New Delhi, May 29 (HS): President Droupadi Murmu emphasized the linguistic and cultural diversity of India's 1.4 billion citizens during the inaugural session of a two-day literary conference hosted by the Sahitya Akademi and the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Center. She highlighted that Indianness resonates within the country's varied literary traditions and expressed that literature in all languages reflects her own identity. The conference, themed How much has literature changed? features prominent writers discussing shifts in literature and society.

Murmu pointed to literary figures like Gopabandhu Das and Rabindranath Tagore, asserting that contemporary literature should inspire dreams rather than dictate moral lessons. As societal changes alter challenges and priorities, she noted that lasting human values define enduring literature.Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat echoed this sentiment, stating that literature mirrors societal emotions and conditions while guiding society. He remarked on the cultural revival occurring under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, highlighting the significance of literary creators during this period.

Ranjana Chaudhari from the Ministry of Culture praised the Sahitya Akademi for its accomplishments and activism, hoping the conference would deepen understanding of literary changes.

Following the inaugural session, the “Directly from the Heart: Poetry Conference” was chaired by Urdu poet Sheen Kaf Nizam and featured readings from various poets in multiple languages, with acknowledgments from Dr. K. Srinivas Rao of the Akademi. The second day will include sessions focusing on feminist literature, changes in literature, and new global directions in Indian literature. Additionally, a presentation honoring the 300th anniversary of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar will be featured by Himanshu Bajpai and Pragya Sharma.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar