Literary Extravaganza: ‘Sahitya Spriha’ Commences at Welham Girls’ School
Dehradun: The vibrant city of Dehradun became a hub of intellectual discourse today as ‘Sahitya Spriha,’ a prestigious two-day literary conference, kicked off at the iconic Welham Girls’ School. The event, a collaborative effort between the Valley of Words (VoW) and the Sahitya Akademi, brought together an esteemed gathering of thinkers, authors, and students to celebrate the richness of Indian literature.
The inaugural session was opened by Dr. Sanjeev Chopra, Festival Director of Valley of Words, and Vibha Kapoor, Principal of Welham Girls’ School. Both hosts extended a warm welcome to the galaxy of Hindi litterateurs who had traveled from every corner of the nation to participate in this cultural confluence.
A Commitment to Linguistic Diversity
Dr. Sanjeev Chopra opened the proceedings by outlining the history and vision of the Valley of Words. He emphasized the festival’s unwavering mission to elevate Hindi literature to the same pedestal as English works and regional language translations. Addressing the young, attentive audience, he recited a powerful poem by Uday Prakash, using it as a catalyst to discuss the vital importance of critical thinking, vocalizing one’s beliefs, and the courage to question—all essential traits for a vibrant, living society.
Principal Vibha Kapoor reiterated the school’s dedication to fostering a love for literature, noting that the institution remains deeply committed to the growth and promotion of Hindi literary traditions.
Engaging Sessions and Deep Dives
The conference featured a rigorous exploration of books shortlisted for the prestigious VoW awards. The sessions spanned a wide spectrum of themes, from environmental ethics to social justice:
- Humanity and Nature: Manisha Kulshreshtha’s Trimaya was discussed by Anjum Sharma, focusing on the delicate balance between humanity and the natural world, as well as the historical nuances of matriarchal systems in South and Northeast India.
- Memoirs and Identity: Senior poet Lakshmi Shankar Bajpai led a poignant discussion on Jiten Thakur’s Chor Gali Mein Titliyan, which traces the author’s personal journey through childhood memories and cultural shifts.
- Societal Realities: Jai Prakash Pandey and Pratibha Katiyar dissected Kabira Soi Peer Hai, examining the intersection of caste, gender, and social reality within the framework of global literature.
- Historical Perspectives: Mamta Kiran and author Abhay Kumar Thakur engaged in a fascinating exploration of Stree Asmita Ka Itihas (History of Women’s Identity), tracing the status of women from the ancient Brahmavadini to the Vedic age.
- Literary Bridges: The art of translation took center stage as translator Dinkar Kumar and Bharti Mishra discussed Megh Malhar, an Assamese-to-Hindi translation that provides a window into the grief, culture, and social tapestry of Assam.
- Philosophical Inquiries: The day concluded its literary sessions with Anil Raturi moderating a stimulating debate on Ambar Pandey’s Matlab Hindu, which probes the complex relationship between Gandhian thought and modern Hindu identity.
A Poetic Finale
As the sun set on the first day of the conference, the atmosphere turned lyrical. Renowned poet Dr. Vinay Kumar delighted the audience with insights into the various aspects of the goddess Saraswati, interspersed with his own verse. The day drew to a close with a grand poetry recitation, where senior poets performed stirring ghazals and nazms, leaving the audience spellbound.
With a successful first day behind them, organizers have promised an equally stimulating schedule for August 23, as the second day of ‘Sahitya Spriha’ continues to explore the profound impact of contemporary literature on the national consciousness.
