Literary Festival in the Amrit Kaal of the Republic is a Symbol of Our Rich Cultural Consciousness: CM Vishnu Deo Sai

Literature Has Always Played a Decisive Role in Laying the Foundation of Nation-Building: CM Sai

Raipur, January 2026 : The grand inauguration of Raipur Literary Festival 2026 took place today at the Purkhouti Muktangan complex in Nava Raipur. The opening ceremony was held with the Vice Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Shri Harivansh, as the chief guest, and Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai presiding over the event. The programme was organised at the Vinod Kumar Shukla Mandap, and was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao, Vice-Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi International Hindi University, Wardha, Dr Kumud Sharma, and renowned theatre artist and actor Manoj Joshi as distinguished guests. The Chief Minister’s Media Advisor Shri Pankaj Jha, senior journalist Anant Vijay, Chairman of Chhattisgarh Sahitya Akademi Shashank Sharma, and several other eminent citizens were also present.

On the occasion, several publications were released by the dignitaries, including a booklet marking 25 years of the Chhattisgarh state, a coffee table book on the state’s literary heritage, “National Selfhood in Science” by J. Nandakumar, “Laal Deewarein, Safed Jhooth” by Prof Anshu Joshi, and “Tera Raj Nahi Aayega Re” by Rajiv Ranjan Prasad.

Addressing the gathering, Vice Chairman Shri Harivansh began by paying tribute to the great Chhattisgarhi litterateur late Vinod Kumar Shukla. He highlighted the rich and ancient tradition of Chhattisgarh’s literature and noted that the state has always preserved its local culture with pride. He remarked that the creative vision behind the Raipur Literary Festival was clearly evident. Referring to Kabir’s deep association with Kashi and his special connection with Kawardha in Chhattisgarh, Shri Harivansh said that even a single book or writer has the power to change the world. Quoting lines from national poet Maithilisharan Gupt, he said literature guides society, instils hope, rescues people from despair, and gives courage to live.

He further stated that India is today the world’s fastest-growing economy, with the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. India’s leadership in steel, rice production, and startups reflects the country’s growing self-reliance, and literature has played a strong role in shaping this national strength.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, in his address, said that Chhattisgarh is the maternal home of Lord Shri Ram, and hosting a three-day literary festival on this sacred land is a matter of pride. Welcoming writers and literature lovers from across the country, he described Raipur Literary Festival 2026 as a “Mahakumbh of literature,” with participation from over 120 renowned literary figures from different states. A total of 42 sessions will be held, featuring in-depth discussions on contemporary social, cultural, and political issues. He said the festival has been organised in the spirit of the Amrit Kaal of the Republic and the Silver Jubilee year of Chhattisgarh.

Comparing the freedom struggle to the churning of the ocean, the Chief Minister said that just as both poison and nectar emerged during Samudra Manthan, freedom fighters endured immense suffering so future generations could enjoy the nectar of independence. He noted that many freedom fighters were writers, journalists, and lawyers, citing Makhanlal Chaturvedi’s iconic poem Pushp Ki Abhilasha, written in Bilaspur Jail, and Madhavrao Sapre’s Ek Tokri Bhar Mitti, regarded as the first Hindi short story.

He also recalled eminent literary figures such as Pandit Lochan Prasad Pandey, Padumlal Punnalal Bakshi, and Gajanan Madhav Muktibodh, stressing that preserving their memories is a cultural responsibility. The Triveni Museum in Rajnandgaon, he said, reflects this commitment.

The Chief Minister said the festival pavilions are dedicated to legendary writers such as Vinod Kumar Shukla, Shyamlal Chaturvedi, Lala Jagdalpuri, and Aniruddha Neerav, who gave Chhattisgarh’s literature a distinct identity. He remarked that poetry teaches resistance against injustice, which is the true power of literature.

Referring to a poetry recital organised in memory of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Chief Minister said Atal ji’s poetic spirit and verses continue to inspire millions. He also highlighted the role of writers during the Emergency period, quoting Dushyant Kumar, and expressed confidence that the strong participation of youth reflects a vibrant literary environment in the state. He paid tribute to late poet Surendra Dubey as well.

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao described the festival, held on the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami, as a Mahakumbh of literature, noting that Chhattisgarh has contributed many stalwarts to Hindi literature. Dr Kumud Sharma said that the resolve for an Atmanirbhar and Swadeshi India during the Amrit Kaal is the foundation of a bright future, and described literature as a powerful medium of self-realisation and cultural awareness.

Following the inauguration, writers and speakers participated in various sessions, sharing views on contemporary literature, culture, democracy, and society. The event witnessed a large turnout of literature enthusiasts, with particularly active participation from the youth. The opening of Raipur Literary Festival 2026 has emerged as a significant step towards strengthening literary dialogue, exchange of ideas, and cultural consciousness.