From November 22 to November 24, a grand festival of literature is unfolding at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi. On the second day of Sahitya Aajtak 2024, President Draupadi Murmu graced the 'Sahitya Aajtak' stage to endow the 'Aajtak Sahitya Jagriti Samman'. Lyricist Gulzar was bestowed with the 'Aajtak Literature Awakening Lifetime Achievement' award.
President Murmu Applauds India Today Group
In her address at Sahitya Aajtak, President Draupadi Murmu congratulated the award winners and praised the India Today Group for organizing the event. She emphasized that societies and institutions respecting literary creators strengthen their futures.
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'Convey the Literature of Diverse Languages'
She stressed the importance of conveying local literature from various languages, imbued with an Indian consciousness, from historic epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata to today’s writings. Highlighting the significance of writers like Pandit Gopabandhu Das, she encouraged introducing readers to the works of Santali poets like Dr. Ramdas Tudu and Sadhu Ramchandra Murmu, along with alternative literature from marginalized communities.
She further pointed out that the role of literary magazines, often limited in scope, can be magnified with technology to serve Indian society and literature on a larger scale. Encouraging the promotion of children's literature, she believes enriching it through original writing and translation aids in building the nation.
'The Greatest Literature Knows No Boundaries'
President Murmu discussed the boundaryless nature of great literature, offering examples from Odisha, where people, literate or not, understand the depth of Kabir's couplets. She notes that critical recognition isn’t what defines literary works – it is the appreciation of ordinary literature lovers.
'Participating in People’s Emotions is Literature’s First Condition'
Murmu drew attention to how works like Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas, initially rejected for linguistic reasons, now represent invaluable literary treasures. Literature that resonates with readers' joys and sorrows receives their affection. When authors distance themselves from genuine experiences, they risk irrelevance.
She explained that sharing in the emotions of the populace is a foundational aspect of literature, which should strive to empower humanity and enrich society. Literary giants like Mahatma Gandhi influenced through countless poetic and novelistic works. Such impact deserves recognition.
Eight Writers Honored With 'Aajtak Sahitya Jagriti Samman'
The 'Aajtak Sahitya Jagriti Rising Writer Award' was bestowed upon Siniwali for her creation 'Heti-Sukanya Akath Katha'. The 2024 Rising Writer Award went to Amresh Dwivedi for 'Rang Putusia'.
Renowned for 'Raja Ravi Varma', Bharat Kheni received the 'Aajtak Sahitya Jagriti Indian Language Talent Award'. Yatindra Mishra was celebrated with the 'Aajtak Sahitya Jagriti Popular Writer Award' for his book 'Gulzar Saab: Hazaar Rahein Mud Ke Dekhi'.
Pradeep Dash was awarded the 'Aajtak Sahitya Jagriti Indian Language' for his book 'Charu Chivar Aur Charya'. Shivmurti received the 'Aajtak Sahitya Jagriti Best Creation Award' for 'Agam Bahai Dariav'. Usha Priyamvada was honored in 2024 for her novel 'Arkadeept'.