“When We Merge with the Soil, Even the Soil Should Weep for This Land”: Rubika Liyaquat

Senior Journalist Rubika Liyaquat Participates in Raipur Literature Festival

Raipur, January 2026 : On the second day of the Raipur Literature Festival, a thought-provoking and meaningful dialogue took place during the first session at the Abhinav Neerav Pavilion. The session featured an engaging conversation between senior journalist Ms Rubika Liyaquat, who attended as the chief guest, and Mr Shashank Sharma, President of the Chhattisgarh Sahitya Akademi.

Addressing the audience, Ms Liyaquat spoke on nationalism, stating, “When we are merging with the soil, even this soil should weep for the land.” Sharing her 18 years of experience in journalism, she cautioned young people against blindly trusting 30-second videos circulating on social media and urged them to verify facts independently. She clearly stated that she works not for any individual or ideology, but for truth and righteousness, and that her commitment is towards India.

Highlighting history and social harmony, she referred to the humanitarian efforts of freedom fighter Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi during communal riots. She emphasized that the Sanatan tradition is inherently secular and that Indian identity has evolved from this understanding. Sharing a personal anecdote, she said her grandmother followed Sanatan traditions, offered namaz five times a day, and respected all faiths—an example of India’s shared cultural ethos.

Recalling her experiences related to the Virat Hindu Conference, Ms Liyaquat said she was invited to express her thoughts on religion with sincerity. She also shared that while she herself recites the Kalma and her three children read the Quran, she is raising them in a manner where they do not hesitate to say “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” as their foremost identity is being Indian.

During the question-and-answer session, responding to a journalism student aspiring to become a journalist, she described hard work, integrity, and fearlessness as the keys to success. On questions related to religion and nationalism, she advised understanding any scripture or ideology under proper guidance, knowing the context, and not forming conclusions under influence, as the same statement can have multiple meanings. On nationalism, she firmly stated, “I will always choose India and nationalism.”

At the conclusion of the programme, Ms Liyaquat released two books, including Chhattisgarh ke Sahitya Purodha, published by the Public Relations Department, and Amma Ki Chai, a poetry collection by Pooja Agrawal. The session witnessed the presence of a large number of youth, literature enthusiasts, and people associated with journalism.