Writers, scholars and journalists call for active participation and greater engagement of the younger generation with literature during a discussion at Rajnandgaon Press Club
Published on: December 13, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
The three-day Raipur Literature Festival: Adi Se Anadi Tak will be organised in Nava Raipur from January 23 to January 25, 2026. In preparation for the event, a detailed discussion was held at the Press Club in Rajnandgaon on Saturday, jointly organised by the Nandgaon Culture and Literature Council and the Chhattisgarh Culture Council’s Literature Academy.
Senior journalist Shri Sushil Kothari attended the programme as the Chief Guest, while the President of the Literature Academy, Shri Shashank Sharma, presided over the session. Eminent archaeologist Dr. R.N. Vishwakarma, Head of the Hindi Department Dr. Shankar Muni Rai, and several noted litterateurs were present as special guests.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Sushil Kothari said that literature acts as a mirror of society and continues to guide it in every phase. Referring to eminent literary figures such as Gajanan Madhav Muktibodh, Dr. Padumlal Pannalal Bakshi and Dr. Baldev Prasad Mishra, he said Rajnandgaon has a rich literary legacy, and efforts should be made to add more distinguished names to this lineage. He expressed concern over the declining reading habit in the age of social media and highlighted Digvijay College as a historic centre of literary activity, recalling the contributions of scholars and writers associated with the city.
Literature Academy President Shri Shashank Sharma said that such festivals invigorate the mind and nurture new ideas. He emphasised that literature has been the most effective medium for transferring knowledge across generations. Citing India’s long-standing oral tradition, he said the highest form of literature is rooted in truth, non-violence and ethical values. He described Rajnandgaon as a blessed land that has produced stalwarts across various literary genres and urged all writers to actively participate in the Raipur Literature Festival and work towards connecting the younger generation with literature.
Archaeologist Dr. R.N. Vishwakarma stated that understanding a nation’s history requires an understanding of its literature and culture. He noted that literature reflects joy and sorrow, conflict and harmony, as well as the socio-political context of different eras. Highlighting Chhattisgarh’s rich historical heritage, he referred to ancient inscriptions and artistic traditions dating back to the Satavahana, Panduvanshi, Kalchuri and Nagvanshi periods.
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Head of the Hindi Department Dr. Shankar Muni Rai observed that literature fosters humanity and reinforces social harmony. He recalled the literary contributions of stalwarts such as Mukutdhar Pandey, Gajanan Madhav Muktibodh and Dr. Baldev Prasad Mishra, stressing that literary creation should always promote national harmony and unity.
Chairman, Board of Studies (Humanities), CSVTU, Dr. Chandrashekhar Sharma, described Rajnandgaon as a city of litterateurs with a strong oral tradition. He underlined the contributions of the city’s renowned writers and said their lifelong dedication has kept literature vibrant and relevant.
Several prominent writers and intellectuals attended the programme, which was conducted by Dr. Suryakant Mishra.
