Sahitya Akademi’s publication, Vishnukant Shastri: Rachna Sanchayan, composed and edited by Prem Shankar Tripathi, was released by Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, the Minister of Education, at a grand ceremony organized at Pradhanmantri Sangrahalya, New Delhi today. At the outset, Dr Madhav Kaushik, President, Sahitya Akademi, welcomed Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and other dignitaries on the dais - Shri Arunish Chawla, Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Dr Prem Shankar Tripathi, Editor of the book. Dr K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Akademi in his welcome address felt grateful for the presence of Shri Dharmendra Pradhan among other eminent writers and literature lovers. He said his presence shows his love for literature. Speaking about Shri Vishnukant Shastri, he informed that he was a renowned writer, thinker, orator, poet and a proficient politician. He has made a valuable contribution to the Indian literature with his works in different genres.

 

Speaking as the Chief Guest, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan spoke about Shri Vishnukant Shastri’s influence in his life and political career. He remembered how he could reach the temple of democracy, the Parliament, with the help of Shri Shastri 30 years back though he has been in the Parliament for the last 20 years now. Expressing further, he said that the study of Vishnukant Shastri and Sahitya Akademi’s publication, Vishnukant Shastri: Rachna Sanchayan, could possibly bring out a solution to the challenges of Bangladesh. Sri Shastri was a true nationalist and had an excellent leadership quality. He also said that today’s book release is not just the release of a book but the auspicious beginning of a new trend.

 

Dr. Prem Shankar Tripathi expressed his gratitude and felt honoured to discuss the works of Vishnukant Shastri. He spoke about the impact of Shastri’s work on Hindi literature and the ways in which he expressed himself, his patriotism and pride in traditions through his poems. He called him a poet who left his heart on the page, and emphasised the influence of religion in his poetry. He also expounded on his political work and relationship with Bangladesh. Throughout his speech, Dr Tripathi recited selected verses from Shastri’s literary oeuvre. Finally, he hoped that more readers will be introduced to the work of Sri Vishnukant Shastri with this anthology.

 

Dr Madhav Kaushik while addressing the gathering stated that Sahitya Akademi has a series of anthologies which are on writers who have really understood the soul of Indian literature and this is brought not only in Hindi but in all the 24 Indian languages. Following his speech, the book was released by the Education Minister, Sri Dharmendra Pradhan.

Professor Kumud Sharma, Vice President, Sahitya Akademi, while proposing the vote of thanks emphasised how Shri Shastri’s ideologies expressed in his literary works has had lasting influence over the nation. She said that he spent his life in pursuit of a culture that he believed had been lost.

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