The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, graced the Sahitya Aaj Tak event and presented the Aaj Tak Sahitya Jagriti Samman in New Delhi on November 23, 2024.
In her address, the President congratulated the winners of the ‘Aaj Tak Sahitya Jagriti Samman’. She extended special congratulations to Gulzar Saheb for receiving the ‘Aaj Tak Sahitya Jagriti Lifetime Achievement Award’, commending him for his immense contributions to the world of literature and art.
The President expressed her delight that the award-winning works of the honorees showcase the rich diversity of India, both past and present. She observed that these works bring together multiple generations of writers, reflecting the pan-India consciousness that has always been present in the country’s regional literary works. This consciousness, she pointed out, has been visible throughout India’s history, from the epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata to the freedom struggle, and continues to resonate in contemporary literature.
She also lauded the India Today Group for organizing the event and urged them to work towards expanding the reach of regional literature. She emphasized the importance of promoting subaltern literature, representing the voices of marginalized communities, and bringing lesser-known literary treasures to the forefront. The President suggested that the India Today Group, with its vast resources, could leverage technology to reach a wider audience and elevate the impact of literary magazines. She also appealed for greater encouragement of children’s literature, highlighting that both original works and translations can play a significant role in enriching society.
The President further noted that literature that is rooted in the lives and struggles of the people tends to resonate most with readers. Writers who connect deeply with the joys and sorrows of society create works that endure, while those who remain disconnected from these experiences often remain confined to a small intellectual circle. She stressed that literature must be rooted in the experiences of humanity, stating that sharing the pain and joy of society is the essence of meaningful literature.
In closing, the President reflected on the empowering nature of literature, which has the power to transform society. She underscored that literature adapts and molds the eternal values of humanity to meet changing circumstances, giving new life to communities. Citing the influence of saints and poets on Mahatma Gandhi’s thoughts, she urged respect for the transformative power of literature.
