Himachal Governor unveils literary work at Raj Bhavan
Subhash Mahajan
CHAMBA:
Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Thursday (August 21, 2025) released a book, “Ashadh Ka Pratham Diwas”, that attempts to bring alive the timeless beauty, emotions and imagination of ancient author Kalidasa in a modern idiom, making it accessible to today’s readers.
Released at a special function held at Raj Bhavan, the book has been authored by Prithi Paul Singh, Managing Director, Himachal Pradesh Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation.
The book is a poetic Hindi translation of the immortal classic Meghadootam by Kalidasa. Through this work, the author has attempted to bring alive the timeless beauty, emotions and imagination of Kalidasa. It aims to connect contemporary audiences, especially students and young readers, with the grandeur of India’s classical literature.
The foreword of the book has been written by former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh and renowned author Shanta Kumar, who has appreciated it as an “outstanding literary endeavor”. The cover page has been designed by Padma Shri Vijay Sharma of Chamba, an internationally acclaimed miniature artist, adding an artistic charm to the publication
On the occasion, the Governor said, “Kalidasa’s writings are the soul of Indian literature and culture. Rendering Meghadootam into Hindi in a poetic form is a remarkable and commendable effort. Prithi Paul Singh has not only revived the creative imagination of Kalidasa through this work, but has also offered a new perspective for readers, scholars and students alike. This book will prove to be a valuable contribution to the world of literature.”
Author Shri Prithi Pal Singh expressed that this creation is the outcome of his deep study and long-standing literary inclination. He hoped that “Ashadh Ka Pratham Diwas” would bring to readers the same aesthetic experience and emotional depth that lies at the heart of Kalidasa’s Meghadootam.
Kalidasa was a classical Sanskrit author who is often considered ancient India’s greatest poet and playwright. His plays and poetry are primarily based on Hindu Puranas and philosophy.
