Source : Times of India
The readership of Bengali literature has been steadily declining in both West Bengaland Bangladesh, with students turning their back on writings in the language, Jnanpith awardee poet Sankha Ghosh said here on Friday.
Inaugurating the third edition of the Apeejay Bangla Sahitya Utsob, the two-time Sahitya Akademi winner said literary festivals were an effective tool to reverse the trend.
“It is true that the readership of Bengali literature has seen a steady decline. The same thing happened in Bangladesh too where students of schools and colleges are turning their back on Bengali writings.
“But hopefully there are still some enthusiasts. Initiatives like this focuse on increasing the enthusiasm among people,” he said after opening the festival by lighting the lamp.
Lauding the festival, Ghosh said it was an important initiative to encourage readers of Bengali literature.
“I love coming here. It is good that the festival is growing,” he said.
In a bid to evoke interest among the young bibliophiles and encourage the enthusiasts, the festival this year has introduced a host of youth-centric events and increased its span to three days.
About the present situation of Bengali literature, renowned author Sanjib Chattopadhyay said writers should stop worrying about book sales and pen their creations with a free mind to produce good writings.
