Lucknow – The second day of the Bhagidari Sahitya Utsav continued with thought-provoking discussions and literary insights. The day commenced with the Deep Prajjwalan ceremony, followed by an insightful keynote address by Kanak Rekha Chauhan, founder of Metaphor Lucknow Litfest. The festival brought together prominent scholars, writers, and intellectuals to discuss themes of social progress, inclusivity, and the role of literature in shaping society.
Asim Arun, in his address, emphasized the importance of following the path shown by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and acknowledged the ongoing journey of social and economic empowerment. He spoke about the progress made so far, future plans, and the financial resources required for further development. Highlighting the need for collective effort, he cited examples such as B Corporation Organic India and reiterated that the Bhagidari Utsav conveys a strong message of societal advancement.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak welcomed the dignitaries and guests, reflecting on India’s rich and glorious history. He remarked that before independence, education was a privilege available only to a few, while many were deprived of opportunities. He praised Dr. B.R. Ambedkar for his relentless fight for the rights of marginalized communities, ensuring equality and opportunities for all. He emphasized that literature plays a crucial role in shaping individuals and society. Encouraging people to move beyond conventional jobs, he urged them to consider entrepreneurship, assuring that the government would always support such initiatives.
Session on “Dalit Sahitya ki Visheshtaye”
The second session delved into the distinctive aspects of Dalit literature and its impact on a global scale through translations.
Renowned writer Sheoraj Singh Bechain spoke about his book Mera Bachpan Mere Kandhon Pe, reading an excerpt that vividly depicted his struggles with child labor. He highlighted that while literature serves as a mirror to society, it cannot directly change everything but can inspire awareness and transformation. He shared his personal journey, recalling how he wrote poetry while working as a laborer. He also reflected on his influences, particularly the Arya Samaj movement, and how it shaped his perspective.
Preety Choudhary and Challapalli Swarupa Rani further enriched the discussion by exploring how Dalit literature is inherently political and serves as a powerful tool for social change. They emphasized that the literature of marginalized communities not only narrates their lived experiences but also challenges historical injustices.
The session was moderated by Guru Prakash Paswan, BJP spokesperson, who engaged the speakers in a dynamic conversation. The authors read powerful extracts from their works, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.
