Works like ‘Kohra’ are a powerful medium to make the society aware and bring out the truth: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai

The Chief Minister released the novel ‘Kohara’ by young litterateur Shri Karuna Sagar Panda.

Every house should have a small library, promote the culture of reading: Chief Minister Shri Sai

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai today released the novel “Kohra” by young writer Shri Karuna Sagar Panda at the Mahant Ghasidas Museum Auditorium in the capital Raipur. On this occasion, he said that literature is not only a mirror of society, but also a powerful medium to awaken it and show it the right direction. Novels like “Kohra” play an important role in bringing social issues to the center of discussion. 

Chief Minister Shri Sai, while congratulating young writer Shri Karuna Sagar Panda on the publication of his novel, said that writing on sensitive and challenging subjects requires courage. When writers make societal problems and realities the subject of their writing, literature becomes a medium of social awareness.

Referring to Chhattisgarh’s rich literary tradition, the Chief Minister said that the state has given the country many distinguished writers. Eminent writers like Vinod Kumar Shukla were honored with the Jnanpith Award, the highest literary honor. Chhattisgarh was the birthplace of Muktibodh, and writers like Padmlal Pannalal Bakshi have enriched Hindi literature. He said that a new generation of writers is carrying forward this glorious tradition and bringing contemporary issues to society’s attention through literature.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that cinema and literature have, from time to time, brought to the forefront sensitive issues of society. Referring to “The Kerala Story” and “The Kashmir Files,” he said that raising difficult and poignant topics often leads to disagreements and protests, but it is the responsibility of the creator to present the subject to society with their own vision and sensitivity. He commended the author of “Kohra” for his courageous efforts.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that good books should reach as many readers as possible. He urged people to create small libraries in their homes and cultivate a reading habit in their children. The Chief Minister said that the prosperity of a home is reflected not only in its grandeur, but also in the books available there and the culture of reading. He said that books form a bridge of knowledge, culture, and experience between generations. Therefore, every family should maintain a collection of books according to their interests.

*The creators should also bring to the fore the untold suffering of Naxalism*

Chief Minister Shri Sai, while referring to Naxalism on this occasion, urged writers and authors to make the suffering and struggle of those affected by it the subject of their works. He said that Chhattisgarh has long suffered the brunt of Naxal violence. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the strong will of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, the indomitable courage of the security forces, and the continuous efforts of the state government, decisive success has been achieved against Naxalism in the state, and Bastar is rapidly moving towards a new era of peace and development.

The Chief Minister said that many innocent people lost their loved ones in Naxalite violence, children’s education and future were affected, and many areas remained outside the mainstream of development for decades. This human tragedy of Naxalism and its impact on society needs to be widely highlighted. Through their sensitive writings, writers can convey the suffering, struggles, and stories of the changing Bastar to the nation and the world.

The keynote speaker, Mr. Sunil Gangaram Garg, said that Indian culture embraces diversity and uniqueness, coexisting with each other. He praised the writings of Mr. Karuna Sagar Panda, calling “Kohra” a relevant work on a contemporary subject.

Presiding over the event, Chhattisgarh Sahitya Akademi President Shashank Sharma said that the present time is a time for dialogue of ideas, and literature plays an important role in this. He added that works that spark meaningful discussions on social issues provide society with an opportunity for introspection. “Kohra” also inspires readers to reflect through its subject matter.

Mr. Prabhat Mishra, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Official Language Commission, said that “Kohara” not only highlights the problem but also inspires us to think about solutions. Mr. Jagannath Panigrahi, Independent Director of BBJ, said that literature plays an important role in introducing the new generation to the country’s culture, traditions, and social realities.

Senior literary figure Mr. Girish Pankaj, citing “Kohra” as an example of courageous writing, said that writers should have the courage to express their views on pressing social issues. He added that the novel addresses social issues as well as the problem of Naxalism. Literature strengthens the voice of ideological consciousness and positive resistance in society.

On this occasion, MLA Shri Purandar Mishra, Vice President of State Gauseva Commission Shri Rajiv Lochan Maharaj, Shri Jalal Kumar Anupam along with public representatives, litterateurs, dignitaries and a large number of literature lovers were present.