Over 60 writers, poets, and critics from across Himachal participate in the Suket Literary & Cultural Council event
Munish Sood
Mandi
A thought-provoking literary discussion and poetry symposium was organised by the Language and Culture Department in collaboration with the Suket Literary and Cultural Council at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sundernagar. The event witnessed the participation of around sixty prominent litterateurs from Mandi, Sundernagar, Kullu, and Bilaspur, marking a significant day for Himachal’s vibrant literary fraternity.
Dr. Vijay Vishal: “Writing Is an Act of Responsibility”
Delivering a paper on “The Role of Writers in the Contemporary Age,” renowned poet-critic Dr. Vijay Vishal said that the Hindi literary world today is engulfed in “a dangerous self-obsession.”
“The writer’s world is shrinking rapidly. Capital has almost erased the social role of writers,” he said. “In a time when authors are being labelled as irrelevant, rediscovering the social and existential meaning of literature has become essential.”
Dr. Vishal reminded that literary writing is not just about beauty or ornamentation, but a moral and social responsibility.
“Every piece of literature carries an ideological dimension which determines its true value,” he added.
The first session also featured senior writer Gangaram Raji, who recited his humor-laced story “Do Bhai” (Two Brothers), bringing smiles to the audience. The session was moderated by Krishnachandra Mahadevia.
Freedom of Expression: The Core of Democracy
In his address, poet and critic Ganesh Gani strongly asserted that freedom of expression must never be curbed in a democracy.
“Literature has always represented people’s voices and has stood as a critique of power. Governments must view literary dissent positively—it reflects the conscience of a healthy society,” he said.
Writer Murari Sharma noted that both literature and journalism have always been mediums of resistance.
“But today, it seems the society is trapped in a silence of protest—immersed in self-interest and illusions, forgetting its fight for rights,” he remarked.
Poet Ravi Rana Shaheen emphasized that both literature and journalism are meant to guide society, but their roles are now being questioned in an era of confusion.
A Gathering of Poetic Voices
The second session was devoted entirely to poetry. It was chaired by Dr. Rakesh Kapoor and conducted by Surender Mishra.
Over 55 poets presented their compositions, including Ravi Rana Shaheen, Ajay Kumar, Devendra Gupta, Rupeshwari Sharma, Ganesh Gani, Dr. Rakesh Kapoor, Murari Sharma, Kiran Guleria, Krishna Thakur, Ratan Lal Sharma, Sushil Pundeer, Surender Mishra, Arun Dogra, Sheetal, Rajendra Thakur, Vinod Guleria, Umesh Sharma, Ravindra Sharma, Ravindra Kumar Bhatta, S.R. Azad, Anish Thakur, Sarita Handa, Vidya Sharma, Nirmala Chandel, Bhim Singh, and Anil Mahant.
Encouraging New Literary Talent in Mandi
The event was graced by Ravindra Kumar Sharma as chief guest, with Ganesh Gani, Ravi Rana Shaheen, and Sushil Pundeer as special guests. The program was presided over by Revati Saini, District Language Officer.
In his closing address, Gangaram Raji, President of the Suket Literary & Cultural Council, highlighted the council’s ongoing efforts:
“We are continuously striving to promote literary activities in Mandi district and provide a platform to emerging writers and poets.”
