A LITERARY CONCLAVE IN RAJGIR: IDEAS RANGING FROM NATIONLISM TO REGIONAL LANGUAGE RESOUND

A LITERARY CONCLAVE IN RAJGIR: IDEAS RANGING FROM NATIONLISM TO REGIONAL LANGUAGE RESOUND

15-MARCH-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA-------------------------On the third day of the Nalanda International Literature Festival—held at the International Convention Center in Rajgir—in-depth discussions took place on subjects such as literature, nationalism, cinema, regional languages, and the role of writing during times of crisis. Writers, thinkers, and experts hailing from various parts of the country shared their perspectives, presenting a significant discourse on the relationship between contemporary society and literature.

The day's first session was organized around the theme: "Does the Nation Need Nationalism, or Does Nationalism Itself Weaken the Nation?" During this session, writer-thinker Uday Mahurkar and author Lipika Bhushan discussed the concept of nationalism in great detail.

The speakers asserted that nationalism is not merely a political ideology, but a comprehensive subject deeply intertwined with a society's cultural identity, history, and collective consciousness. During the discussion, emphasis was placed on the need for healthy debate at the national level, citing principles such as Mahatma Gandhi's model of service, non-violence, and social harmony. Furthermore, expressing concern over the growing influence of digital media and the adverse effects of obscene content, the speakers advocated for strengthening social awareness and moral values.

The second session focused on the theme: "The Art of Storytelling on Screen: A New Imagination of Bihar Through Cinema, Digital Platforms, and Literature." In this session, actress and theater director Bhasha Sumbli, along with screenwriter Sandhya Gokhale, shared their views on the art of storytelling and its inherent social responsibility.

The speakers noted that storytelling is not merely a medium for entertainment; it is also a powerful tool for bringing to light the realities, ideas, and truths of society. In the present era, the influence of cinema and digital platforms has grown exponentially compared to the past; consequently, the social responsibility of creators has also become commensurately greater.

In the third session, titled "How Literature Shapes Society," author Shantanu Gupta and writer Ami Ganatra shed light on the social role of literature. He stated that literature is not merely a means of entertainment; rather, it serves as a vital medium for shaping society's mindset, values, and consciousness. Indian scriptures and traditional wisdom possess the inherent capacity to guide society; therefore, it is essential to connect the new generation with their cultural roots.

In the afternoon session, titled "Contemporary Writing and the Future of Regional Narratives," Odia writer, critic, and poet Manoranjan Das, writer-historian Sumedha Verma, and writer-poet Nilotpal Mrinal shared their insights.

The speakers emphasized that being progressive does not imply distancing oneself from one's roots and local experiences. Regional literature serves as a powerful medium for bringing to the forefront the realities, culture, and folk life of a society.

The discussion also highlighted that, with the passage of time, the subject matter of literature, its readership, and the ways in which it is read and interpreted are undergoing transformation. Thanks to translation and digital media, regional literature is now reaching a much wider readership. Nilotpal Mrinal—known for his acclaimed novels *Dark Horse*, *Aughad*, and *Yuva Jadugar*—has been honored with the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar.

The final session was held on the theme "Writing in Times of Crisis: Literature as a Form of Resistance." During this session, Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Niteshwar Kumar, writer Mrityunjay Sharma, and writer-educationist Jitendra Kumar Sharma presented their views.

The speakers observed that, in challenging circumstances, writing transcends the realm of personal experience to become the voice of society's collective struggles, suffering, and aspirations. Literature often serves as a catalyst for awakening social consciousness and steering the course of change.

The *Kavi Sammelan* (Poets' Gathering) and cultural evening held at the close of the day infused the entire atmosphere with literary energy. Poets Sanjeev Kumar Mukesh, Nilotpal Mrinal, and Shripati Gupta, along with poetess Tishya Shri, captivated the audience with recitations of their original works.

Additionally, a performance by the internationally acclaimed rapper Slow Cheetah injected a fresh surge of energy into the event. His presentation particularly captivated the youth, and this unique blend of literature and music made the event memorable.