TFP Bureau. New Delhi, December 28, 2025: Ahead of the Chhattisgarh Sahitya Utsav scheduled to be held in Nava Raipur in January 2026, the state government organised a prelude literary programme titled “Aadi Se Anant Tak” at the Constitution Club of India here on Saturday. The event brought together eminent writers, poets, journalists and literary critics for an in-depth discussion on the evolving nature of literature festivals and to pay tribute to celebrated writer Vinod Kumar Shukla.
Two major discussion sessions marked the programme. The first, titled “Sahitya Utsav Mein Kitna Sahitya” (How Much Literature Is There in a Literature Festival), focused on the growing trend of commercialisation in literary events. The second session, “Shri Vinod Kumar Shukla Ka Na Hona,” was a reflective tribute remembering the life, simplicity and literary legacy of the renowned author.
Speaking during the discussion on literature festivals, journalist and writer Anant Vijay observed that many contemporary literature festivals are increasingly driven by commercial considerations rather than literary substance. He said such events often invite celebrities with little or no connection to literature merely to draw crowds and media attention, which weakens the core purpose of a literary gathering. Literature festivals, he added, can become far more meaningful if they prioritise serious discussions and creative engagement over spectacle.
Anant Vijay also appreciated Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai for recognising and honouring the contribution of Vinod Kumar Shukla beyond ideological or political boundaries, describing it as a rare and welcome gesture in the literary world.
Journalist and writer Pratap Raghuvanshi spoke on the changing styles of writing, noting a visible shift from serious, content-driven literature to more OTT-style writing. However, he emphasised that writers adhering to traditional forms known for depth and substance continue to command a loyal readership and growing fan base.
Writer Anil Joshi stressed the importance of giving adequate space to local and regional writers at literature festivals. Responding to this, Anant Vijay said the upcoming three-day Sahitya Utsav in Raipur would adopt a “glocal” approach, bringing together prominent national and international writers alongside well-known and emerging authors from Chhattisgarh. He added that the focus would remain on thoughtful literary dialogue rather than commercial appeal.
Highlighting the changing expressions of literature over time, Vijay said that while form and sensibility evolve, literary depth must remain intact. He underlined the need for well-structured, content-oriented sessions that allow readers and listeners to connect meaningfully with literature. He assured that the Raipur festival would remain free from commercial pressures and that even if film personalities are invited, they would share the stage with literary figures to keep literature at the centre of discussion. Criticising the growing “selfie culture,” he said that inviting film personalities solely to attract crowds undermines the essence of literary engagement.
The tribute session dedicated to Vinod Kumar Shukla saw heartfelt reflections on his life and work. Writer Anil Joshi likened Shukla’s writing to abstract painting, saying it requires patience, sensitivity and reflection to grasp its deeper meanings. Writer and poet Dr Sachchidanand Joshi recalled his personal interactions with Shukla, describing him as a profoundly simple, warm and unpretentious individual whose personality mirrored the clarity and sincerity of his writing.
President of the Chhattisgarh Sahitya Academy, Shashank Sharma, said Vinod Kumar Shukla enjoyed immense popularity among young readers and that his home was often filled with young visitors seeking inspiration. He highlighted Shukla’s significant contribution to children’s literature and recalled how the author once explained his shift towards writing for children as a moral responsibility towards the younger generation.
Literary critic and poet Alka Joshi noted that Vinod Kumar Shukla’s greatest strength lay in his ability to find beauty in ordinary, everyday life. Referring to works such as “Naukar Ki Kameez” and “Ek Deewar Mein Khidki Rehti Hai,” she said his characters often represented the “invisible man,” struggling against authority and obscurity, yet dreaming of extraordinary possibilities. The gradual vividness of his scenes, she added, draws readers deeply into the narrative and forms the core of his enduring literary appeal.
The New Delhi programme set the tone for the upcoming Chhattisgarh Sahitya Utsav, underlining a commitment to serious literature, inclusivity and meaningful cultural dialogue.
