Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi Honors Literary Excellence at Annual Award Ceremony
Chandigarh, 30th June,2024. The Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi celebrated its Annual Award Ceremony with great enthusiasm and honor Punjab Kala Bhavan, Chandigarh The prestigious event was graced by Sh. Banwarilal Purohit, Governor of Punjab and Administrator UT Chandigarh, as the Chief Guest who felicitated distinguished authors and poets in Hindi, English, Punjabi and Urdu languages alongwith by Sh. Rajeev Verma, Adviser to the Administrator, as the Guest of Honour
In his address, Sh.Purohit expressed his happiness and pride in being part of this annual celebration organized by the Chandigarh Sahitya Academy. He extended his hearty congratulations and thanks to the creators, writers, and scholars who were honored at the event.
He emphasized the significance of words and language, stating that they are among the most important inventions in human history. “If language is the carrier of traditions and culture, then literature is the carrier of the thought tradition of society,” he remarked. He further highlighted the profound relationship between an awakened society and its extensive literature, stating, “No nation becomes rich only with wealth, but also with its thoughts and traditions. It also becomes rich with its literature and creation.”
Governor praised India’s rich tradition of literature, referencing the Vedic literature, epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, Kalidasa’s Shakuntalam and Meghdoot, Panchtantra, Jataka tales, and Chanakya’s Arthashastra. He noted that India has always been blessed with a strong literary tradition of writers, poets, intellectuals, and thinkers.
Reflecting on the role of literature, Sh. Purohit mentioned, “Literature is the mirror of society, but it is also the lamp of society, showing it the path.” He acknowledged the decisive role writers have played in building society, influencing both the Bhakti movement and India’s freedom movement through their verses and writings.
He reminded everyone of the power of the pen, quoting, “The Pen is mightier than the Sword,” and emphasized the duty of society to respect these literary warriors. He praised the Chandigarh Sahitya Academy for their dedication in enriching the literary environment of the city and for honoring writers who have devoted their lives to literature.
Governor also touched upon the responsibility that comes with the freedom of expression, urging writers to use their freedom responsibly and to avoid hurting anyone’s faith or sentiments. He encouraged young writers to continue experimenting with new subjects and writing on contemporary issues, while promoting intellectual discussions rather than controversy.
Chandigarh Sahitya Academy has been committed to fostering the literary environment of the city. Their efforts in organizing symposiums, seminars, kavi sammelans, and workshops, as well as providing grants to authors for book publishing, were highly appreciated by the Governor.
The other officials present during the event was Sh. Hari Kallikkat, Secretary Culture, Sh. Nitish Singla, Director Culture,Sh Madhav Kaushik, Chairman Sahitya Akademi, Chandigarh and other officials of the Akademi.
