The contributions of the great poet Kalidas are an invaluable part of our nations cultural heritage : Vice President Shri Dhankhar

Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar highlighted that the timeless creations of the eminent poet Kalidas uniquely exemplify the profound and enduring connection between humanity and nature. He emphasized that these works are an invaluable part of India’s cultural heritage. The Madhya Pradesh government’s efforts to preserve and celebrate this legacy through the Akhil Bharatiya Kalidas Samaroh deserve high commendation for their role in safeguarding our culture and heritage. The works of the great poet Kalidas will continue to inspire our life values. Vice President Shri Dhankhar, the chief guest, addressed the gathering after inaugurating the Akhil Bharatiya Kalidas Samaroh in Ujjain on Tuesday.

Vice President Shri Dhankar inaugurated the 66th grand Akhil Bharatiya Kalidas Samaroh in the presence of great scholars. Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel presided over the function. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav was also present in the ceremony. On this occasion, Swami Shri Govinddev Giriji Maharaj, Treasurer of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Ayodhya, were present as special guests. MP Shri Anil Firojia, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture, Tourism, Religious Trusts and Endowments Shri Dharmendra Singh Lodhi, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Employment, Shri Gautam Tetwal was also present on stage.

Vice President Shri Dhankhar said that the timeless works of the great poet Kalidas beautifully capture human emotions and serve as a lasting inspiration for human values. Kalidas’s creations reflect a profound and enduring bond between humans and nature, conveying a message of environmental stewardship that remains ever-relevant. He emphasized that we must take inspiration from Kalidas’s classic works, such as *Meghdootam*, to protect our planet. Serious efforts are essential for environmental and climate protection, as we have no other earth to rely on for our future.

Appreciating the event, Vice President Shri Dhankhar said that the Akhil Bharatiya Kalidas Samaroh is a symbol of our cultural heritage. Madhya Pradesh government and Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav deserve gratitude for organizing this glorious event. The state government is making significant contribution to the preservation of art, literature and culture.

In a call for preserving our cultural heritage, the Vice President said that we will always have to preserve our cultural heritage. The cultural heritage of the country is very ancient, the roots of our culture are very deep which tells the purpose of life. Emphasizing family management in his address, the Vice President said that only by paying attention to family management, the nation will always remain in our mind and heart. We must always be serious about the character and moral development of our children. Our children should become good citizens and discharge their duties fully along with nation-building. We all have to discharge our civic responsibilities together. Indianness is our identity, and the nation is supreme, for this every citizen will have to sacrifice himself while discharging his civic duties. Referring to the empowerment of women, the Vice President said that the works of great poet Kalidas are an important example of empowerment of women. His work Abhigyana Shakuntalam can be seen as a reference.

Vice President Shri Dhankhar said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today every person in the country has an opportunity to showcase his talent. The development of technology in the country is surprising the whole world. “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign has been launched by the Prime Minister for environmental protection. This campaign will bring the same revolution as has happened in the field of cleanliness. In the coming year 2047, India will become the leader of the world.

Congratulating the talents who were awarded the Akhil Bharatiya Kalidas Samman in the programme, the Vice President said that these talented individuals are doing an excellent job of preserving and showcasing the best elements of our culture. Throwing light on the mythological, spiritual and religious importance of Avantika city, the Vice President said that Lord Shri Krishna received education in the Sandipani Ashram of Ujjain. Here Kalidas and Bhrithhari got the light of knowledge. Ujjain is a perfect example of Samrat Vikramaditya’s famed justice. The Vice President said that he himself is blessed to have come to Ujjain. We will cherish the wonderful experience gained from here throughout our life, it has given us renewed energy.

Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel said that Vice President Shri Dhankhar is welcome in Ujjain, the center of spiritual consciousness. His presence has added grandeur to the event. The Governor said that through the Akhil Bharatiya Kalidas Samaroha, a commendable effort is being made to present his great creations and cultural heritage.

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that the All India Kalidas ceremony, held in Ujjain, is a celebration of an important and cherished tradition. He extended his congratulations to the talented individuals from various fields who were honored at this ceremony. The Chief Minister warmly welcomed and greeted the Vice President upon his arrival in Ujjain, noting that the city of Ujjaini, home to the legendary poets Kalidas and Vikramaditya, has endured through every era. He expressed that it is a rare privilege, earned over many lifetimes, to visit and spend time in this historic city. By inaugurating the All India Kalidas ceremony, the Vice President has further enhanced the prestige of this celebration. Dr. Yadav conveyed his gratitude that Ujjain has the honor of hosting this festival and wished for its successful organization.

In his speech at the ceremony, Swami Shri Govinddev Giri highlighted the remarkable personality and works of Mahakavi Kalidas, stating that there is no poet in the world comparable to him. Swamiji emphasized the unparalleled and unique brilliance of Kalidas, describing his literary contributions as invaluable. He spoke about various works of the great poet, underscoring the timeless significance of Kalidas’s literature.

Vice President Shri Dhankhar inaugurated the ceremony by lighting the lamp and paying tribute to the great poet Kalidas with a garland. The national anthem was performed as part of the event. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav warmly welcomed the Vice President with a garland, and a memento was presented to him during the program. The ceremony commenced with a Saraswati Vandana, and Sushri Vrinda Ajmera conducted the proceedings.

Eminent Personalities Honored with National Kalidas Samman

Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar honored distinguished personalities in various fields with the National Kalidas Samman during the ceremony. In classical music, Pandit Uday Bhawalkar from Pune and Dr. Sandhya Purecha from Mumbai received the award for the year 2022, while Pandit Arvind Parikh from Mumbai was honored for 2023. For *Rupankar Kalas*, Shri P.R. Daroch from New Delhi was recognized for 2022, and Shri Raghupati Bhatt from Mysore for 2023. In *Rangkarm*, Shri Bhanu Bharti from Ajmer received the honor for 2022, and Shri Rudraprasad Sengupta from Kolkata for 2023. Guru Kalavati Devi from Manipur was recognized for her contributions to classical dance. Additionally, Acharya Mithilaprasad Tripathi from Indore was awarded the National Kalidas Shrestha Kriti Alankaran, and Acharya Balkrishna Sharma from Gwalior received the Regional Bhoj Shrestha Kriti Alankaran.

Vice President releases books/publications of the Academy

At the ceremony, Vice President Shri Dhankhar released ten books and publications by the Kalidas Academy, Ujjain. These include *Vyakarana Siddhant Komudi*, *Sangya Paribhasha Prakaran*, *Kalidas Rahasyaam (Khand Kavyam)* by Shridhar Bhaskar Varnekar, *Kalidas Mahotsham* by Hariramchandra Divekar, *Botanicals in Kalidas Literature*, *Piyush Vardhini Shipra Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow*, *Vrittaant* (magazine), the *National Painting and Sculpture Exhibition (Catalog) 2023*, *Shrestha Kriti Alankaran*, and the *Brochure of Programs and National Painting and Sculpture Exhibition (Catalog) 2024*. The chief editor of these publications is Dr. Govind Gandhe, Director of the Kalidas Sanskrit Academy.