CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Reading books is essential to keep the mind active. In the present time, the market, through technology, has completely disrupted our concentration and has, in a way, made our minds dependent. Today, the market operates and influences us through its own systems. We are surrounded by a vast global market. In such a situation, the importance of books in our lives becomes even greater. Books give us the understanding and strength to stand against forms of intellectual and psychological subjugation and make us more thoughtful and reflective.
In our institution, IT stands for empowering people, whereas in the market, IT often means controlling people. Technology pioneers such as Elon Musk and Bill Gates have also emphasized in their interviews that despite their busy schedules, they make it a point to read three to four books every month.
These significant views on the importance of books were expressed by Santosh Choubey, senior poet and storyteller, Director of Vishwarang and Chancellor of Rabindranath Tagore University, Bhopal, in his presidential address during the book launch ceremony of Naresh Batham’s ghazal collection ‘Ankahi’, Manorama Pant’s short story collection ‘Aaspaas’, and Dr. Malti Basant’s research book ‘Sadguru Kabir and Humanity’.
This prestigious event, jointly organized by IASECT Publications, Vanmali Srijan Peeth, and Scope Global Skills University, Bhopal, was held ceremoniously at Sharda Auditorium, Scope Campus, Scope Global Skills University, Bhopal.
While discussing Naresh Batham’s ghazals, nazms, and songs collection ‘Ankahi’, Santosh Choubey said that Batham has written very beautiful ghazals. Bhopal is a city of ghazals and has produced many renowned poets known nationally and internationally. He also recited one of Batham’s short-meter ghazals:
Read old letters,
Create new melodies.
You have clipped wings,
Do not fly too high.
If you fall behind, see,
Do not stubbornly stand everywhere.
There is a lot of pain in this world,
Strengthen your heart.
If you desire shade,
Learn to respect elders.
Speaking on Manorama Pant’s short story collection ‘Aaspaas’, he said that the short story is closer to poetry and works through sensitivity. When its scope expands, it approaches the form of a story. Manorama Pant explores new dimensions through her writing and is seen experimenting with human emotions. He also emotionally recited her short story ‘Pighalte Sapne’.
On Dr. Malti Basant’s research book ‘Sadguru Kabir and Humanity’, Santosh Choubey said that the book leads us toward introspection. He further added that the study of modernity in India should include Indian thinkers, and Kabir is one of the greatest thinkers in this tradition. In today’s time, his message of “dhai akshar prem” (two and a half letters of love) needs to be embraced by the entire world.
Chief Guest Mukesh Verma, renowned storyteller and President of Vanmali Srijan Peeth, Bhopal, said that IASECT Publications has achieved remarkable milestones in a short span of time. It has published excellent books across various literary genres and subjects. Addressing the youth, he emphasized the importance of reading more books.
Author Naresh Batham said that the works included in ‘Ankahi’ reflect the essence of his life experiences. He has attempted to express various aspects of life through ghazals, nazms, and songs, and also recited selected ghazals on the occasion.
Senior writer Ghanshyam Maithil ‘Amrit’ said in his review that ghazals are not written by the mind but spoken by the heart. ‘Ankahi’ is a beautiful collection of heartfelt and complete ghazals. These ghazals contain deep emotional sensitivity and a refined poetic structure. They reflect various shades of life such as love, expression, rejection, affection, conflict, hope, despair, union, and separation.
Writer Manorama Pant said in her statement that she began writing short stories during the difficult times of the COVID-19 pandemic. She captured her thoughts and experiences of the rapidly changing world in her collection ‘Aaspaas’.
Senior writer Gokul Soni said that Manorama Pant’s short stories are innovative and deal with socially relevant themes. Literature that strengthens human values becomes timeless, and her stories succeed in this regard. Her language is simple and expressive, and her use of wit enhances the beauty of narration.
Author Dr. Malti Basant said that she has been deeply influenced by the verses of Sant Kabir since childhood. Her thoughts on humanity have always remained central to her work. She emphasized that it is time to practice “human dharma,” which alone can save modern society, as it embodies love, compassion, kindness, and empathy—values also reflected in Kabir’s teachings.
Senior writer Kumkum Gupta said that Dr. Malti Basant has chosen a very meaningful subject that reflects her deep study and human sensitivity, aiming to bring awareness through Kabir’s teachings.
The event was skillfully conducted by Mahip Nigam, Senior Manager, IASECT Publications, who also shared insights about the journey and achievements of the publication house.
The program began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and floral tribute to Goddess Sharda. Guests were welcomed by poet Sanjay Singh Rathore, young poet Dr. Vishakha Rajurkar Raj, and Dr. Shravani, Head of the Humanities and Liberal Arts Department at Scope Global Skills University. The welcome address was delivered by Sanjay Singh Rathore, while the vote of thanks was given by Dr. Vishakha Rajurkar Raj.
A large number of writers, literature enthusiasts, and members of Scope Global Skills University and IASECT India family actively participated in the event.m.
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