CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: The National Vanmali Katha Samman Ceremony–2026, organized by Vanmali Srijan Peeth in memory of the eminent storyteller, educationist, and thinker Jagannath Prasad Chaube “Vanmali”, was held at the open-air stage of Scope Global Skills University, Bhopal. On the inaugural occasion, renowned folk singer Prahlad Singh Tipaniya filled the atmosphere with spiritual energy through a powerful rendition of Kabir bhajans.
Prahlad Singh Tipaniya presented Kabir compositions such as Jag Mein Maangan Hara, Tan Ram Ka Mandir, Guruji Ke Charanon Mein Rehna, and Zara Dheere Gaadi Haanko. Accompanied by the tanpura and kartal, the nirgun devotional singing left the audience deeply moved. The harmonious accompaniment of dholak, violin, harmonium, and manjira further enriched the musical experience.
The ceremony was held under the chief guestship of Jnanpith awardee and senior Odia fiction writer Pratibha Ray. Mridula Garg was conferred with the Vanmali Kathashirsh Samman, while Alka Saraogi received the National Vanmali Katha Samman. Both awardees were honored with a cash prize of ₹1 lakh each, along with a shawl, coconut, and citation. Other honorees included Mahesh Darpan, Urmila Shirish, Kunal Singh, Yatindra Mishra, and Anjum Sharma.
Santosh Chaube, National President of Vanmali Srijan Peeth, stated that this biennial award is an effort to re-establish democratic and humanistic values in contemporary fiction literature. On the occasion, the February issue of Vanmali Katha magazine and Vanmali Varta were also formally released.
The ceremony witnessed the dignified presence of senior litterateurs, academicians, and young writers, making the event historically significant from a literary perspective.
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