National, 5th March 2025: Celebrating the rich tapestry of literature and art, Vanmali Srijanpeeth proudly inaugurated the three-day Vanmali Katha Samay & National Vishnu Khare Poetry Awards Ceremony at Rabindranath Tagore University. This vibrant event brought together esteemed literary figures, scholars, and passionate storytellers to honor exceptional contributions to the literary world. The ceremony featured insightful discussions, compelling storytelling, and the unveiling of important literary works, emphasizing the importance of nurturing a culture of reading and writing in today’s society.
The ceremony included an engaging session with prominent speakers such as senior storyteller Mamta Kalia, Vanmali Katha magazine’s chief editor Mukesh Verma, Tadbhav magazine’s editor Akhilesh, and writer Oma Sharma. They explored “The Landscape of Contemporary Literary Journalism and Vanmali Katha,” discussing the evolving dynamics of literary publications.
RNTU Chancellor and senior author Shri Santosh Choubey emphasized the essential role of language in contemporary society, stating, “The greatest need of the present time is to embrace language as a skill alongside literature.” He also reflected on the journey of Vanmali Katha magazine, urging writers to remain committed to their activist spirit.
Addressing the challenges of publishing literary magazines today, Akhilesh, editor of Tadbhav magazine, said, “With rising postal costs, many literary magazines have ceased publishing in print format. In such times, democratic and inclusive publications like Vanmali Katha are undertaking a courageous effort.”
Oma Sharma, senior storyteller, also emphasized, “The focus should be on the work itself; the platform is not as important. Vanmali Katha engages deeply with the creations, ensuring that the essence of storytelling remains at the forefront.”
Mamta Kalia, senior storyteller, passionately remarked, “We find ourselves in an era where half of society is consumed by commerce while the other half is engrossed in consumption. The very essence of reading and teaching is under siege. In this critical juncture, the continuous and diverse publication of ‘Vanmali Katha’ is not just admirable; it is a beacon of hope for the preservation and promotion of our literary heritage.”
A special session on “Hindi Writers in Malayalam,” chaired by Santosh Choubey, featured a 20-member delegation of Hindi-Malayali writers from Kerala. Senior Hindi-Malayali writer Dr. Rasu praised Kerala’s supportive environment for Hindi, while Dr. K.C. Ajay Kumar stressed the need for adopting the Devanagari script in mainstream Hindi literature.
The unveiling of the poster for the Vishwarang International Hindi Olympiad 2025 took place alongside the launch of ‘Kathayatra,’ a curated collection of 51 Hindi short stories translated into Malayalam, as well as ‘Madhya Pradesh Kathakal.’ Following this, a captivating storytelling session at Katha Sabha showcased works from Santosh Choubey, Mukesh Verma, Akhilesh, and Manisha Kulshreshtha, highlighting the rich diversity of contemporary storytelling. The evening concluded with a theatrical adaptation of Santosh Choubey’s story ‘Lekhak Banane Wale,’ performed by second-year students of the Tagore National School of Drama. Directed by Dr. Chaitanya Athle, the play critically examines the commercialization of literature, exploring the protagonist’s struggle between mechanical storytelling and the authenticity of genuine writing.
The event served as a powerful celebration of literary excellence while sparking meaningful discussions on the future of literature and the pivotal role of language in society. Vanmali Katha’s steadfast commitment to nurturing a rich literary culture ensures that the voices of writers and readers will resonate for generations to come, inspiring a deeper appreciation for the art of storytelling.