Lucknow: “Religious leaders, under the pretext of faith, are deceiving society by offering the lure of heaven and the fear of hell, exploiting the hardworking masses while leading lives of luxury without labor.” Such perspectives, along with insights from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and other scholars, have emerged in books available at the ongoing book fair in Ravindralay, Charbagh. The fair, open from 11 AM to 9 PM daily, will continue until March 9, offering book lovers attractive discounts.
Like yesterday, the fair witnessed an enthusiastic presence of school children this morning. The stall featuring Bahujan literature showcased books such as Dharma Ke Naam Par Shoshan Ka Dhanda by Professor Badelal Maurya, along with other compelling titles like Buddhijeeviyon Ka Shadyantra by Rajiv Patel and Sanjay, Vedic Yug Ka Ghalmel and Bhram Ka Pulinda. Other notable works included Baudhya Sabhyata Ki Khoj by Dr. Rajendra Prasad Singh, Samrat Ashok Ka Sahi Itihas, and Bhasha Sahitya Aur Itihas Ka Punarpath. The stall also displayed Manusmriti by Pandit Rameshwar Bhatt and the Constitution of India. Buddhist literature was prominently featured across various stalls at the fair.
At the literary stage, under the coordination of the Sahitya Saroj magazine from Ghazipur, Akhand Pratap Singh conducted a mobile short film workshop. Participants learned techniques to create short films efficiently using mobile phones with minimal expenses and resources.
Earlier, the Phagua Dhamal event dedicated to Padma Shri Yogesh Praveen saw students from BSNV Inter College, CMS Indiranagar, and Rajajipuram reciting Sanskrit verses, Hanuman Chalisa, Shiv Rudrashtakam, and Holi songs. Rajeev Kumar Saxena recited poetry, Omji Mishra presented poems on the rainbow, while Namrata Mishra performed ghazals and songs. Teacher Arun Kumar Nishad led Sanskrit poetry recitations, and students demonstrated activities from their learning programs. Shubham captivated the audience with his Bharatanatyam and Shiv Stuti performances. Prithvi Innovation engaged children in creative activities using waste materials, paper craft, and painting. Kabir Gyan Prakashan, Giridih, and Naman Prakashan presented books to children through Pratishtha Shukla.
A book discussion session, chaired by Padma Shri Dr. Vidyavindu Singh, focused on Us Paar Kinara Hai by Dr. Surabhi Singh, following an invocation by Shweta Shukla. Eminent guests, including Dayanand Pandey, Mahendra Bhishm, Pawan Kumar Tiwari, Monika Pathak, Balwant Singh, and Rashmi Srivastava Shafak, shared their views. Another discussion centered on the book Bharatnama, exploring the name ‘Bharatvarsh’ based on historical facts and evidence. Moderated by Alka Pramod, scholars such as Indu Prakash Pandey, Ravindra, Rizwana Jamal, Navalkant Sinha, and Dr. Ravi Bhatt elaborated on the significance of Rishabhdev’s son in the context of Bharatvarsh. Author Dr. Prabhakiran Jain emphasized the need to remove biased perspectives while understanding history.
The day concluded with a Kavita Lok ceremony featuring the release of Muktak Bharati and Doha Bharati. Under the presidency of Dr. Yogesh, a poetry session was held where Dr. Ganga Prasad Sharma, Dr. Ved Prakash Agnihotri, Mahesh Prakash, Nirbhay Gupta, and Om Neerav recited their compositions.
