Bareilly: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath unveiled the statue of renowned Hindi playwright, literary figure, and celebrated storyteller Pandit Radheshyam Kathavachak at the Pandit Radheshyam Kathavachak Memorial Building Auditorium in Bareilly. The event paid tribute to one of the most influential contributors to Hindi literature, Ramkatha traditions, and folk theatre.
Beginning his address with the chant of “Siyavar Ramchandra Ki Jai,” the Chief Minister greeted dignitaries and members of the public present at the ceremony and paid homage to the literary and cultural legacy of Pandit Radheshyam Kathavachak.
Speaking on the occasion, Yogi Adityanath said it was a matter of personal pride to unveil the statue of a storyteller whose narratives had inspired generations. He emphasized that societies that preserve and honor their heritage create pathways for sustainable progress, while neglecting their cultural roots weakens their future development.
“Respect for heritage is the foundation of progress,” the Chief Minister said, underlining the importance of preserving the contributions of cultural icons for future generations.
Drawing parallels with revered figures of Indian literary and spiritual traditions, the Chief Minister noted that just as Maharishi Valmiki united the nation through the Ramayana and Goswami Tulsidas brought the message of Lord Rama to the masses through the Ramcharitmanas, Pandit Radheshyam Kathavachak carried forward the same mission in modern times through his writings and dramatic presentations.
He said the dialogues and scripts authored by Pandit Radheshyam became the foundation of Ramleela performances across North India and played a crucial role in spreading Sanatan values among ordinary people in a simple and accessible language.
Highlighting his contribution to Indian culture, the Chief Minister described Sanatan Dharma as the soul of India and said that those who strengthened and preserved that soul deserve enduring recognition and gratitude. He added that Pandit Radheshyam’s literary works made the teachings of Lord Rama understandable to the common people and helped keep traditional values alive through generations.
The Chief Minister further announced that the ancestral residence of Pandit Radheshyam Kathavachak would be developed into a museum with support from the state government and the Tourism Department. The proposed museum will preserve manuscripts, memorabilia, and other historical materials related to his life and work, ensuring that future generations can learn about his legacy.
During the programme, speakers highlighted the remarkable life and achievements of Pandit Radheshyam Kathavachak. Born on November 25, 1890, in the Bihari Pur locality of Bareilly, he emerged as one of the foremost dramatists and storytellers of Hindi literature. His most celebrated work, the Radheshyam Ramayan, was composed in Khari Boli Hindi and folk theatre style across 25 sections. Written when he was just 17 years old, the work achieved extraordinary popularity and saw millions of copies published in both Hindi and Urdu during his lifetime.
The programme also recalled several lesser-known aspects of his life. India’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, reportedly invited him to the Rashtrapati Bhavan to narrate Ram Katha over a period of fifteen days. He also made a significant contribution to the establishment of Banaras Hindu University by donating an entire year’s income to educationist Madan Mohan Malaviya during fundraising efforts for the institution. In the later years of his life, he authored his autobiography, Mera Natak Kaal.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Bareilly Mayor Dr. Umesh Gautam. Members of Pandit Radheshyam Kathavachak’s family, including his granddaughter Sharda Bhargava, grandson Kashinath Sharma and other relatives, attended the ceremony.
Several prominent public representatives and officials were present, including Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Minister Dharampal Singh, Forest and Environment Minister Dr. Arun Kumar, Cooperative Minister J. P. S. Rathore, Bareilly MP Chhatrapal Singh Gangwar, District Magistrate Avinash Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police Anurag Arya, along with other elected representatives, officials, and a large gathering of citizens.
The unveiling ceremony served not only as a tribute to a literary giant but also as a reaffirmation of the state’s commitment to preserving India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
Report by Akhilesh Chandra Saxena, Bareilly.
