Lucknow – Day 4 of the Gomti Book Festival celebrated the legacy of MunshiNewal Kishore,the visionary founder of Lucknow’s iconic Newal Kishore Press, which became the world’s second-largest publishing house in 1858. In a session moderated by ChanderPrakash, Padma ShriRanjitBhargav, Nita Dube, and HimanshuBajpai honored Newal Kishore’s role in shaping “Lakhnawi culture” and his commitment to editorial freedom, which set new standards in journalism. His influence remains visible across Lucknow’s landscape, from Jubilee College to Hazratganj, which is also regarded as the heart and hub of the city. Under the leadership of MunshiNewal Kishore, the press published over ten thousand works and became a beacon of knowledge and cultural exchange, bridging communities by translating and printing sacred Hindu and Islamic texts with meticulous respect. His legacy extended to journalism, with one of the longest-running newspapers, AwadhAkhbar, and the Hindi weekly Madhuri, edited by MunshiPremchand. During the session great grand daughter Nita Dubeyji informed that as a tribute to the legend the compound of Nawal Kishore Place will be restructured as Museum. On the other hand a propsal for publication of a biography on Naval Kishore is being contemplated in collaboration with NBT-India
In the session on Cultural Identity and the English Language at LekhakGanj, Rajneesh Arora, Professor in the Department of Linguistics and Contemporary English, Regional Campus, Lucknow, and Roopam Singh, a seasoned professional in teaching, translation, writing, and editing, discussed the evolving role of English in India’s linguistic landscape. Moderated by Dr. SuneetMadan, the session highlighted the idea that embracing English does not necessitate diminishing native languages. “Don’t diminish the line of another language; instead, extend the line of your own,” remarked Prof. Arora
The festival continues to captivate young audiences, with around two thousand children attending each day since its opening on November 9. Highlights from Day 4 included “Your Story, My Words” at the children’s pavilion Shabd Samsara, where SeemaWahi Mukherjee combined storytelling with dance to bring “The Legend of the Rainbow” to life, engaging children with colors, songs, and interactive storytelling. Students were also introduced to the National e-Library, Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya encouraging exploration of free digital books to promote the habit of reading and enhance learning.
Another session led by Dr. Vishnupriya of the LucknowGharana focused on “Personal Development through Kathak,” emphasizing how the art form fosters patience, expression, and self-discipline. Cybersecurity expert LakshyaVerma also presented “Smart Defense: Information on Cyber Security,” educating children on online safety practices, including privacy and two-factor authentication. In the evening, a screening of the award-winning film Massaab underscored the importance of education, and the day concluded with a lively performance by students of Integral University at Rangmanch.
On Wednesday, Lekhakganj at the Gomti Book Festival will host PhonsokTseringDimbir, popularly known as PhonsokLadakhi. He is a renowned Bollywood actor, spiritual teacher, and a visiting faculty member at FTII. Phonsok will be teaching acting to aspiring actors at 3 PM, while HimanshuBajpayee will perform DastanGoi on the Rang Manch at 6 PM.
