Source : The Pioneer
Dehradun : The Uttarakhand Governor Krishan Kant Paul said that in order to develop the reading habit among children, literature should be made interesting for them and also available at low prices.
He said Hindi literature needed to be translated into English and vice-versa so that literary works could reach more people. Translation of Hindi works into English would give them a global reach. The Governor was speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of Valley of Words, a three-day international festival of literature and arts here on Friday.
Paul said that Uttarakhand had always been attracting writers, scholars and the spiritual seekers.
The scenic splendour of the region had inspired many writers and become their muse. He said Mahatma Gandhi had been drawn to the beauty of Kumaon just as 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,” he added.
The Governor said that literature should be made interesting to engage the young generation so that they could be weaned away from the internet and mobile phones.
He said the internet could provide only information and not the knowledge or wisdom which could be gained through books.
He said that 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”. The Governor said that life had become mechanised and digitalised with few having 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”.
He said, “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.” The Governor also inaugurated the philately exhibition put up as part of the event. His collection of rare stamps has been displayed here.
Famous writer Gurucharan Das, chief secretary Utpal Kumar Singh, National Book Trust chairman Baldev Bhai, Forest Research Institute director Savita and other personalities were also present on the occasion.
