Lucknow– The 22nd National Book Fair at Balrampur Garden, Ashok Marg, continued to enthrall visitors with a rich collection of books spanning literature, history, geography, science, and art. Book enthusiasts were seen browsing and buying works at stalls of Publication Division Delhi, U.P. Hindi Sansthan, Urdu Academy, Adidev Press, and Bharatiya Kala Prakashan. A strong presence of school and college students added to the fair’s vibrancy. The event concludes this Sunday.
Book Launch by Deputy CM
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak graced the fair and launched two significant works—Anjaane Sitare by Shridhar Agnihotri and Main Swayamsevak by Manish Shukla. He was joined by Lalit Kala Akademi Vice President Girish Chandra Mishra and other dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion, Pathak underlined the timeless role of books in transferring knowledge to future generations. Recalling literary stalwarts Nirala, Ramvilas Sharma, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he noted references in the Agra and Gwalior Gazettes mentioning Vajpayee’s participation in the freedom struggle. He praised Shukla’s book for reflecting the many shades of politics, while Agnihotri’s work remembered unsung film heroes and forgotten characters.
The session also saw insights from journalists and authors including Hemant Tiwari, fair convenor Manoj Singh Chandel, and Chandrabhooshan.
Playwright Sushil Kumar Singh’s Creative Journey
A major highlight was a session on eminent playwright Sushil Kumar Singh, writer of popular plays like Singhasan Khali Hai, Naulakhia Diwan, Baby Tum Nadaan, Alakh Azadi Ki, and Kakori Action. Singh shared his literary journey and read excerpts from his plays.
Veteran actor Dr. Anil Rastogi, Kala Vasudha editor Ashok Banerjee, theatre personality Anil Mishra Guruji, Lalit Singh Pokhariya, music composer Alok Srivastava, and critic Rajveer Ratan discussed his contributions. The session, moderated by Arun Singh with support from Vani Prakashan, also revisited Singh’s tenure at Doordarshan and as Director of the Bharatendu Natya Akademi.
Ramleela Traditions and Mythological Serials
In another thought-provoking discussion organized by Utkarsh Pratishthan and Harela Bakhai, experts debated Ramleela vs Mythological Serials. Rajveer Ratan highlighted the changing traditions of the historic Aishbagh Ramleela, while Rajneesh Raj pointed to the new trend of film actors performing in Ayodhya’s stage Ramleelas. Journalist Naved Shikoh discussed the interplay between theatre and traditional Ramleela, and Hemant Tiwari emphasized how evolving times have influenced cultural traditions.
Speakers including Harish Upadhyay, Mohan Singh Bisht, Arjal Choudhary, Garima Pant, Mohan Chand Lakhchaura, and Pranshi (Study Hall College) also shared their views. Jyoti Kiran Ratan presented a devotional dance on Ram bhajans.
Other Highlights
The day began with a Sahitya Sadhak session, featuring a discussion on IPS Dr. Harish Kumar’s book Kumbh Police and Potliwala, with contributions from Dr. Suryakant and Pallavi. In the evening, Rewant organized a lively poetry symposium, adding lyrical charm to the book fair’s atmosphere.
