With the aim of giving new energy to the literary, cultural and artistic traditions of Chhattisgarh, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, while saluting the maternal home of Lord Shri Ram and the holy land of Mata Shabari in the state level youth poet conference held last night, said that the land of Chhattisgarh has always been the land of literature and culture.
In his address, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the great poet Kalidas composed immortal poetry like Meghdoot on this land, while illustrious litterateurs like Gajanan Madhav Muktibodh and Padumlal Punnalal Bakshi made their mark from this soil. He also respectfully remembered Raja Chakradhar Singh, the famous music emperor of his former parliamentary constituency Raigarh.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that this innovative effort of Chhattisgarh State Youth Commission and Department of Sports and Youth Welfare is an excellent medium to encourage the art, literature and creative talents of the state by providing them a platform. He said that the state government is providing opportunities for young writers, creators and artists to move forward continuously.
Chief Minister Shri Sai, while congratulating the three winners selected from the divisional level competitions, said that through this platform, young poets will get guidance from the renowned poets of the country, which will give a new direction to their creative development.
Chhattisgarh’s culture is a vibrant confluence of song, dance and emotions: Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao
Addressing the program, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare Shri Arun Sao said that this conference is not just a competition, but an opportunity for young poets to learn and be inspired to create. He said that the art and culture of Chhattisgarh has been rich since the beginning — songs are sung here on every occasion from human life to death.
He gave the example that when the time of sowing comes in the fields, the sweet sound of Dadaria echoes throughout the atmosphere. There has been a unique tradition of various instruments, songs, dances and folk arts here. Shri Sao said that this state has been the land of work of saints, mahatmas and poets, from where the society has always got a new direction. Wishing a bright future for the young poets who came from all over the state, he appealed to them to bring positive change in the society through their creations.
Enchanting poetry recitation by renowned poets
In the conference, the country’s eminent poets Shri Shashikant Yadav, Shri Dinesh Bawra, Shri Nilotpal Mrinal, Ms. Kavita Tiwari and Ms. Manu Vaishali mesmerized the audience with their powerful and emotional poems. The entire auditorium echoed with applause.
Talents of the state honored
Nidhi Tiwari of Bilaspur district got the first position, Meera Mridu got the second position and Alisha Sheikh of Korea district got the third position in the state level youth poet competition. Chief Minister Shri Sai honored all the winning participants and wished them a bright future.
On this occasion, Higher Education Minister Shri Tank Ram Verma, Minister of Women and Child Development Smt. Lakshmi Rajwade, Skill Development Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb, Tourism and Culture Minister Shri Rajesh Agarwal, MLA Shri Motilal Sahu, Chhattisgarh State Youth Commission President Shri Vishwa Vijay Singh Tomar and various commission and board presidents, public representatives, litterateurs, poets and a large number of listeners were present.