MAKHANLAL CHATURVEDI: THE REPRESENTATIVE POET OF NATIONAL CONSCIOUSNES—PROF. BALIRAJ THAKUR

MAKHANLAL CHATURVEDI: THE REPRESENTATIVE POET OF NATIONAL CONSCIOUSNES—PROF. BALIRAJ THAKUR

7-APRIL-ENG 10

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------Under the aegis of the Bhojpur District Hindi Sahitya Sammelan, the birth anniversary of the 'National Poet' (Rashtrakavi) Makhanlal Chaturvedi was celebrated at the 'Apna Sabhagar' auditorium, presided over by the Sammelan's President and Senator, Prof. Baliraj Thakur. In his presidential address, Prof. Baliraj Thakur stated that Chaturvedi's creative endeavors were dedicated to diverting the nation's consciousness away from hedonism and luxury, steering it instead toward a path of renunciation, sacrifice, and self-dedication for the sake of the nation. Every timeless literary work remains relevant across eras, and Chaturvedi's compositions are indeed highly relevant today. Prof. Thakur affirmed that the name of this great freedom fighter—the poet of national consciousness—would remain etched in golden letters within the pages of history. Mahatma Gandhi affectionately referred to Chaturvedi—who endured the tribulations of imprisonment after joining the Non-Cooperation Movement—as the 'Indian Soul' (*Bhartiya Atma*). Poet and critic Jitendra Kumar, while praising Chaturvedi Ji's journalism, stated that he was a fearless journalist who ignited the flame of nationalism through his work with *Karmveer*, *Pratap*, and *Prabha*. Dr. Diwakar Pandey, Head of the Department of Bhojpuri, remarked that—as a bearer of national pride—Chaturvedi Ji's voice remains as unique and resonant today as it ever was. Indeed, through his fluid and eloquent language, he captivated his readers. Organization Secretary Shivdas Singh, recalling Chaturvedi Ji in the melodic strains of a *Chaita* folk song, hailed him as a great poet. Dr. Ayodhya Prasad Upadhyay observed that works such as *Pushp Ki Abhilasha* (The Flower's Desire) serve as an inspiration for sacrifice and devotion to the nation. The proceedings were anchored by the conference's General Secretary, Dr. Nandji Dubey, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Pankaj Thakur. Shashikant Tiwari, Dr. Satyanarayan Upadhyay, Dr. Amit Jaiswal, Janardan Mishra, Madhu Mishra, Pintu Singh, Rakesh Tripathi, Ravishankar Pandey, Dr. Mamta Mishra, Dr. Renu Mishra, Dr. Madan Mohan Dwivedi, Dr. Kiran Kumari, poet Janmejay Ojha, Rakesh Ojha 'Guddu', Vinod Kumar Singh, poet Ramesh Singh 'Prapanna', and Dr. Ravindra Kumar Thakur also shed light on the greatness of Chaturvedi Ji. At the conclusion of the program, a tribute was paid to the late storyteller Anant Singh with a two-minute moment of silence.