Dateline Dehradun: On 29th September 2024, the VoW Hindi Literature Festival 2024, hosted at Graphic Era Hill University, concluded its three-day journey, leaving an indelible mark on literature enthusiasts and cultural connoisseurs. With discussions, poetry sessions, and artistic performances, the festival was a success, reaffirming the importance of Hindi literature in the modern world while paying homage to India’s cultural and intellectual heritage.
The final day started with a literary discussion on “Gai Geka ki Auratein,” a significant work by Joram Yalam Nabam. The session, moderated by Bharati Sharma and chaired by Mamta Kiran, focused on the challenges of portraying strong female characters in contemporary Hindi fiction. Joram Yalam Nabam shared her experiences in crafting narratives that reflect the complex realities of womanhood in India. She spoke about tribal communities, especially about Arunachal Pradesh, her home state offering the audience an understanding of gender, nature and representation in literature.
Following this, a session on “Rahul Sankrityayan ka Sahitya mei Yogdaan” took centre stage. Panelists Laxmi Shankar Bajpai and Indrajit Singh discussed the monumental impact of Sankrityayan’s literary and academic works. Rahul Sankrityayan, often referred to as the “Father of Indian Travelogue,” was celebrated for his unique blend of history, philosophy, and travel writing. The session shed light on his contributions to literature, particularly his association with Dehradun-Mussoorie. Moderated by Anjum Sharma, the session left the audience with a renewed appreciation for Sankrityayan’s intellectual legacy.
It was followed by a quiz session hosted by Sachin Chauhan. The session engaged the audience by testing their knowledge of Hindi literature and eminent authors. The quiz was an educational experience, which encouraged the participants to deepen their appreciation for literature while fostering a sense of community through friendly competition.
As the festival continued, the audience was treated to a youth poetry session, moderated by Navneet Gairola. This platform, designed to encourage young voices in literature, saw emerging poets take the stage and present their work to the audience. The young poets, inspired by the legacy of Hindi literature, explored themes ranging from personal identity to social justice, making the session a forward-looking exploration of modern Hindi poetry.
The closing session was presided over by the Padma Shri Leeladhar Jagudi, whose presence lent a sense of gravitas and honour to the proceedings. During his address, he emphasized the importance of continuing the tradition of literary festivals like VoW, which not only celebrate established authors but also provide a platform for emerging voices. The session brought together some of India’s most respected poets, including Dr Laxmi Shankar Bajpai, Mamta Kiran, Anjum Sharma, and Someshwar Pandey. Their readings offered a powerful reminder of the timelessness of poetry and its ability to demonstrate the essence of human experience. The poets tackled a wide range of themes, including nature, spirituality, love, and societal change, showcasing the diversity of thought and style in contemporary Hindi poetry.
In addition to these literary sessions, the festival’s cultural dimension was brought to life through a classical dance performance by Team Natrang. This final cultural performance, blending tradition with modernity, was a fitting conclusion to the festival’s celebration of Indian arts and culture. This was followed by a theatrical play by Team Aaina, which brought literary characters to life on stage.
The festival’s commitment to blending literature with visual arts allowed attendees to experience storytelling in multiple forms, making the festival a multi-sensory experience.
Dr. Sanjeev Chopra, Founder of Valley of Words, and Prof. Sanjay Jasola, Vice Chancellor of Graphic Era Hill University, expressed their heartfelt thanks acknowledging the tireless efforts of the organizers, volunteers, authors, performers, and participants. In their closing remarks, Dr Chopra and Prof Jasola emphasized the festival’s role in promoting not just Hindi literature, but Indian culture as a whole. They expressed their desire to see the VoW Hindi Literature Festival grow in the coming years, continuing to provide a platform for literary and cultural exchange. This year’s edition, they noted, was particularly successful in engaging the younger generation of writers and readers, which is crucial for the future of Hindi literature.
