 March 2014, Calicut from that of the facts to theory. K.V. Sasi in his paper argued that C.L. Antony is basically footed in the social aspects of language in his grammatical studies. In the second session, Sunil P. Elayidam chaired the session. C.R. Prasad presented the paper on “Word and Meaning”. He pointed out that the basic character of the language is its changeability. C.L. Antony’s studies are always based on this aspect. Joseph K. Job mentioned that C.L. Antony’s studies are based on the social dimension of language. In his theory of Transition of Language, C.L. Antony had emphatically noted the self of Malayalam L-R: Pradeepon Pampirikunnu, T.B. Venugopalap Panikker, language. Sreenatham, P.N. Raghavan and K.P. Ravi

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 61 Symposium North East and Southern Writers’ Meet Children’s Literature in Malayalam ahitya Akademi in association with the struggles faced by the writers from ahitya Akademi organised a two day SDepartment of Malayalam, N.S.S. publishers, who are not ready to accept SNorth East and Southern Writers Hindu College, Changanacherry any innovative change in writing. Famous Meet at YVS Murty auditorium, Andhra conducted a symposium on Children’s writer Sipply Pallipuram presented a University Engineering College premises, Literature in Malayalam on 19 February paper on children’s poetry through reciting Visakhapatnam on 29 and 30 of March, 2014. C.R. Prasad, Member, Malayalam some poems by notable writers. He 2014. Some forty five writers from Advisory Board welcomed the selected some poems from Kerala’s folk eleven states participated in the fete that participants and gathering. K.S. tradition also. Radhika C. Nair talked extended to poetry reading, story Ravikumar, General Council Member, about certain errors in some translated presentation, writers interacting on the inaugurated the symposium, which was works. She introduced famous subject “Why do I Write” and critical presided by the N. Jagadish Chandran, translations of children’s literature also. review of the contemporary literary Principal of the N.S.S. College. K.S. Ushasri explained the possibilities of scene in the four southern states, and Ravikumar explained the historical blogs and other electronic media in the north east as a whole segment. importance of children’s literature from field of children’s literature. She noted Kalipatnam Ramarao, noted Telugu the period of the work Balaramayanam that these possibilities are widely used writer in his inaugural address said that, to the modern era, in his inaugural by Malayali women in various parts of such exchanges of literature help the speech. Prabhakaran Pazhasi, who did the world. S.R. Lal presented a paper people and writers of different languages, his doctoral thesis in children’s literature, on novel and children’s literature. He to develop fair understanding of specified on the psychological approach explained the themes and styles in literature and also about writers of which is essential for the works for important novels for children in different languages. Addressing the well children of various age groups, in his Malayalam. attended Meet of lovers of literature key-note address. C.R. Prasad and George Joseph K. and writers, G.S.N. Raju, Vice-Chancellor, This was followed by five important were the moderators of the symposium Andhra University was the chief guest papers. K. Sreekumar said that the which was divided into two sessions. who expressed his satisfaction over the children’s literature should be presented Vote of thanks was given by S. writers’ conglemeration and their in way to satisfy the change of society , Head of the Department interactives in an electronic era. He mentioned about of Malayalam. K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, proposing a formal welcome address spoke on the diversified nature of the programmes of Sahitya Akademi, and hoped that with good response, Akademi would be planning more activities in the region. Member representing Telugu in the Executive Board of the Akademi, N. Gopi who presided over fondly remembered the great stalwarts of literature from the region like Gurajada, who heralded the modern era in Telugu literature, Sri Sri and Rachakonda Vishwanatha Sastry, whose contributions gave impetus to Telugu literature as a whole with great dynamism and freshness. Sipply Pallipuram presenting his paper

62 BENGALURU KOLKATA

National Seminar Indian Renaissance and Its Impact on Contemporary Writings

dealt with renaissance in India as a whole and influence on the Maithili literature. He also highlighted the social reforms, birth of new classicism and the need of the different classes of the society. The topic of Sri Singh’s paper was “Nineteenth Century Indian Renaissance: Its Impact on the Development of Manipuri Literature”. Smt Mahapatra’s paper entitled “The Nineteenth Century Renaissance and Its Effect on Contemporary Literature” gave the perspectives of renaissance trends in L-R: Goutam Paul, , Bhalchandra Nemade, Karabi Deka Hazarika, three languages,in Assamese, Bengali and Ramkumar Mukhopadhyay and Arpana Konwar Odia, mainly influenced by the European Renaissance. The title of Dr Chakravarty’s ahitya Akademi organized a national on Laxminath’s connection with Bengal. paper was “Nineteenth Century Indian seminar on ‘Nineteenth Century Nagen Saikia, eminent Assamese S Renaissance and Contemporary Bengali Indian Renaissance and Its Impact on scholar and the chief guest analyzed the Literature”. In her paper she traced how Contemporary Writings’ on the occasion manifold characteristics of the great the major Bengali figures like Rangalal of 150th birth anniversary of Laxminath personality Laxminath and his greatest Bandyopadhyay, Hemraj Bandyopadhyay Bezbaroa in collaboration with contribution towards , and Nabin Chandra Sen were influenced Department of Assamese, Dibrugarh culture and society. He also highlighted by English education and Western writers University, on 12 and 13 February 2014 the impact of Bengal renaissance on and how they have adapted the Western at the University campus, Assam. Bezbaroa. style of writing but with complete Indian In the inaugural session, the welcome Karabi Deka Hazarika, Convener, address was delivered by Gautam Paul. Assamese Advisory Board, while concept and nationalism. Introductory address was delivered by speaking from the chair, stressed on the In the second session, paper readers Arpana Konwar, who said that Bezbaroa importance of the comparative study were Khemraj Nepal, Mamoni Gogoi contributed a lot for establishing the of the impact of renaissance in various Borgohain (jointly with Swati Kiran), modernity in nineteenth century Indian Indian languages. The vote of thanks Pallavi Deka Buzarboruah and Papori literature. was proposed by Goswami with Nava Kumar Handique The seminar was inaugurated by Satyakam Borthakur Bhalchandra Nemade, veteran Marathi at the end of the fiction writer. He spoke on certain inaugural session. parameters that help to analyze the In the first colonial period in India and their impact session, paper on Indian psychological set-up. readers were The key-note address was delivered Ashoke Kumar Jha by Ramkumar Mukhopadhyay, ‘Avichal’, Irom Convener, Bengali Advisory Board, Rabindra Singh, Sahitya Akademi. He emphasized on the Manorama Biswal efforts which we should make for Mahapatra and Smt. searching the truth and he inspired by Chakravarty with the great personalities like Ramakrishna, Nandita Basu in the H. Behari Singh speaking from the chair Vivekananda and Laxminath. He stressed chair. Sri Jha’s paper along with the participants of the seminar

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 63 in the chair. The topic of Sri Nepal’s paper was “Bezbaroa Foundation Day Celebrations and His Contemporary Nepali Journalism”. Enumerating 12 March 2014, Kolkata. the Nepali journals, he said that the journals introduced romanticism in . The topic of the paper jointly presented by Smt Borgohain and Smt Kiran was “Romanticism in Laxminath Bezboroa’s Poetry”. In the paper, they dwelt on two books of Bezbaroa, Padumkali and Kadamkali, which introduced romanticism in Assamese poetry. The topic of Smt Buzarboruah’s paper was “Laxminath Bezbaroa: A Spirit of the 19th Century Assamese Literature (Rooted in the Autobiography of Laxminath Bezbaroa)”. Papori Goswami’s paper was on “Indian Renaissance and Its Impact on Contemporary Indian Society”. She discussed the writings of , , Participant Biswanath Garai, Syed Hasmat Jalal, Manabendra ‘Nirala’ and . Bandyopadhyay, Subrata Mukhopadhyay and Sekhar Banerjee In the third session, Arindam Borkataki, Arpana Konwar, Jayanta Kumar Borah and Subasana Mahanta Choudhury Aviskar: Rekha Surya with H. Behari Singh, Convener, Manipuri Advisory Board, 1 March 2014, Kolkata Sahitya Akademi, in the chair. Sri Borkataki in his paper Rekha Surya presented Hindustani light classical songs along “Nineteenth Century Indian Renaissance and Its Impact on with her team written by Amir Khusro, , Kabir and Assamese Mind,” spoke on the writers who were influenced others in different styles with lecture-demonstration. by Indian Renaissance, referring to Anandaran D. Phukan, Gunabhiram Baruah and Hemchandra Baruah. Arpana Konwar’s paper on “Indian Renaissance in the Nineteenth Century: The Question of Social Reform and Contemporary Assamese Literature”, presented the historical perspectives of Indian Renaissance. Jayant Kumar Borah’s paper on “Social Movement of Iswarchandra Vidyasagar in the Backdrop of the Nineteenth Century Indian Renaissance and Its Reflection in the Contemporary Assamese Drama” made a survey on Assamese plays right from its first Assamese social drama entitled Raam Navami. The fourth paper of the session was jointly presented by Subasana Mahanta Choudhury and Nabakumar Chamua. The topic of the paper Rekha Surya singing Hindustani light classical song was “Impact of Indian Renaissance on 19th Century Assamese Journals”. While discussing, the paper-readers referred to Meet the Author four journals in particular – Orunodoi, Asam Bandhu, Mou and Manindra Gupta, eminent Bengali poet participated Jonaki. All the journals were highly influenced by the renaissance 27 March, New Delhi form and content. All of the sessions were followed by interactions. The valedictory address was delivered by Ananda Bormudoi and the chairperson was Kailash Patnayak. In his speech, Prof Bormudoi focused on romantic as well as the humanistic aspects in the poems of Laxminath Bezbaroa and Chandrakumar Agarwal. He also referred to the aesthetic and humanitarian values inherent in the works of Jyotiprasad Agarwala. He referred to the pioneers of renaissance in Bengali, Odia and Assamese society. At the end of the seminar Satyakam Borthakur proposed the vote of thanks.

64 KOLKATA National Seminar cum Workshop Translation and Assamese Literature: History and Theory

ahitya Akademi organized a national seminar cum workshop History of Translation in Assam.” The session came to an Son ‘Translation and Assamese Literature: History and end with lots of introspection and venturing in to some Theory’ on 7-8 March 2014 at the Department of Humanities into areas and new thoughts. and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, The theme of the panel discussion of first day was in collaboration with , New Delhi and “Translation in Assamese: History and Practice – II”. The the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian session was chaired by Madan Mohan Sarmah, Tezpur Institute of Technology. University. There were three speakers in the session Tilottama The inaugural session on first day of the seminar started Misra, formerly of Dibrugarh University, M. Asaduddin of with a welcome address by Rohini Mokashi Punekar, from Jamia Milia Islamia and Nirmal Kanti Bhattacharjee, former IIT Guwahati gave an insightful speech on the theme of Regional Secretary, Sahitya Akademi Kolkata. the seminar. M. Asaduddin, from Jamia Millia Islamia gave On the second day of the national seminar started on the introductory remarks saying that the history of literary the topic entitled “Translating Culture” with M. Asaduddin translation has hardly been given its due importance. The in the chair. Sanjib Kr. Baishya, Professor from University session was chaired by Basudev Chatterji, Chairman, ICHR of Delhi, presented his paper entitled “Translation of and the key-note address was given by Ranjit Kr. Dev Shakespeare’s Plays into Assamese: a Brief Survey.” The Goswami, Gauhati University. paper tried to draw a trajectory of Shakespeare’s plays The first session was chaired by Krishna Barua, IIT translated/adapted into Assamese throughout the late Guwahati. The speakers of the session were Madan Mohan nineteenth century to the present time. He examined the Sarma, Professor, Tezpur University, Manjeet Baruah, Assistant paradigm shifts in the history of Assamese theatre through Professor, JNU, New Delhi, and Shalim Hussain, Jamia Millia the prism of translated plays and also commented upon Islamia, New Delhi. Prof. Sarma delivered his talk mainly the methods and the problems faced by the translators in on his observation on the strategies followed by the translator the process. Arzuman Ara, from the English and Foreign on his course of translation. His paper was entitled “Translation Languages University, Shillong, presented the paper “Inter- of the Bible into Assamese: Strategies Adopted and Language semiotic and Cultural Translation in Media”. The paper Used in Dharmapustak.” Manjeet Baruah focused mainly on the translated works of Bishnu Prasad Rabha, a multifaceted artist and revolutionary singer of Assam. His paper on “Translation, Culture and Peasant Movement of Assam” highlighted mainly on the objective of throwing light on two kinds of politics Rabha was engaged in. The third and the final speaker of the session was Shalim M Hussain. The speaker mainly tried to pose some questions through his research work regarding the authentication of some translated works whose publication dates and the authorship of the same. His paper was on “Gaps and Contradictions in the Sources of Nirmal Kanti Bhattacharjee speaking. M. Asaduddin, Bamdev Chatterjee and others

76 KOLKATA JANUARY-MARCH 2014 65 focused on how media is often contested as a mode of People and the Books inter-semiotic translation. The third paper was presented by J.B. Patnaik freelance writer Komoruzzaman Ahmed. His paper was on A veteran politician and Governor of Assam participated. “Translations of Islamic Texts to Assamese” which looks 4 January 2014 in Bhubaneswar into the beginning of Islamic writings in Assamese and its history of translation. The final paper of this session was presented by Prasun Barman. His paper was titled “Translation from Bengali to Assamese Language: An Evolving Story.” His paper focused on Bengali to Assamese translation from 1877 to 2000, the historical contexts of translations from colonial to post-colonial era and the translations by Government cultural agencies and independent efforts. The second session of the day was chaired by Nirmal Kanti Bhattacharjee. The speakers of the session were Pradip Acharya, former Professor of Cotton College and Bibhash Choudhury, Associate Professor, Gauhati University. Prof. J.B. Patnaik speaking and Sitakanta Mahapatra with him Acharya mainly concentrated his discussion in the main Mulakat with Bengali Writers purpose of the translation work. He considered the purpose 27 February 2014, Kolkata. of translation as purely ‘evangelical’ and ‘ethical’, which he The participant writers Chandrani Bandyopadhyay, Debajyoti again refutes back as an ‘export’ ‘import’ business. Bibhash Mukhopadhyay and Swagata Dasgupta presented their poems Choudhury remarks on Ajit Baruah, who has to his credit and Binod Ghoshal and Jhumur Pande read out their short Sahitya Akademi and the Assam Valley Literary Awards. His stories. talk on translation is that ‘translation from translation is not acceptable.’ The third session of the day was on the topic of “Translation and Politics of Gender.” Three speakers presented papers on the theme – Garima Kalita (Cotton College), Banani Chakravarty (Gauhati University) and Hemjyoti Medhi (Tezpur University). Garima Kalita talked about translation as translocation. She brought in the translated work of Tilottama Mishra’s Ram Navami which was extensively criticized and did not reach the common readers due to lack of awareness and venturing attitude. The second speaker Banani Loka: The Many Voices Chakravarty referred to the Assamese magazine Ghor Jeuti 17-18 January 2014, West Bengal which made a special note on shaping a ‘contemporary woman’. Hemjyoti Medhi talked about Chandraprabha Saikia ‘Loka: The Many Voices’ programme was held at Durgapur, and her revolutionary zeal to build a platform for the woman West Bengal. The performances included folk dances, ‘Rava’ of her time. Rohini Mokashi-Punekar was in the chair of dance of Jalpaiguri and ‘’ dance of Murshidabad. this session. The fourth and the last session of the second day of the seminar were entitled “Translation and Colonial Interventions”, the theme of the session. The session was chaired by Basudev Chatterji (IIT, Guwahati). There were two speakers for the session, Arupjyoti Saikia of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT, Guwahati, and Chandan Kumar Sarma from Dibrugarh University. The concluding remarks were given by M. Asaduddin.

66 KOLKATA Asmita with Bengali Women Writers 150th Birth Anniversary Seminar 24 February 2014, Kolkata Ramendrasundar Trivedi

ahitya Akademi organized a one-day seminar on SRamendrasundar Trivedi on the occasion of his 150th birth anniversary on 6 March 2014 at its office auditorium in Kolkata. The inaugural address was delivered by Alok Ray, a noted Bengali thinker and scholar who mentioned that Trivedi wrote poems in the early stage of his life, the major Rusati Sen, Popri Gangopadhyay, Sebanti Ghosh, part of his works consisted of science-based writings. Krishna Basu and Tripti Santra In his key-note address, Partha Ghosh, a noted researcher The participants of the Asmita programme with Bengali writers and scientist, informed that Trivedi’s major interest was in included Krishna Basu, Papri Gangopadhyay, Sebanti Ghosh literature and history, though he later chose science. He also and Tripti Santra. The programme was chaired by Rusati Sen. worked on physiological and geographical terminology. Ramkumar Mukhopadhyay, while speaking from the chair, Bengali Short Story Reading informed the audience about some of the key events of 9 January 2014, Kolkata Trivedi’s time. In the first session, Bidyendu Mohan Dev and Ashish Lahiri presented papers on the topic of “In Search of the Origins of Science and Philosophy of Ramendrasundar Trivedi” and “Ramendrasundar Trivedi: Perception of Science” respectively. In the second session Abhra Ghosh and Pabitra Sarkar, noted Bengali scholars presented papers on the topics on “Ramendrasundar Trivedi as a guide of Parishad” and “Ramendrasundar Trivedi: Linguistics and Grammar” respectively. In his paper, Sri Ghosh spoke on the role of L-R: Puspal Mukhopadhyay, Ramkumar Mukhopadhyay, Ramendrasundar in building up the Bangiyo Sahitya Parishad Samaresh Majumdar and Jaya Mitra The writers invited to participate in the programme were whose guidance the Parishad did many path-breaking works Jaya Mitra, Puspal Mukhopadhyay and Samaresh Majumder. including collection of ancient manuscripts, recording of Ramkumar Mukhopadhayay. Bengali Poetry Festival 22-23 March 2014, West Bengal.

Participant poets, Soumitra Mitra, Srijata, Angshuman Kar Alok Raj delivering the inaugural address. and Debesh Thakur L-R: Partha Ghosh and Ramkumar Mukhopadhyay

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 67 geographical information, translations etc. Symposium For Trivedi, one should not look into language and culture from different Tribal Writer and Assamese Literature perspectives. Trivedi tried his best to collect materials related to the history ahitya Akademi organized a a paper on language from a linguistic and evolution of Bengalis as a collective Ssymposium on ‘Tribal Writer and point of view. Ngi Pethon Gohain identity. Assamese Liteature’ in on 14 February presented his paper on the Tai Phake Prof. Sarkar, laid emphasis on the 2014 at Namphake village, Naharkatia, language and its diverse cultural traditions thoughts of Ramendrasundar regarding Assam. and Banwang Losu spoke on Wangsho grammar and terminology. Bengali Inaugural address was delivered by language and its script which was language has many dialectical variations. Kandarpa Kumar Deka, former Vice- developed by their own people and also But Trivedi tried to see a complete Chancellor of Dibrugarh University. the orthography of the language. portrait of Bengali language. He discussed Introductory speech was delivered by Bhimkanta Baruah was in the chair. some aspects of the language in detail. Atanu Bhattacharyya, Akademi Assamese In the second session, paper readers Those aspects included onomatopoeia, Advisory Board Member. He highlighted were Chikari Tiss, Phozet Nong Wa and case, morphology and terminology. the scripts and perspectives of the literary Maniram Sonowal with Aicheing Hun In the third session, Mou Dasgupta traditions of the tribal languages. Weing Ken in the chair. Sonowal, in his presented a paper on ‘Ramendrasundar Jyanapal Mahathero, the guest of paper spoke on the writings of the Trivedi: Sanskrit Works.’ Prof. Dasgupta, honour traced the history of tribal Sonowal Kachari tribe as well as their Professor of Sanskrit, University of Assamese literature. In his speech, culture and tradition. Sri Wa, in his paper, Calcutta, explaind the context of the Phanindra Kumar Dev Choudhury, spoke on the problems and difficulties translation of ‘Oitoreya Brahman’ by opined that Tai Phake writers’ of survival of the culture, tradition Ramendrasundar. In this translation, contribution open a new horizon of and language of the Nokte community Ramendrasundar’s scientific bent of mind new socio-cultural possibilities, beauty which is oral and not written. Sri Tiss is traceable. He used simple, short and and the happiness of the tribal world. spoke on the oral tradition of Karbi logical sentences in this translation. Prof. The key-note address was delivered community of Karbi Anglong. Another Dasgupta also read out some samples by Paim Thee Gohain, noted writer and speaker Am Chon Gohain spoke on of this translation and compared this journalist.Karabi Deka Hazarika, while the folk literature of the Tai Phake translation with other such attempts by speaking from the chair, referred to the community. She also demonstrated European scholars. He also once delivered social customs, culture and literary some folk songs of this genre. In the some lectures on vedic jagnas in the tradition of Tai Phake. valedictory session, the valedictory University of Calcutta which was latter In the first session paper readers address was delivered by Santanu published in the form of five essays were Ong Sing Shyam. He presented Tamuli. in Sahitya magazine. Prof. Bhattacharya in his paper on ‘Ramendrasundar Trivedi: A Synthetic Interpretation’ emphasized on the way Trivedi wrote on topics related to science. In his science-based writings, Trivedi adopted two types of language. One is about the facts of science and the other is about the way in which scientific matters are narrated. Ramendrasundar applied the notion towards science to the life-style. He referred to the concept of Prakriti in the sense of Sankhya philosophy. He tried to explain the nature of truth as explained in scientific Satyakam Borthakur speaking. L-R: Gautam Paul, Kandarpa Kr. Deka, writings. Karabi Deka Hazarika, Phanindra Kr. Deb Choudhury and Atanu Bhattacharya

68 KOLKATA Narichetana: Women Writers’ Meet 8 March 2014, Kolkata The participants of the programme were Binata Raychoudhuri, Chaitali Chattopadhyay, Kaberi Raychoudhuri, Mitul Dutta and Tilottama Majumdar with Gopa Dutta Bhowmik, former Vice-Chancellor, University of Gour Banga, in the chair. All the invitees were noted Bengali writers. The writers read out from their works. The programme ended with the comments on the works presented by the writers by Manasiz Majumdar, noted critic. Karabi Deka Hazarika introducing the poets at the Meet North East Poets’ Meet

North-East Poets’ Meet was organised by Sahitya AAkademi and Sabda Saikshik Nyas on 22 January 2014 at Book Fair, Jorhat, Assam. The inaugural session of the Meet was chaired by Karabi Deka Hazarika, Convener, Assamese Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi. Ujjal Powgam, President, Sabda Saikshik Nyas, introduced the dignitaries and the poets. Santanoo Tamuly, Member, Assamese Advisory Board gave his welcome speech. Kutubuddin Ahmed inaugurated the programme and spoke briefly on the present scenario of poetry in the languages of North-East. L-R: Tilottama Majumdar, Kaberi Raychoudhuri, Chaitali Chattopadhyay, Gopa Dutta Bhowmik, Binata Raychoudhuri and Mitul Dutta The reading session was moderated by Santanoo Tamuly. Poets who participated in the session were Biman Kumar Foundation Day Celebrations Doley (Mising), Deben Tasa (Odia), Gayotree Newar (Nepali), 12 March 2014, Kolkata Hridoy Ranjan Das (Assamese), Jyotirekha Hazarika (Assamese), Nilakanta Saikia (Assamese), Pankaj Gobinda Medhi (Assamese), Phulmoti Teronpi (Karbi) and Paragjyoti Mahanta (Assamese). Santanoo Tamuly, and Kutubuddin Ahmed presented an analysis on the poems presented at the session. Discourse on Translation as a Skill 6 February 2014, Kolkata

L-R: Biswanath Garai, Syed Hasmat Jalal, Manabendra Bandyopadhyay, Subrata Mukhopadhyay and Sekhar Banerjee The writers invited on the occasion included Abul Basar, Biswanath Garai, Sekhar Banerjee, Sibasis Mukhopadhyay, Subrata Mukhopadhyay and Syed Hasmat Jalal with Manabendra Bandyopadhyay in the chair. The writers presented their works before the lovers of literature. Prof.

L-R: Sayantan Dasgupta, Ramkumar Mukhopadhyay, Bandyopadhyay, gave an overview of the works presented Aveek Majumdar, Jatindra Kumar Nayak and Ujjal Singha by the poets and the fiction writer.

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 69 Cultural Meet on ‘Knitting India Through Languages’

ahitya Akademi in collaboration with man different from other animals. Tamil epical literature explaining them SNational Book Trust organized a Kashmiri can boast of its literary history in English. He referred to the great Cultural Meet on ‘Knitting India through which can be dated back to 800 years, works from Bengali, Punjabi, Telugu Languages on 7 February 2014 at Kolkata deeply imbibed in Indian tradition. Folk and other Indian languages relating to Book Fair Ground, Kolkata. literature in Kashmiri is really important. Tamil literature. He also spoke about Discussants were Aziz Hajini We have to promote translators who bhakti tradition in Tamil and its influence (Kashmiri), Singh Gill have the potential to enrich languages. over common people. (Punjabi), Zahir Anwar (Urdu), Sourin Kamala Kanta Mohanty, a retired Zahir Anwar, a well-known Urdu Bhattacharya (Bengali), Kamala Kanta journalist and an Odia scholar, said every scholar, stressed on the simplicity of the Mohanty (Odia), Neelam Sharma Anshu Indian should be bilingual to interact Urdu vocabulary and also referred to (Hindi) and Nehru Narayanan (Tamil) with people of other languages. The great Urdu masterpieces. with Ramkumar Mukhopadhyay in the spirit of Indianness is to be maintained Sourin Bhattacharya, Sahitya Akademi chair. though we continue to speak in different awardee, said that though direct translation In the welcome address Goutam languages. He also spoke about the is more authentic but, in a multilingual Paul, Officer in charge, Sahitya Akademi presence of Indian myths and cultures country like India, translation through Eastern Region, commented on how in . a medium language is inevitable. languages can play a vital role in fostering Neelam Sharma Anshu, a well- Jagmohan Singh Gill, a noted Sikh cultural unity and amity of the nation. known Hindi scholar and a translator, scholar and columnist, spoke on the He also introduced the participants to opined that Hindi in its present form influence of Punjabi masterpieces on the the audience. is the youngest among Indian languages psyche of creative writers of other Aziz Hajini, former Kashmiri but it survives as a communicative and languages. Convener and an eminent poet, link languages to other Indian languages. Ramkumar Mukhopadhyay, while maintained that the concept of unity in Nehru Narayanan, a well-known Tamil speaking from the chair, said about the diversity can only be realized by the scholar, writer and poet, spoke about necessity of building up a body of efforts of creative writers in Indian the Tamil literary tradition. He also recited translated literature which will connect languages. The faculty of language makes some couplets from Tirukkural, a great the people of different regions.

L-R: Sourin Bhattacharya, Zabir Anwar, Jagmohan Singh Gill, Nehru Narayanan, Aziz Hajini, Ramkumar Mukhopadhyay, Neelam Sharma Anshu, Sunit Bhattacharya and Kamala Kanta Mohanty

70 KOLKATA MUMBAI

National Seminar: ‘Rewriting History of Literature’

L-R: M.S. Pagare, Yashwant Manohar, Sudhir Meshram, Bhalchandra Nemade, Krishna Kimbahune and Shobha Shinde

two day national seminar on M.S. Pagare, Head, Dept. of Marathi, Warkhede, and papers were presented A‘Rewriting History of Literature’ North Maharashtra University, proposed by Shailendra Lende on “Rewriting was organised by Sahitya Akademi, a vote of thanks. History of Literature: Phule-Ambedkar Regional Centre, Mumbai in collaboration Pushpa Bhave, well known Marathi Prespective” and Ravindra Shobhane on with North Maharashtra University on writer chaired the session on “Research “Rewriting History of Literature: Marxist 10-11 January 2014 at Jalgaon. on History of Literature: New Perspective.” Both the papers shared the Bhalachandra Nemade, Convenor, Dimensions”. Satish Badwe and Ramesh view that history of literature should in Marathi Advisory Board, inaugurated Warkhede presented their papers. Sri turn be history of social consciousness, the seminar. Badwe said that literary history is set and structure of society. Krishna Kimbahune, Regional chronologically in a literary point of The fourth session held on 11 January Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, Mumbai view, and it could not be possible to 2014 was chaired by Ravindra Shobhane. welcomed the audience and the scholar write history of literature without studying Papers were presented by Mrinalini participants who said in his speech that social aspects in connection with the time Kamat on “Research History of Gujarati the seminar aims to explore many to be dealt with. Sri Warkhede said that Literature,” and by Shobha Naik on dimensions of history of literature, literary history is part of culture, and “Research History of Kannada rewriting history of literature influenced that it is in fact is history of human Literature.” Kamat said that there is by several schools of thoughts. conscience. He further categorized the hardly a tradition of writing history of Bhalchandra Nemade, in his study of literary history as ‘Cultural literature in Gujarati January-Marchand inaugural address, professed that history Oriented,’ ‘Time Oriented,’ and ‘Genre and it began under the influence of of any literature should be written and Oriented’ and said that the categorization Britishers. The first disciplined history of updated at regular intervals, and that the would help literary historians. was written by the late historian should keep in mind the entire Satish Badwe chaired the second Goverdhanram Tripathi in 1892, she culture of the period of time to be session “Research on History of informed. Ms. Naik said that it was dealt with. Every generation should write Literature: New Dimensions II,” and Sahitya Akademi that first brought out history of literature, for no history could Bharat Shirsath on “History of Pali, history of Kannada literature and it was be complete in all respects, he stated. Sanskrit, Prakrit, Magadhi, Ardhamagadhi written by R.S. Mugli. The mutual Yashwant Manohar delivered key-note Literature” and Sahikh Iqbal Minne on exchange between oral and written address. A historian of literature should ‘History of Muslim-Sufi Literature’ literature is highly significant in the history consider lifestyles, social-economic- presented papers. Shrisath said that the of Kannada literature, she said further. cultural upheavals of the past, he said. languages Pali, Sanskrit, Prakrit, Magadhi, The seminar ended with the Rewriting history of literature should be Ardhmagadhi were related to particular valedictory address delivered by Pushpa continuous a process, he further stated religion and hence was chaired by Ramesh Bhave.

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 71 Symposium Unusual Trends in Symposium: Harish Waswani Sahitya Akademi in collaboration with National Council for Promotion of Sindhi Language and Indian Institute of Sindhology, organized a symposium on Harish Waswani on 11 February 2014 at Adipur. Moti Prakash, eminent Sindhi writer, inaugurated the symposium. Krishna Kimbahune, Regional Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, Mumbai, welcomed the audience. Prem Prakash, Convenor, Sindhi Advisory Board, pointed out that his career as poet, writer and journalist was also remarkable. Ramesh Warliyani was the guest of honour. Lakhmi Khilani, Chairman, Indian Institute of Sindhology, chaired the inaugural session. Basti Vaman Shenoy inaugurating the symposium, to his right, Gokuldas Pritam Wariyani proposed a vote of thanks. Prabhu, and to his left, Tanaji Halarnakar and Krishna Kimbahune Moti Prakash chaired the first session. Kala Prakash presented her paper on “Life and Times of Harish Waswani” In collaboration with Konkani Bhas aani Sanskriti Pratishthan, Sahitya Akademi, Mumbai, organised a symposium on Shefali Vasudev presented a paper on “Harish Waswani: ‘Unusual Trends in Konkani Literature’ on 19 January 2014 My Father, My Friend.” Ms Vasudev frankly discussed several in Mangalore. Basti Vaman Shenoy, President, Konkani Bhas dimensions of Waswani as a creative writer and as a person. aani Sanskriti Pratishthan, inaugurated the symposium. Krishna She said that he possessed many personalities in him Kimbahune, Regional Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, Mumbai contradictory to one another. Amit Bodani presented his welcomed the audience. Gokuldas Prabhu, noted Konkani paper on “Harish Waswani as a Genius.” Bodani elaborated writer, critic and Member, Konkani Advisory Board, delivered on bipolar element in Waswani’s genius personality. keynote address. He dealt with changes, movements, and Arjan Hasid chaired the second session, and papers were development that took place in Konkani literature, he said. presented by Vasdev Mohi on “Harish Waswani’s Poetry:An Tanaji Halarnakar, Convenor, Konkani Advisory Board, Appreciation,” Kamla Goklani on “Harish Waswani’s Short chaired the session. Stories,” Namdev Tarachandani on “Harish Waswani’s First session was chaired by Ramesh Velsukar and Criticism,” presented papers. The last session was chaired included papers by Asha Mangutkar on “Spiritual Solitude by Assan Waswasni. Mohan Himthani on “Harish Waswani’s in Prakash Padgaonkar’s Poetry” and Paresh Kamat on ‘Silent Laboratary Test of Poetry,” Vimmi Sadaranganion “Harish Themes in Madhav Borkars Poetry.’ Mangutkar’s paper on Waswani’s Dhara Column,” Kirti Khatri on “Harish Waswani “Sri Aurobindo’s and Bakibab Borkar’s influences on the as a Columnist,” Hero Thakur on “Harish Waswani’s Edited contemporary writers”. Sri Kamat said that Madhav Borkar was a modern poet, and that his poetry had musicality and Works,” Jetho Lalwani on “Harish Waswani’s Plays,” presented unconventional style without verbosity. papers. Sahib Bijani rendered his friendship with Waswani. chaired the second session. Melvyn Prem Prakash made concluding remarks. Roderigues on “Surrealism in Sune Majar Hansata by C.F. Costa” and Avinash Chyari on ‘Rebellion in ’s Plays,’ presented papers. Sri Roderigues observed that surreal element existed in Da. Costa’s work as creative demand, theoretical necessity, and literary ethics. Sri Chyari stated that Pundalik Naik’s plays ethically challenged social institutions. The last session was chaired by Madhav Borkar, and Meena Kakodkar on ‘Characters in A.N. Mhambro’s short stories,’ presented by Gurudath Bantwalkar on “Existentialism in Hanv Jiyetam by Edwin JF DSouza,” and Vrushali Mandrekar on “Cultural Dimensions in Yuga Sanwar by Mahabaleshwar Sail.” The programme was concluded by the remarks by Pundalik Naik. L-R: Prem Prakash, Moti Prakash, Lakhmi Khilani and Pritam Wariyani

72 MUMBAI Symposium Literary Forum Programmes Contemporary North-Eastern Poetry Reading Programme Literature and Poets’ Meet 24 January 2014, Mumbai

ymposium on ‘Contemporary North-Eastern Literature Sand a Poets’ Meet as part of Octave-2014, were organised on 16 January 2014 in Mumbai. Temsula Ao, eminent litterateur, inaugurated the symposium. K.Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, welcomed the audience. He observed that it is true that the North- East India has long been under the painful and tragic spell of insecurity and violence, death and torture on a daily basis, governmental apathy, corruption, poverty and unemployment, web of insurgents, militants, etc. The literature Participant poets Bharat Naik, K.P. Shashidharan, Kamal Vohra, of the older generation of North-Eastern writers reflects Satish Kalsekar and Raja Holkunde this tension and chaos of violence and death. Their literatures have successfully depicted the painfully and terribly amorphous Sahitya Akademi Foundation Day ethos of the North-East India maintaining an outstanding A Reading Programme worldview and universal warmth. 12 March 2014, Mumbai Temsula Ao, in the inaugural address, stated that oral traditions in the North-Eastern literature are so very significant, and that ‘orality’ seems to have sustained literature of the North-Eastern region. It is essential to make attempts to transit oral literature to written form, she said further. The land of the North-East is the land of identity, originality, and it cherishes a strong sense of lost cultural past, she stated. She emphasised that literature of the North-East is not merely about violence, disorder and existential angst. On the other side of the North-East Indian life there is love and hope in the human spirit and universal warmth, Urmila Pawar reading out excerpts from her books. so the contemporary North-East Indian literature is certainly L-R: Sadhana Kamat and Himanshi Shelat as rich as the nation is, she said firmly. International Women’s Day After the inaugural speech, Pranjit Bora of Assamese, Dhirju Jyoti Basumatary of Bodo, Naorem Vidyasagar Singh Dhiruben Patel and 8 March 2014, Mumbai of Manipuri and Siddhartha Rai of Nepali recited their poems. The Poets’ Meet was followed by the symposium, and it was chaired by H.Behari Singh, Convenor, Akademi Manipuri Advisory Board. Satyakam Borthaur on ‘Contemporary Assamese Literature,’ Anjali Daimari on ‘Contemporary Bodo Literature,’ Pratapchandra Pradhan on ‘Contemporary Nepali Literature,’ presented their papers.. H.Behari Singh, concluded the sessions, sharing his views on contemporary Manipuri literature. The programme ended with a vote of thanks proposed by Krishna Kimbahune, Regional Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, Mumbai. Usha Mehta and Sadhana Kamat

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 73 Symposium Kavi-Anuvadak Manohar Jadhav Konkani Drama in Kerala Marathi translator and critic rendered Pawan Karan, Hindi poems symposium on ‘Konkani Drama in Kerala’ was organised 17 January 2014, Pune Aby Regional Office Sahitya Akademi, Mumbai, in association with the Konkani Sahitya Akademi Kerala, on 23 March 2014, at Swarna Bhavan, Ernakulam. It was Literary Forum inauguarated by Padmabhushan Narayana Pannikar, 16 January 2014, Mumbai. celebrated theatre persona, who, in the inaugural address, mentioned that the Konkani community is rich with experiences of the past like migaration, suppression and multiple language Akademi Premchand Fellow skills, which can contribute a lot towards building up a Ram Dayal Rakesh had an strong theatrical wealth. interaction with local writers in Delivering the key-note address, Pundalik Naik, President, Mumbai Goa Konkani Akademi exhorted the artists and writers from Kerala to enrich the Konkani drama with serious plays. Jayaprakash Kulur, guest of honour was the noted playwright. Tanaji Halarnkar, welcomed the gathering and Meet the Author T R Sadananda Bhat, proposed a vote of thanks. 23 February 2014, . The symposium witnessed deliberations on “Mythological Themes in Konkani Drama,” chaired by G. Krishna Rao in the first session. L. Krishna Bhat mentioned in his paper that several Vasudev Mohi plays with mythological themes were staged all around and Veteran poet and writer in Sindhi participated in the above the women characters were acted by only men actors. K.K programme Subramanian said in his paper that plays like Chandrahasa, Bhakta Markandeya, Satyavan Savitri and Dhruva Charitram left indelible impacts on the audience in those days. Discussant S. Ashok was the discussant The second session on “Social and Comic Themes” was chaired by M Krishnanand Pai. R. Ramananda Prabhu, Meet the Author in his paper presented gist of some dramas enacted in and 23 February 2014, Karnataka. around Ernakulam during 1970s. R.S. Bhaskar recalled some social dramas like Mhantari Arun Sadhu Ajji and Anusandhan that were unique in handling the themes. Celebrated Marathi fiction writer participated in the S. Ramakrishna Kini took part as discussant. above programme The third session on “Songs and Music in Konkani Dramas” was chaired by K. Anantha Bhat. V. Suresh Shenoy in his paper quoted several drama Narichetna with Sindhi Writers songs that were composed by him. N. Prasen Kumar Mallya, 23 February 2014, Ahmedabad presented a few songs in his melodious voice. Payyanur Ramesh Pai presided over. Kasargod Chinna Six women writers participated. Sunita Mohanani, Heena delivered the valedictory address. Agnani and Sunita Mohanani read out their short stories. Another theatre personality, Sridhar Kamat Bambolkar, Roshani Rohra, Monika Panjwani and Meena Shahdapuri also spoke on the occassion. recited their poems. Arjan Hasid chaired the programme.

74 MUMBAI NEW PUBLICATIONS

ASSAMESE ENGLISH The Gift Vachan (Award wining Nepali) (Award winning Tamil Short Stories By Kashi Bahadur Shrestha Ramakrishna Paramahansa Pencil and Other Poems Anbalippu) Tr. Durgaprasad Shrestha (Monograph) By Jayant Parmar by Ku. Azhagirisamy, Rs. 70 By Swami Lokeswarananda Tr. Nishat Zaidi Tr.by Pattu. M. Bhoopathi, ISBN: 978-81-260-4302-6 Tr. Sanjeev Kumar Nath Rs. 150 Pp.176, Rs.130 Pp. 96, Rs. 50 ISBN: 978-81-260-4330-9 (Monograph) ISBN: 978-81-260-4365-1 ISBN: 978-81-260-4494-8 By Pankaj Chatuwedi National Bibliography of Indian Once upon a Time Rs. 50 Nirbachita Adhunik Asamiya Natak: Literature Second Series (1954- (Award winning ) ISBN: 978-81-260-4315-6 Vol. I & II (Selected Modern 2000) Vol - 1 by Madhavan, Assamese Plays: Vol. I & II) G.E. Z.A. Burney Kaath Tr. by K.T. Rajagopal, Ed. Pona Mahanta C-B Alaka Buragohain By Vibhuti Anand Pp.256, Rs.180 Pp. 616 + 528, Rs. 550 Rs. 300 Tr. Pratima ISBN: 978-81-260-4364-4 ISBN: 978-81-260-4422-1 ISBN: 978-81-260-4440-5 Rs. 100 in Hamburg ISBN: 978-81-260-4303-3 Maithili Galpa Sankalan Rotations of Unending Time by V.K.Narayanankutty Nair, Inder Nath Madan (Monographh) (Selected post-independence By Mark Halperin Ed E.V. Ramakrishnan, Maithili short stories) Tr. Sura P. Rath By Rakesh Kumar Pp.192, Rs.135 Rs. 50 Comp. & Ed. Kamakhya Devi Rs. 90 ISBN: 978-81-260-4366 ISBN: 978-81-260-4313-2 Tr. Ed Preeti Barua ISBN: 978-81-260-4243-2 Pp. 120, Rs 100 Periyalwar Antim Vidai Se Turant Pahle Monoj Das A Reader ISBN: 978-81-260-4438-2 Ed. M.P. Srinivasan By Pranjal Dhar Ed. By P. Raja Pp.124, Rs.50 Rs. 100 Manimahesh Rs. 400 ISBN: 81-260-4190-9 ISBN: 978-81-260-4021-6 (Award winning Bengali travelogue) ISBN: 978-81-260-4246-3 By Umaprasad Mukhopadhyay Of Men & Moments Someday Dream KANNADA Tr. Tirtha Phukan (Award winningTamil Novel Sila By Vitasta Raina Pp. 152, Rs. 110 Nerangalil Sila Manithargal) Begudi (Cuckold Award winning Rs. 130 ISBN: 978-81-260-4493-1 Ed. K.S. Subramanian- English novel) ISBN: 978-81-260-4248-7 Jayakanthan’s by Kiran Nagarkar BENGALI First Instinct Pp.288, Rs.180 Tr. R. Lakshminarayana By Vijaya Singh ISBN: 91-260-2478-x Pp.696, Rs.350 Mohan Das Rs. 90 ISBN: 81-260-4383-0 (Award winning Hindi novel) ISBN. 978-81-260-4259-3 HINDI By Uday Prakash Mohana… O... Mohana... Tr. Parul Bandyopadhyay On Poetry That Apnon Men Naheen Rah Pane Ka (Award winning Telugu Poetry) Pp. 68, Rs. 60 (Samvatsar Lectures) Geet by K. Shivareddy ISBN: 978-81-260-4514-3 Defies Definitions By Prabhat Tr. Chidananda Sali By O.N.V. Kurup Rs. 100 Pp.96, Rs.75 Hathyogi Rs. 40 ISBN: 978-81-260-4301-9 ISBN: 81-260-3324-X (Award winning Sindhi novel) ISBN: 978-81-260-4251-7 By Tara Mirchandani Samkalin Gujarati Kavitayen Nanu Heege Roopugonde (Marathi Tr. Maya Garani Songs From The Seashore By Minakshi Joshi Autobiography Mee Asaa Ghadlo) by Balachandra Mungekar Pp. 88, Rs. 90 Ed. By K. Satchidanandan Rs. 70 Tr. Sarjoo Katkar ISBN: 978-81-260-4491-7 Rs. 200 ISBN: 978-81-260-4300-2 Pp.160, Rs.95 ISBN: 81-260-4348-4 Pratinidhi Hiidi Bal Natak Ghaliber Smriti ISBN: 81-260-4392-X (Yadgare Ghalib in Urdu) Satish Chandra Basumatary Ed. By Harikrishna Devasare Kannadada Muvattu Sanna By Altaf Hussain (Monograph) Rs. 150 Kathegalu (Anthology of Thirty Tr. Puspito Mukhopadhyay By Adaram Basumatary ISBN: 978-81-260-4305-7 Kannada Short Stories) Pp. 168, Rs. 80 Pp. 72, Rs. 50 Sindhu - Kanya Compilers: Krishnamurthy Hanur & ISBN: 978-81-260-4425-2 ISBN: 978-81-260-4497-9 By Shrinath Shripad hasurkar Fakir Mohammed Katpadi Atit Tatha Anagater Dabi: Prahallad Pradhan Rs. 150 Pp.300, Rs.150 Sudhindranath Datta Smarak (Monograph) ISBN: 978-81-260-4316-3 ISBN: 81-260-4471-3 Prabandha Sankalan By Shyam Sundar Mohapatra Ali Sardar Jafri (Monograph) Ismat Chughthai (Monograph) (Compilation of Seminar Papers) Pp. 128, Rs. 50 By Qamar Rais by Asaduddin Ed. Tirthankar Chattopadhyay ISBN: 978-81-260-4518-1 Tr. Janki Prasad Sharma Tr. Fakir Mohammed Katpadi Pp. 152, Rs. 110 Rs. 50 Pp.120, Rs.50 ISBN: 978-81-260-4436-8 CHASO: Selected Short Stories (An anthology of Selected Stories ISBN: 978-81-260-4314-9 ISBN: 81-260-4474-8 Prachin O Adhunik Garo Sahitya of Chaganti Somayajulu) Gumshuda dair ki Goonjati Bhabhani Bhattacharya (Ancient and modern Garo literature) Compilers: K. Chandrahasa and Ghantiyan (Monograph) Comp. and Ed. Caroline R. Marak K.K. Mohapatra (Award Wining Urdu Title) by Shantinath K Desai Translation Editor: Sunil Das Pp.208, Rs.110 By Sheen Kaaf Niiam Tr. Chinnavva C Vastrad Pp. 160, Rs. 110 ISBN: 81-260-4398-9 Rs. 80 Pp.104, Rs.50 ISBN: 978-81-260-4437-5 ISBN: 978-81-260-4312-5 ISBN: 81-260-4473-X

JANUARY-MARCH 2014 75 Thipperudraswamy (Monograph) MARATHI Mahabharat Swami Dayananda Saraswathi by B.G. Chennesh Honnali By Chatuwedi Badrinath Bal Gandhi Bapu Gandhi Zali Tyachi (Monograph) Pp.122, Rs.50 Tr. Rajinderjit Kaur Dhindsa by Vishnu Prabhakar, ISBN: 81-260-4393-8 Goshta (Kannada Novel) Ed. Bolwar Mahamad Munhi And Manpreet Kaur Sahota Tr.by Akila Sivaraman, Gidugu Venkatarama Moorthi Tr. A.R. Yardi Rs. 400 Pp.160, Rs.50 (Monograph) Pp. 208, Rs.150 ISBN: 978-81-260-4294-4 ISBN:978-81-260-4445-0 by H.S. Brahmananda ISBN 978-81-260-4402-3 Tr. V. Gopalakrishna RAJASTHANI Uyil Matrum Pira Kathaigal Pp.78, Rs.50 Vi.Da. Ghate Selected short stories of JP Das ISBN: 81-260-4394-6 Ed.Anant Deshmukh Gyan Singh ‘Shatir’ Tr.by Subrabarathimanian, Pp.88, Rs. 50 By Gyan Singh Pp.256, Rs.160 (Monograph) ISBN 978-81-260-4404-7 Tr. Suraj Rao ISBN: 978-81-260-4375-0 by Varis Alvi Rs. 500 Tr. Chandrashekaraiah MANIPURI ISBN: 978-81-260-4238-8 Triloka Sitaram Pp.96, Rs.50 (Monograph on Tamil writer) ISBN: 81-260-4395-4 Manipuri Loksahitya (Meitei) Patal Bhairavi by A.R. Rajamani (Manipuri folk literature) Vidyadhara Pundalika (Monograph) By Lakshminandan Bora’s Ed. L. Birendra Singh Tr. Kishor Kumar Arasanshanmuganar by S.H. Deshpande by Arivudainambi Tr. N. Subramanyam Pp. 248, Rs. 120 Rs. 220 Pp.88, Rs.50 ISBN: 978-81-260-4495-5 ISBN: 978-81-260-4240-1 Krauncha Pakshigalu ISBN: 81-260-4104-8 Arabik Ahing 1001 Gi Rari (Vol. I (Award winning Kannada novel) SINDHI Shyam Sundar Das (Monograph) & II) (Tales from 1001 Arabian Nights by Vaidehi Tr. K. Jeyanthi in English version) by Sudhakar Pandey Waqt Khe Sumhan Na Dindus Murugusundaram Tr. T.V.Annapoornamma By Richard Burton (Award winning Telugu Novel) Ed. K. Ganesan Pp.116, Rs.50 Tr. E. Sonamani Singh Ed. N. Gopi Pp. 938, Rs. 350 per set Pp.128, Rs.50 ISBN: 81-260-4107-2 Tr. Srichand Dubey ISBN: 978-81-260-4434-4 ISBN: 81-260-4376-8 Ellakinta Deergha Ratri Pp.108, Rs. 90 (Award winning Odiya short stories Samaskar ISBN 978-81-260-4407-8 TELUGU Sabutharu Dirgharati) (Award winning Kannasa novel) by Chandrasekhar Rath By U. R. Anantha Murthy TAMIL Chaganti Somayajulu (Monograph) Tr. Snehalatha Rohidekar Tr. Y. Ibomcha by Chaganti Krishna Kumari Pp.112, Rs.75 Pp. 140. Rs. 100 Nagore Gulam Kadhir Navalar Pp.136, Rs.50 ISBN: 81-260-4475-6 ISBN: 978-81-260-4498-6 (Monograph) ISBN: 81-260-4399-7 by A.V.M. Nazimuddin Asthavyastha Badukina Sthriyaru Pp.128, Rs.50 Manavalli Ramakrishna Kavi (Award winning English novel – (Award winning Malayalam novel) (Monograph) Disorderly Women) ISBN: 978-81-260-4448-1 By Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai by U.A. Narasimha Murthy by Malathi Rao Tr. L. Birendra Kumar Sharma Vanidasan Kavithai Thirattu Pp.128, Rs.50 Tr. M.V.Vasantha Kumari Pp. 192, Rs. 190 (Anthology of Vanidasan Poems) Pp.244, Rs.125 ISBN: 81-260-4396-2 ISBN: 978-81-260-4492-4 Comp. by Maharandan ISBN: 81-260-4477-2 Pp.304,Rs.185 Thakura Ghara Swadhinattora Odia Kshudra Galpa Swadhinattora Odia Kshudra Galpa ISBN: 978-81-260-4370-5 (Award winning Oriya short stories (Vol. III) (Post-Independence Odia (Award winning Kannada novel) collection – Thakura Ghara) short stories: Volume III) (Anthology of Odia children’s short Chidhaindha Koodu by Kishoricharan Das Ed. Gourahari Das stories) (Selections from Rabindranath Tr. Mahidhara Ramasastry Pp. 432, Rs. 210 Ed. Gourahari Das Tagore) Pp.216, Rs.115 Pp. 432, Rs. 210 ISBN: 978-81-260-4496-2 Tr. by S. Krishnamurthy ISBN: 81-260-4481-0 ISBN: 978-81-260-4496-2 Pp.288, Rs.175 KASHMIRI Khomjinba Manipuri Sumang Leela ISBN: 978-81-260-4377-3 URDU Konkani Afsaana (Anthology of Manipuri Jatra) Therinthedutha Suratha Kavithaigal Urdu ki Khawateen Ed. By Mushtaq Ahmad Comp. Rajen Toijamba (Anthology of Suratha Poems) Rs. 250 Pp. 374, Rs 290 Fiction-nigar ISBN: 978-81-260-4331-6 ISBN: 978-81-260-3215-0 Comp. by Maraimalai Ilakkuvunar, Ed. By Mushtaque Sadaf Pp.200, Rs.140 Rs. 250 KONKANI Bengali – Manipuri Dictionary ISBN: 978-81-260-4378-1 ISBN: 978-81-260-4327-9 Chief Editor: Ashoke Mukhopadhyay Rajwade Lekh Sangraha Language Editor: N. Kunjomohan Bhoomi Raja Shiv Prasad (Monograph) Ed. Tarkateerth Laxmanshastri Singh (Award winning Marathi Novel) By Veer Bharat Talwar Joshi Pp. 736, Rs 500 by Asha Bage, Tr. Jawaid Rahmani Tr. Narayan Bhaskar Desai ISBN: 978-81-260-4430-6 Tr.by P.R. Rajaram, Rs. 50 Pp.316, Rs.150 Pp. 400, Rs 225 ISBN: 978-81-260-4328-6 ISBN 978-81-260-4406-1 PUNJABI ISBN: 978-81-260-4369-9 Sarvepalli Radhakrishan Sumiran Ullanghan (Award-winning Rajasthani Poetry) Upendranath Ashk (Monograph) Ed. Santosh Mayamohan By by Rajendra Dogi, By Prema Nandakumar Tr. Sanjeev Verenkar Tr. Ravinder Singh Tr.by B.K. Balasubramaniam, Tr. Syed Tanvir Hussain Pp. 80, Rs.75 Rs. 140 Pp.224, Rs.140 Rs. 50 ISBN 978-81-260-4403-0 ISBN: 978-81-260-4286-9 ISBN: 978-81-260-4442-9 ISBN: 978-81-260-4329-3

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