Writers unite for social awareness

A literary discussion and poets’ conference held at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sundernagar, in Mandi district on Sunday brought together around 60 eminent writers and poets from Mandi, Sundernagar, Kullu and Bilaspur. The event, jointly organised by the Department of Language and Culture and the Suket Literary and Cultural Council, focused on the role of literature in contemporary society and celebrated the vitality of poetic expression.

Senior litterateur Ravinder Kumar Sharma graced the event as the chief guest, while noted poets and writers Ganesh Gani, Ravi Rana Shaheen and Sushil Pundeer attended as special guests. The programme was presided over by District Language Officer Revati Saini.

The first session opened with a thought-provoking paper by Dr Vijay Vishal, noted poet, critic and thinker, on “The Role of Writers in the Contemporary Era”. Dr Vishal emphasised that “literary writing is not merely a play of words or pursuit of beauty — it is a responsibility”.

He observed that the Hindi-speaking community today is caught in “a frightening self-obsession”, with the writer’s social space shrinking under the dominance of capital and market forces. “At a time when writers are being rendered irrelevant,” he said, “it is crucial to rediscover their social role for their very existential and identity-based survival.” He further noted that every literary creation carries an ideological dimension essential for evaluating its worth.

Senior storyteller Gangaram Raji lightened the atmosphere with his satirical tale “Do Bhai”. The discussion was moderated by Krishanchander Mahadevia.

Speaking on freedom of expression, poet-critic Ganesh Gani said censorship has no place in a democracy. “Literature has always been the voice of the people and a critic of power,” he remarked. “Governments must take literary dissent positively, as it bridges the gap between rulers and the ruled.”

Writer Murari Sharma reflected that both literature and journalism have long raised voices of protest, but “today’s silence feels like the stillness of resistance itself.” He lamented that self-interest and illusion have eroded society’s will to stand up for its rights.

Poet Ravi Rana Shaheen echoed these sentiments, saying that the role of both literature and journalism is under scrutiny, even though both are meant to guide society toward truth and justice.

Other contributors to the discussion included Chhabil Chand Mohtal, Revati Saini and Ravinder Sharma.

The second session featured poetry recitations by 55 poets, including Ravi Rana Shaheen, Ajay Kumar, Devender Gupta, Rupeshwari Sharma, Ganesh Gani, Dr Rakesh Kapoor, Murari Sharma, Kiran Guleria, Krishna Thakur, Ratan Lal Sharma, Sushil Pundeer, Surender Mishra, Arun Dogra, Sheetal, Rajender Thakur, Vinod Guleria, Umesh Sharma, Ravinder Sharma, Ravinder Kumar Bhatta, SR Azad, Anish Thakur, Sarita Handa, Vidya Sharma, Nirmala Chandel, Bhim Singh and Anil Mahant, among others.

The session was chaired by senior poet Dr Rakesh Kapoor, with Surender Mishra conducting the proceedings.