Searching for Roots: Pragjyotishpur Literature Festival 2024

By Nava Thakuria, New Age Islam 19 December 2024 Breaking the conventional territory of a standardised literature festival in India, Pragjyotishpur Literature Festival 2024 showcased a series of panel discussions and special sessions with eminent authors to motivate the audience to look beyond the current narrative in search of the cultural roots. Organised for the second time by Sankardev Education and Research Foundation (SERF) with the theme ‘In Search of Roots’, the three-day LitFest (13, 14 and 15 December) at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra in Guwahati also comprised different sessions on multilingual poetry recitation, regional literature aspiration, a few selected cultural programs with local flavours flourished on the bank of Brahmaputra, workshops on creative writing and environment protection to attract people with a variety of interests on literature, art-culture and traditions prevailed in the far eastern part of Bharat. Inaugural ceremony of the national-level LitFest opened up for thousands of literary enthusiasts, art-connoisseurs and novice writers with a real intellectual & interactive treat propagating the rich cultural heritage of the land. Highlighting the evolution of Assamese literature from ancient times to the modern era, scholarly academician Dr Malini Goswami from the chair of chief guest emphasized on celebrating the rich heritage of Assamese literature which has enriched Indian literature as a whole since time immemorial. The former vice-chancellor of Assam Women's University defined the role of literature and culture in the evolution and development of human civilization in the far eastern part of Bharat, which was known as Pragjyotishpur (and later as Kamarupa) before adopting a new identity in present time. Asserting that literature and culture remain the backbone of social civilization, Dr Goswami appreciated the history of literature in Pragjyotishpur as of a high standard. The rich literature of Mahapurush Madhabdev (prime disciple of 15th century Vaishnavite saint, scholar & social reformer Srimanta Sankaradeva) gave the Assamese language a unique dimension, added the eminent Assamese litterateur. Needless to mention that the present-day Assam is the central part of the ancient empire named Pragjyotishpur and its capital was located roughly in the present day Guwahati city. The kingdom was spread to Jalpaiguri, Koch Behar, Bhutan hills (including some parts of Nepal), Rangpur, Sylhet, Mymensingh, Dhaka (now all localities under Bangladesh), Tripura, Khasi & Garo hills, etc. Pragjyotishpur (meaning the eastern part of Jyotishpur) gets its mention in both the great Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharata as well as in Kalika Puran, Yogini Tantra and Charyapada. Pragjyotishpur was pronounced by Lord Ram in the critical phase of his struggles after losing his wife Seeta. On the other hand, Pragjyotishpur’s powerful king Bhagadatta fought along with the Kauravas (against Pandavas) in the battle of Mahabharata. Pragjyotishpur itself was an abode of learning, publications and intellectual exercises as these were the oldest traditions and practices for the residents. They used to promote the learning and redefining of general science, Ayurveda and traditional healthcare, Astrology, craftsmanship and both performing & visual arts. Welcoming the inaugural audience Lt Gen (retired) Rana Pratap Kalita observed that literature is committed to build unity among various sections of people in the society. He remembered the great Ahom army chief Mohabir Lachit Borphukan, who defeated the invading Mughals in the naval battle of Saraighat on Brahmaputra. The SERF chairman opined that the new generation needs such a leader who can guide the people with a strategically correct path and finally expressed hope that the LitFest would properly reflect Assam’s affluent history for inspiring the young people. Addressing the gathering well-known historian Sanjeev Sanyal lamented that many brave and patriot kings like Maharaj Prithu of ancient Kamrup kingdom, who defeated notorious invader Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khalji, were ignored by the historians. Often described that the British forces took over Bharat from Mughals, but they were not indigenous kings of India. The tyrannical British officers who engaged many historians to give legitimacy to their works (many of those were even against the interest of Indian people). It may be a matter of satisfaction that lately the western historians admitted that Indian history was not written authentically, he added. Delivering the keynote address, acclaimed journalist-editor Swaminathan Gurumurthy pointed out that Assam and other north-eastern States, which were otherwise ignored by the central government for decades, now become a major power for the country. The outspoken commentator stated that the region has made an unparalleled contribution in all fields of politics, technology, language and literature of Bharat. Speaking on ‘Development through Culture’, the economist elaborated how India was misrepresented in global narratives. He criticized the western frameworks used to assess India’s development and progress. Moreover, India’s rich culture-tradition-philosophy was once blamed for the country’s socio-economic stagnation, but now these very traditions are recognized as vital to comprehensive development for any country. He stressed that social capital formation, through education and awareness, is the key to create a new identity for India Arguing that despite gaining independence 75 years ago, India was yet to cultivate independent thought, where the education policies were formulated prioritizing on employment over fostering entrepreneurial innovation. Gurumurthy further reflected on the essence of literature and culture in shaping societal unity, while asserting that education, literature, and culture drive progress and form the backbone of civilization. He explained that destruction arises from clashes over rights, but it is duty that fosters growth. Talking about India, Gurumurthy proudly declared that the people here are guided by the law of nature and they act according to the wishes of nature, which is applicable to all aspects of education, literature and culture. Literary culture propagates the responsibility towards the human-society and the Indian civilization is based on this philosophy, he asserted. Supreme Court advocate & prominent author- columnist J Sai Deepak made some intriguing observations to ignite minds of the young audience on the occasion, where he claimed that the Constitution alone cannot bind India if the social fabric of democratic Indians by nature is ignored. He explained that India's civilization, built on diverse languages, traditions and culture has remained unified through a shared belief in unity, even amid its diversity. The firebrand speaker asserted that a defining identity based on Indian civilization can keep everyone together rather than the definition of Indian nation. The civilization embraces everyone's identity, culture and traditions, he stated. Pointing over the ongoing atrocities faced by the religious minorities in Bangladesh, the young advocate argued that a shared language may not safeguard a nation altogether. He also stated that the civilization of India is enriched with at least 5,000 years of history, which may not be admitted by many foreign historians. Celebrated author and Jawaharlal Nehru University professor Anand Ranganathan, while painting a bleak picture over the functioning of judiciary in India, stated that over five crore cases are still pending in various courts. A large number of posts for judges remain vacant in the courts and allegations against the justice system for playing inequity in observations and verdicts are a matter of concern and introspection. While describing the way forward for India towards hundred years of independence, the visionary columnist highlighted various parameters to signify the development in the last few years. While in 1947, Indian citizens enjoyed an average life expectancy of 32 years, now it has gone up to 76 years. Infant mortality rate at the time of independence was very high and now it has turned significantly low, stated the scientist turned political observer, adding that India is however still facing some major challenges. He raised a pertinent question, why there are children in India even today who do not see school and why not every child gets vaccinated. On the path to material development, India’s 14% agricultural land was destroyed and still 35% of agricultural lands is monsoon rain-dependent. Ranganathan lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his continuing efforts aiming for comprehensive development for 140 crore Indians. As a welfare state, India must pursue various policies for the benefits of its citizens, but often the politicians find a different way and launch schemes as freebies to get electoral benefits. Affirming that everything is possible when social health is protected, the widely acclaimed writer commented that literature can never be disconnected from society. Lately literature festivals become immensely popular among writer-authors, playwrights, music-film appreciators, social thinkers, editor-journalists etc. across India, where the regional literary works are often propagated with great enthusiasm. Pragjyotishpur LitFest has joined the club of distinguished annual literary events like Jaipur Literary Festival, Kolkata Literary Festival, Bangalore Literature Festival, Kerala Literature Festival, Pune International Literary Festival, Mumbai Queensline LitFest, Nagpur Orange City Literature Festival, Gurgaon Literature Festival, Chandigarh Literature Festival, Dehradun Valley of Words, Kumaon Festival of Literature & Arts, Goa Arts and Literature Festival, Times LitFest, etc., but with a difference (which was adequately reflected in its second edition as well). ------ Nava Thakuria is an official representative of PEC in South & Southeast Asia URL: https://www.newageislam.com/current-affairs/roots-pragjyotishpur-literature-festival/d/134064 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism