Literature need to make interesting to create interest among children; Gov

DAINIK NATION BUREAU

Uttarakhand Governor Dr KK Paul said today that to develop the reading habit among children, literature should be made interesting for them and also should be available at low prices. Hindi literature needed to be translated into English and vice-versa so that literary works could reach more and more people. Translation of Hindi works into English would give them a global reach.

The Governor expressed these views while addressing at the inauguration of Valley of Words, a three-day international festival of literature and arts. He said Uttarakhand had always been attracting writers, scholars and the spiritual seekers. The scenic splendor of the region had inspired many writers and become their muse.

Mahatma Gandhi had been drawn to the beauty of Kumaon just as Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, Swami Vivekananda and Sri Aurobindo had been. Tagore had begun writing “Gitanjali” in Kumaon. “It is a matter of great pride that the famous Hindi poet Sumitranandan Pant was born in Kumaon.

The literature should be made interesting to engage the young generation sad that they could be weaned away from the internet and mobile phones. He said the internet could provide only information and not knowledge or wisdom which could be gained through books.

Tagore’s Gitanjali, when translated by him in English, made his poetry reach the entire world and brought him the Nobel prize. “Had Munshi Premchand   been translated earlier into English, the entire world would have known his works”.

Our life had become mechanized and digitalized. Nobody has the time for leisure and contemplation.  In this context, he quoted Mirza Ghalib’s couplet “Jee Dhoondta hai phir wahi fursat ke raat din, Baithhe rahein tasavvur-e-jaana kiye huey”.

We are facing fast social, cultural and economic changes.” As our world is becoming more materialistic and mechanised, the role of literature and creativity is becoming more important.

Appreciating the initiative of Valley of Words, he congratulated the organizers and said that such festivals would enhance the interest in reading. Later he also inaugurated the philately exhibition put up as part of the event. His collection of rare stamps has been displayed here.

Other dignitaries including noted writer Gurucharan Das, Chief Secretary Utpal Kumar Singh, FRI’s Director Dr.Savita, NBT chairperson Dr Baldev Bhai, Robin Gupta, Naveen Chopra and many eminent personalities from the world of literature and arts.

#gurucharn das, # nbt chairperson dr baldev bhai, # fri director dr savita