New Delhi: Today, Sahitya Akademi’s publication, Vishnukant Shastri: Rachna Sanchayan, comp. and ed. by Prem Shankar Tripathi, was released by Dharmendra Pradhan, the Hon'ble Minister of Education, Government of India, at a grand ceremony organized by the Akademi at Pradhanmantri Sangrahalya, Teen Murti Marg, New Delhi at 6 p.m. At the outset, Dr Madhav Kaushik, President, Sahitya Akademi, welcomed Dharmendra Pradhan and other dignitaries on the dais - Sri Arunish Chawla, Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Dr Prem Shankar Tripathi, Editor of the book. Dr K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, in his welcome address felt grateful for the gracious presence of Sri Dharmendra Pradhan among other eminent writers and literature lovers. He said his presence shows his love for literature. Speaking about Sri Vishnukant Shastri, he informed that he was a renowned writer, thinker, orator, poet and a proficient politician. He has made a valuable contribution to the Indian literature with his works in different genres.
Dr Prem Shankar Tripathi expressed his gratitude and felt honoured to discuss the works of Vishnukant Shastri. He spoke about the impact of Shastri’s work on Hindi literature and the ways in which he expressed himself, his patriotism and pride in traditions through his poems. He called him a poet who left his heart on the page, and emphasised the influence of religion in his poetry. He also expounded on his political work and relationship with Bangladesh. Throughout his speech, Dr Tripathi recited selected verses from Shastri’s literary oeuvre. Finally, he hoped that more readers will be introduced to the work of Vishnukant Shastri with this anthology.
Dr Madhav Kaushik while addressing the gathering stated that Sahitya Akademi has a series of anthologies which are on writers who have really understood the soul of Indian literature and this is brought not only in Hindi but in all the 24 Indian languages.Following his speech, the book was released by the Hon’ble Education Minister, Sri Dharmendra Pradhan.
Speaking as the Chief Guest, Sri Dharmendra Pradhan spoke about Vishnukant Shastri’s influence in his life and political career. He remembered how he could reach the temple of democracy, the Parliament, with the help of Sri Shastri 30 years back though he has been in the Parliament for the last 20 years now. Expressing further, he said that the study of Vishnukant Shastri and Sahitya Akademi’s publication, Vishnukant Sharma: Rachna Sanchayan, could possibly bring out a solution to the challenges of Bangladesh. Sri Shastri was a true nationalist and had an excellent leadership quality. He also said that today’s book release is not just the release of a book but the auspicious beginning of a new trend.
Finally, Professor Kumud Sharma, Vice President, Sahitya Akademi, while proposing the vote of thanks emphasised how Sri Shastri’s ideologies expressed in his literary works has had lasting influence over the nation. She said that he spent his life in pursuit of a culture that he believed had been lost. The function ended with the National Anthem.
