Lucknow: The two-day Lok Vimarsh event, centered on discussions about folk languages and their cultural significance, kicked off at the UP Mahotsav Mela grounds in Aliganj. The event was organized by the Lok Sanskriti Shodh Sansthan and began with a deep dive into the rich folk languages of Bundeli, Kannauji, and Kumaoni. Renowned scholars and experts gathered to discuss the folk literature, traditions, and vibrant local life of these regions.
Among the distinguished guests were Senior Literary Figure Padma Shri Dr. Vidyavindu Singh, Folk Expert Dr. Ram Bahadur Mishra, Kumaoni Nightingale Vimal Pant, Munalshri Vikram Bisht, and others. The program saw deliberations by experts like Bundeli Literature Scholar Mahendra Bhishma, Kannauji Specialist Dr. Apurva Awasthi, and Kumaoni Expert Dr. Karuna Pandey, who offered their insights into these diverse folk traditions. Dr. Karuna Pandey’s book Kumaon Ke Geet (Songs of Kumaon) was also launched during the event.
The session was managed by Archana Gupta, in charge of Lok Chaupal, with additional cultural performances highlighting regional arts.
Dr. Vidyavindu Singh emphasized the role of folk literature in providing society with a vital lifeblood, calling it a powerful medium of expression that has been passed down through generations via oral traditions. She pointed out that folk literature instills life and vigor into communities by helping preserve collective memory and heritage.
Dr. Karuna Pandey highlighted the inclusiveness of folk culture in the hilly regions of Kumaon, stressing its universal appeal and ability to bring together diverse voices and experiences.
Mahendra Bhishma, a noted Bundeli folk scholar, talked about how pride and self-respect occupy central themes in Bundeli folklore, with valor and heroism holding significant places in its literature. Dr. Apurva Awasthi discussed the deeply religious and spiritually connected nature of Kannauji culture, elaborating on its rich folk heritage and the values it upholds.
Dr. Sangeeta Shukla analyzed the book Kumaon Ke Geet in detail, further emphasizing the emotional resonance and cultural essence embedded in the traditional songs of Kumaon. Senior folk singer Vimal Pant enthralled the audience with a rendition of a traditional Kumaoni song, evoking a sense of nostalgia for the region’s rural folk culture. Other performances included Rita Pandey’s rendition of “Pag Pag Liye Jaao Tohri Balaiya” and the rising star Rashi Srivastava, who performed “Kanha Aan Padhi Main Tere Dwaar,” adding to the event’s cultural richness.
Other notable attendees included Anil Pandey, Meera Dixit, Senior Folk Singer Richa Joshi, the Sansthan’s Secretary Sudha Dwivedi, Ashish Gupta, Sunil Agarwal, Neera Mishra, Abha Shukla, Sarita Agarwal, Sharda Shukla, Sonal Thakur, Vishwambar Awasthi, Captain Prakhar Gupt, Naimish Soni, Rajnarayan Verma, Poonam Mathur, Ambuj Agarwal, Ragini Agarwal, Harshika Jaiswal, Deveshwari Panwar, Lalita Srivastava, Bhushan Agarwal, Akhilesh Dwivedi, Kiran Yadav, Danveer Singh, Ashutosh Rai, and many others.
This event not only highlighted the deep connection between folk literature and societal lifeblood but also underscored the importance of preserving these traditions for future generations. It was a vibrant and insightful start to what promises to be a profound and enriching celebration of India’s folk heritage.
