Kota: In the ‘Srijak-Samvad’ series, the “Kota Literary Festival Report Book” was launched at the Dr. S.R. Ranganathan Auditorium, located in the Government Divisional Public Library, Kota. The event featured Dr. Kailash Mandela, an internationally acclaimed poet, translator, lyricist, and recipient of the Central Sahitya Akademi Award, New Delhi, as the chief guest. The program was presided over by renowned litterateur Jitendra Nirmohi and graced by distinguished lyricists Babu Banjara and Murlidhar Gaur as special guests. The event was hosted by literary figure Vijay Sharma and attended by invited guests, including retired Deputy Chief Engineer of the Thermal Project, Bigul Jain, educationist Prakash Chandra Dixit, and cultural representative Chandrashekhar Singh Sisodia.
Dr. Kailash Mandela, an international poet-critic, modern Rajasthani language translator, and lyricist, captivated the audience with his literary address and poetry recitation, leaving everyone mesmerized and honored.
In the presence of Kota’s prominent literary figures, Dr. Mandela expressed concerns about the declining interest of youth in reading books. He emphasized that if books become friends to the younger generation, it could lead to transformative changes in their lives. He also highlighted the urgent need for well-organized and enriched libraries in today’s era. Stressing the importance of local languages, he stated that Rajasthani, being the mother tongue, plays a vital role in understanding local culture, traditions, and societal concerns.
Presiding over the event, Jitendra Nirmohi reminisced about the five-day Kota Literary Festival, noting that the festival’s 84 sessions were unprecedented in any similar event across the country. He credited the event as a significant achievement of Rajasthan’s visionary Chief Minister, Bhajanlal Sharma Ji, under his 100-day action plan. The festival witnessed the participation of over 150 literary figures, including poets, critics, essayists, storytellers, playwrights, journalists, and subject experts from the Kota division.
Dr. Kailash Mandela was honored in grand Rajasthani tradition by Dr. Deepak Kumar Shrivastava, Divisional Librarian; renowned litterateurs Jitendra Nirmohi, Babu Banjara, Murlidhar Gaur, and Dr. Shashi Jain, among others. He was presented with a shawl, a ceremonial coconut, and a medal. Poetry presentations by Babu Banjara, Murlidhar Gaur, and Dr. Shashi Jain added to the event’s vibrancy.
In his inaugural speech, Dr. Deepak Kumar Shrivastava, Divisional Librarian, attributed the success of the Kota Literary Festival to the efforts of the region’s poets, critics, essayists, storytellers, playwrights, journalists, and subject experts, who showcased their creativity and talent to Kota’s literature enthusiasts.
Program Coordinator Dr. Shashi Jain remarked that the “Kota Literary Festival Report Book,” launched at this event, would inspire the younger generation to develop a literary interest.
During a visit to the library, Dr. Mandela reflected, “Life sometimes presents unexpected moments when you experience historic and memorable events. The vision and intellect behind the development of this library are commendable. I believe this library and its activities will illuminate the educational world of India in the coming times.”
