CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: The Vanmali Katha Samman ceremony was highly enriching and intellectually profound from a literary perspective. The event commenced with the first session, which featured readings by the honored authors. The session was chaired by Jnanpith awardee and eminent writer Pratibha Ray, while senior litterateurs Rajendra Prasad Mishra and Santosh Choubey graced the occasion with their presence. Mridula Garg and Alka Saraogi presented sensitive and impactful readings from their latest novels. Notably, a widely discussed Odia short story was translated into Hindi by Rajendra Prasad Mishra and presented before the distinguished writers.
Commenting on the readings, Santosh Choubey remarked that a truly powerful reading is one that leaves the listener stunned, adding that loneliness has become one of the greatest challenges reflected in contemporary storytelling. Pratibha Ray emphasized the importance of sensitivity and humanism in literature, underscoring the need for writers to be fearless and deeply imbued with compassion.
The second session featured author Anjum Sharma in conversation with students on the theme “Literature in the Digital Age – Changing Readers and Emerging Relevance.” The session was attended by Santosh Choubey and Leeladhar Mandloi. During the interaction, Anjum Sharma highlighted the importance of understanding a writer’s personality and emotional depth through interviews and dialogue, noting that the enduring sensibilities of literature remain unchanged even in digital mediums.
In the third session, students of Rabindranath Tagore University presented a musical-theatrical performance. Through dramatic songs and poetry, they vividly expressed social, human, and ecological sensibilities. The ceremony concluded with a theatrical staging of Santosh Choubey’s story “Magar Shakespeare Ko Yaad Rakhna” by the Rangshirsh Theatre Group, Bhopal. The performance left a deep emotional impact, portraying human conflict, artistic creativity, and personal struggles with remarkable intensity.
The session was anchored by Sangeeta Pathak, the vote of thanks was delivered by Ruchi Mishra Tiwari, and mementos and books were distributed by Jyoti Raghuvanshi.
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